Chengannur Mahadeva Temple is one of the prominent as well as the oldest temples in Kerala. It is also counted as one of the major Bhagavathy Temples in Kerala as it houses a shrine for Goddess Parvathi.

Chengannur Mahadeva Temple is one of the 108 Shakti Peethas dedicated to Goddess Parvathi. The idol of Lord Shiva faces the East and Goddess Parvathi faces the West. The temple complex spreads over an area of six acres and has a circular sanctum. The Shivalinga of this temple is believed to have emerged on its own (Swayambu) and it bears a gold-planted image of Ardhanareeswara. Ganapathi, Shasta (Lord Ayyappan), Chandikeswaran, Neelagrivan, Ganga, and Naagar are the sub-deities of this temple. There is also a shrine dedicated to Lord Krishna near this temple.

History

As per Hindu legends, Lord Vishnu, Brahma, Saints, Devas, Gandharvas, Yakshas and all other heavenly ones went to Himalaya to attend the auspicious marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. The Trimurthis requested sage Agastya to go and sit on Shronadri, to prevent the Earth from sinking to the northern side due to the weight of all the invitees who came for the marriage ceremony. Though Sage Agastya conceded the request, he expressed his concern about losing the chance of viewing the marriage.

After the marriage, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi went to meet sage Agastya at Shronadri. There the Goddess became ‘rithu’ (menstruate), so she remained there for 28 days till the period of menstruation was over to give darshan to the sage Agastya. The place where sage Agastya meditated, is known as Shronadri in Sanskrit and is known as Chenkunnu (Red Hill) in Malayalam. Later it came to be known as Chen Kunnu Uru (Ooru refers to a place) which is now popular as Chengannur.

Another legend about this temple is that Lord Vishnu severed the body of Goddess Parvathi (Sati) into pieces which scattered over different places known as Shakti Peethas. And it is believed that the reproductive organ of Goddess Parvathi's body fell at the place where the Chengannur Mahadeva Temple is located. The Kamakhya Temple in Assam is also related to the same legend.

Specialty

• Triputharattu which is marked as a symbol of fertility is the most important and unique feature of the Chengannur Mahadeva Temple.
• It is believed that the Chengannur Mahadeva Temple is also associated with the great epic Mahabharata.
• The temple has an altar known as Balithara which is used for making ritualistic offerings to demi-gods and the festive deities.
• The idol of the presiding deity is kept inside the central shrine called Sreekovil.
• The Sreekovil is positioned on an elevated platform with a single door that can be reached through a flight of five steps. And the doors have images of guardian deities called Dwarapalakas on either side.
• The roof and some of the pillars of the temple have lavish wood and stucco carvings that depict various stories of Indian epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Festivals

• Varshikotsavam: Chengannur Mahadeva Temple celebrates 28 days long annual temple festival that starts from Thiruvathira Nakshatra in Dhanu Masam to Thiruvathira Nakshatra in Makaram month. The temple is traditionally decorated with plantain, coconut leaves, flowers, leaves, traditional lamps, lights and special pujas are also held during the festival season. Traditional performing arts, music and dance are the highlights. On the final day, the Utsava Murti of the deity is taken out of the shrine for ritual bathing.
• Thripputhu: Triputharattu is one of the important festivals celebrated in Chengannur Mahadeva Temple which is associated with the menstruation ceremony and is observed periodically in the temple. During Triputharattu, the temple is kept closed for three days. But worship will be offered to another image of the Goddess in a different spot of the temple. On the fourth day, the idol of the Goddess is taken to a nearby river and Arattu (holy bath) is conducted. Later the idol is taken back to the temple. The idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are taken in procession around the temple three times during this festival. Then Lord Shiva enters the temple through the eastern side and the Goddess Parvathy enters through the western side.
• Thulasamkrama Neyyattu: Thulasamkrama Neyyattu is the Ghee Abhishekam festival of the Chengannur Mahadeva Temple which is conducted on every 1st day of Thulam (mid-October to mid-November). During this festival, 36 paras (measurement in Malayalam) of ghee is showered on the ‘Shivalingam’.
• Shivaratri: Maha Shivaratri falls on a moonless February night during which the devotees offer special prayer to Lord Shiva. Shivarathri is considered as an auspicious day for women during which the married women pray for the well-being of their husbands and sons, while the unmarried women pray for an ideal husband like Lord Shiva.

Timings

Dress Code

Traditional wears are the most preferable attire while visiting Chengannur Mahadeva Temple.

Way To Reach

Air : Trivandrum International Airport and Cochin International Airport are the nearest airports to Chengannur Mahadeva Temple which are at a distance of 122 Km and 121 Km respectively. On reaching the airport, one can hire a cab or a bus to reach the temple.

Train : Chengannur Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Chengannur Mahadeva Temple which is situated at a distance of 2 Km. On reaching the railway station, one can hire a cab, bus or auto rickshaw to reach the temple.

 By Road -  Many state transport buses and private buses are easily available in Chengannur.

FAQs about Chengannur Mahadeva - Temple

What is the significance of Chengannur Mahadeva Temple?

Chengannur Mahadeva Temple is one of the oldest and most prominent temples in Kerala, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. It is one of the 108 Shakti Peethas. The temple's unique architecture and rich history make it a popular pilgrimage site.

Can I take pictures while visiting Chengannur Mahadeva Temple?

No, Photography is strictly prohibited inside Chengannur Mahadeva Temple.

What is unique about the Shivalinga at Chengannur Mahadeva Temple?

The Shivalinga is believed to be Swayambu, meaning it emerged on its own. It bears a gold-plated image of Ardhanareeswara, representing the fusion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi.

What is the significance of Triputharattu at Chengannur Mahadeva Temple?

Triputharattu is a unique and rare festival celebrated exclusively at Chengannur Mahadeva Temple in Kerala. It is associated with the menstruation of Goddess Parvathi. This four-day event is observed when menstrual signs are seen on the attire of the Goddess, marking a special ritual of divine significance.

Are non-Hindus allowed to visit Chengannur Mahadeva Temple?

No, non-Hindus are not permitted to enter Chengannur Mahadeva Temple.

Monday through Sunday, all day