Kaviyoor Mahadeva Temple
Kaviyoor Mahadeva Temple is one of the important Shiva temples in Kerala. It is also commonly called Thrikkaviyoor Mahadeva Temple. Hanuman temple situated inside the temple complex is also very well known. There are 21 wide steps that leads to the majestic east Gopuram.
Legend has it that the main Idol of Lord Shiva was installed by Lord Sri Rama in the presence of Sita, Hanuman, Sugreeva and Vibheeshana on his return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. Lord Sri Rama requested Hanuman to bring a divine Sivalimga from the Himalayas. Hanuman went to the Himalayas and searched everywhere for a unique Sivalinga, and therefore took some time for that purpose. As the auspicious time for Prathishta neared, Lord Sri Rama decided to do the Prathishta at once. So by using the earth from that place, he molded a Sivalinga and consecrated it. When Hanuman returned, he became very sad seeing that the Prathishta was already done. So Lord Rama told Hanuman to remove the Prathishta and install the Divyalinga, Hanuman had brought, in its place. Hanuman tried his maximum, but the newly molded earthen Linga remained as such. Instead, the land surrounding it moved up to form a small hillock. So Hanuman prayed pardon, and sought Lord Rama for permission to stay near the Divya Prathishta done by him for ever. Thus, Kaviyoor become Hanuman's place. It is traditionally known as the most prominent Hanuman temple in South India.
Another legend is about the installation of Hanuman Prathishta inside the temple complex. Sage Vilwamangalam once visited this temple and on entering the compound he had a vision of Lord Hanuman sitting on the branch of the huge Ilanji (Mimusops elengi) tree in the north- eastern side of the outer courtyard. He prayed to the Lord to alight from the tree top and sit in a comfortable position in the inner courtyard, near to Lord Shiva. Hanuman sanctioned his wish and sat on the sage's Japa-Kindi in the north western corner of the inner courtyard. Later, as a result of a dream seen by Maharaja Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, a separate sanctum was built for Lord Hanuman.
Location
Kaviyoor
Main Deity
Lord Shiva
Other Deities
Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganapathi, Lord Subrahmanya, Lord Ayyappa, Lord Hanuman, Lord Vishnu
Festivals
Panthrantukalabham in Chingam Kanni (July), Ayilyam (September), Thiruvuthsavam (annual festival- December–January), Hanuman Jayanthy (December–January), Uthrittathi Attathirunal (January), Sivarathri( February–March), Kalabhaabhishekam (April) and Sahsrakalasam (May–June)
Main Offerings
For Lord Shiva - Dhara, Payasam, Atimakitaththal and Thulabharam (Advance booking is required). For Lord Hanuman - Aval Panthirunazhi and Vadamala (Advance booking is required). For Lord Vishnu - Palppayasam
How To Reach
Kaviyoor Mahadeva Temple is situated 200 meters west of Kaviyoor Junction in Changancherry - Kaviyoor Road. Approximately 5 kmsfrom SCS Junction in Tiruvalla.