Velloorkunnam Mahadeva Temple

Muvattupuzha, Dist. Ernakulam.

Vellorkunnam Mahadeva Temple is a well-known Shiva temple situated on a small hill near the Muvattupuzha River in the town of Muvattupuzha, Ernakulam district, Kerala. The main deity is Lord Shiva, worshipped together with Goddess Parvathy. The temple is believed to be one of the 108 sacred Shiva temples of Kerala and also serves as an important stop for pilgrims travelling to Sabarimala. During the Mandala–Makaravilakku season, large numbers of Ayyappa devotees visit the temple and the temple authorities arrange accommodation and other basic facilities for them. The temple is one of the important places of worship in Muvattupuzha.

The exact year of construction is not recorded. Based on its architectural style and structural features, historians believe that the temple was built between the 11th and 13th centuries and is estimated to be around 800 to 1,000 years old. The temple is also mentioned in ancient works such as the Shivalaya Stotramala, which is regarded as evidence of its antiquity. The Muvattupuzha region was once part of the Vadakkumkoor Kingdom. During the reign of this kingdom, which was established around AD 1200, the temple flourished under royal patronage, while its daily affairs were managed by the Ooralan Brahmin families. Later, during AD 1749–1750, Maharaja Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma annexed the Vadakkumkoor Kingdom to Travancore, bringing the temple under the direct administration of the Travancore kingdom.

During the period when water transport and trade flourished along the Muvattupuzha River, the temple, located near the old market area, was an important place of worship for local merchants and Tamil traders. After the end of royal rule and the traditional Ooralan system, the administration of the temple came under public management. Today, the temple is administered by the Vellorkunnam Mahadeva Temple Trust (VMTT), whose members are elected by the devotees. The temple’s tantric rituals are conducted by the Tharananelloor Illam. Over the years, parts of the temple damaged by age and natural causes have been restored in several phases under the supervision of the trust, while preserving its traditional architectural style.

According to local tradition, the temple is believed to be one of the 108 Shiva temples consecrated by Sage Parashurama, like many other prominent Shiva temples in Kerala. The main deity is worshipped in the form of Kiratha Moorthy (the hunter), a form associated with the Mahabharata, in which Lord Shiva appeared as a hunter to grant the Pashupatastra to Arjuna. It is believed that devotees who pray with humility and devotion receive the blessings of the Lord in this form. The temple is also located near the place where the Kothamangalam River, Kaliyar and Thodupuzhayar meet to form the Muvattupuzha River. Devotees believe that this sacred confluence is highly auspicious and that bathing there before offering prayers at the temple brings spiritual merit and prosperity.

One of the main attractions of the temple is the broad flight of stone steps leading from the roadside to the hilltop temple. At the top of the steps stands a spacious Aanappanthal (front pavilion) supported by concrete pillars, along with the compound wall and the main entrance gateway surrounding the temple courtyard. After entering through the gateway, the first features that catch the eye are the tall copper-clad flagstaff with its golden appearance and the Balikkalpura in front of it. The outer walls of the main Nalambalam are lined with a traditional Vilakkumadam (lamp gallery), adding to the beauty of the temple. Surrounding the Sreekovil are the square-shaped Nalambalam and Chuttambalam, built in the traditional Kerala style using granite and timber. The Thidappally (temple kitchen), offering counters and other facilities are located within this structure.

The temple’s main attraction is its large Sreekovil, built of granite. The sanctum houses a Shiva Linga of Lord Shiva worshipped in the form of Kiratha Moorthy. The exterior of the Sreekovil is decorated with beautiful carvings. In front of the Sreekovil is a square-shaped Namaskara Mandapam with traditional wooden carvings on its pillars and roof. The mandapam is used for temple rituals and devotional singing, adding to the temple’s traditional character. Around the main Sreekovil are shrines dedicated to other deities, including Lord Ganesha, Lord Krishna and Lord Ayyappa.

The temple’s main annual festival is celebrated every year during the Malayalam month of Dhanu (December–January) and lasts for six to ten days. As part of the festival, the ceremonial Arattu is held at the Arattu Kadavu on the Muvattupuzha River on the day of Thiruvathira. The fifth day of the festival features the famous Muvattupuzha Pakal Pooram, Kudamattam, a procession of caparisoned elephants and Panchari Melam. Maha Shivaratri is celebrated as a four-day festival during the Malayalam month of Kumbham (February–March), with special rituals including Rudrabhishekam, Dhara and Laksharchana. On the morning after Shivaratri, devotees gather on the banks of the Muvattupuzha River to perform Pithru Tharpanam. Other important observances at the temple include Karkidaka Vavu Bali, Ramayana recitation and the distribution of herbal porridge during the month of Karkidakam, special poojas during the Mandala season for Sabarimala pilgrims, Vishukkani and Vishukkaineettam during Vishu and monthly Pradosha poojas.

The main offerings at the temple include Dhara (water or tender coconut water offering), Rudrabhishekam, Koovala Mala (bael leaf garland offering) and Pinvilakku (lighting a ghee lamp behind the Sreekovil). Devotees perform these offerings for mental peace, good health, the fulfilment of wishes and family well-being. A special offering to Lord Shiva in the form of Kiratha Moorthy is the presentation of a bow and arrow made of silver or wood. This offering is believed to help remove obstacles caused by enemies, overcome fear and bring success in legal matters. Offering tender coconuts is also considered auspicious for prosperity in farming and business. Other important offerings include Ganapathi Homam and Appam Moodal for Lord Ganesha, Palpayasam for Lord Krishna, Neerajanam for Lord Ayyappa, as well as Pushpanjali, Neypayasam and Vedi Vazhipadu.

The temple opens daily at 05:00 AM with Palli Unarthal (awakening ritual), followed by Nirmalya Darshan. This is followed by Abhishekam at 05:30 AM, Malar Nivedyam and Usha Pooja at 06:00 AM, Ethirettu Pooja at 07:30 AM, Pantheeradi Pooja at 08:30 AM and Ucha Pooja at 09:30 AM, after which the temple closes at 10:00 AM. The temple reopens at 05:00 PM. Sandhya Deeparadhana is performed at 06:30 PM, followed by Athazha Pooja at 07:30 PM. After Thrippuka, the temple closes at 08:00 PM. Pooja timings may vary on festival days, Pradosham, during temple festivals and throughout the Mandala season.

Key highlight :-

• Located 12 km from Kothamangalam, 20 km from Thodupuzha and 21 km from Perumbavoor.
• The nearest railway stations are Aluva Railway Station, about 33 km away and Ernakulam South
• Railway Station, about 38 km away.
• KSRTC and local bus services are available to the temple from Perumbavoor and Kothamangalam.
• Private vehicles can be parked in the temple’s parking area.
• Accommodation and food facilities are available near the temple.
• Contact number + 91 4852811158