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Mammiyoor Temple, also known as Mammiyoor Mahadeva Kshetram, is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva that’s located in the vibrant town of Guruvayur in Kerala, India. It is one of the only temples in the country where Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu are in equal status. Featuring a rich historical and mythological background and fine and intricate architecture, the temple is a hidden gem in Kerala that deserves to be explored. The serene ambience of this temple adds to its beauty further.
Quick Details
Address: H2XP+JFC, Mammiyoor Devaswom, Guruvayur P.O, Perumpilavil Rd, Kerala 680101
Presiding Deity: Lord Shiva (Uma Maheshwara) with equal importance given to Lord Vishnu
Mammiyoor Temple Timings: 4 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:45 PM to 8 PM
How To Reach: Auto rickshaw or taxi readily available from Guruvayur Temple. Public buses connect Guruvayur to major towns and cities as well.
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (Cochin Airport) – 77 km
Nearest Railway Station: Guruvayur Railway Station – 3 km
Best Time to Visit: October to March
About Mammiyoor Temple
Photo: Chandan Parihar / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The history and folklore related to the Mammiyoor Shiva Temple are directly entwined with that of the surrounding Guruvayur Temple. Legend tells that Lord Shiva and Parvathi relocated to Mahimayur when Guru and Vayu descended to consecrate the idol of Lord Krishna at Guruvayur. This is one of the reasons why Lord Shiva and Lord Shiva coexist harmoniously in this temple. Coming to the architectural style of the temple has the staple Kerala architecture with laterite stones and intricate wood carvings.
Suggested Read: Top Jain Temples In Kerala For A Blissful Spiritual Experience
Things To Do
From witnessing daily pujas to participating in the festivities, there are many things to do on your visit to Mammiyoor Temple.
1. Witnessing The Daily Poojas
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Start your temple visit by witnessing the daily poojas and rituals that are conducted by the priests in different parts of the temple. Listening to the constant chanting of the mantras and offering the flowers and other essentials to the deity is an experience that truly strikes a chord in your heart. You can participate in the offerings (prasad) made to the deities during these ceremonies after you finish offering your prayers to the deity and seeking blessings from Lord Shiva residing in the temple’s inner sanctum.
2. Explore The Sub-Shrines
Photo: Ashwini Chaudhary(Monty) / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
While the main attraction at the temple lies in the inner sanctum sanctorum dedicated to Lord Shiva, there are a few other shrines in the temple that you must visit while you are visiting the temple. There are multiple sub-shrines on the temple grounds dedicated to other deities including Lord Ganesha, Lord Subrahmanya, Lord Ayyappan, Goddess Kali, and serpent deities. Take your time to visit each one of these shrines to pay your respects and seek blessings from them.
Suggested Read: Best Places To Visit Near Guruvayur To Explore The Hidden Beauty
3. Participate In The Festivals
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Shivaratri and Ashtami Rohini are the two main festivals celebrated at the temple and if you want to truly witness the grandeur of the temple and be surrounded by crowds to witness the pompous celebrations, plan your visit during these festivals specifically. Ashtami Rohini, marking the birth star of Lord Krishna, witnesses a special abhishekam for the deities, which is a primary attraction among the devotees. Also, during Shivratri, special poojas and cultural programs are held throughout the night, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
4. Take A Dip In The Holy Pond
Photo: Dineshkannambadi / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Around 50 metres away from the main temple complex lies “Pushkarini,” which is the holy pond inside the temple complex. Devotees usually take a dip in the pond after they finish offering their prayers to the deities. Not only that, several individuals take a dip in the pond before venturing out to explore the rest of the temple. According to beliefs, taking a dip in the pond purifies the soul and prepares it for the darshan. You can also sit in elevated areas around the pond to soak in the peace and tranquillity.
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5. Attend The Evening Aarti
Photo: Prashant bamnawat / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The majority of the devotees visit the temple in the early morning, thinking that it would be a more ideal time to offer prayers and have a peaceful darshan. However, evening Aarti is a mesmerising event where the temple is illuminated with oil lamps, creating a vibrant affair. If you have the time in your hand, you can either spend your entire day in the temple and wait until the evening aarti or you can visit the temple during the evening time to specifically witness the aarti.
Places To Visit Around Mammiyoor Temple
Apart from the temple, there are other places to visit that interest nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
1. Guruvayur Temple
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
Due to the close association of the temple with the Guruvayur Temple, it is a must-visit spot. The Guruvayur temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is often called the “Dwarka of the South”. Every year, millions of devotees from across the world visit this temple to seek blessings from Lord Krishna, who is worshipped as Balakrishna, the divine child. While there, you can engage in various rituals, including the early morning Nirmalya Darshan, which is believed to be especially auspicious.
Distance From Mammiyoor Temple: 1.6 Km
Timings: 3:00 AM – 1:30 PM and 4:30 PM – 9:30 PM
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2. Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary
Photo: Shijomjose / Wikimedia Commons
Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary is a unique and fascinating place where you can see over 50 elephants, most of which have been offered to the Guruvayur Temple by devotees. It is a sanctuary and rehabilitation centre for the elephants and it is located in the premises of the ancient Punnathur Palace. Inside this sanctuary, the elephants are also trained for several temple rituals and processions, like the annual Poorams.
Distance From Mammiyoor Temple: 2.3 Km
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
3. Institute of Mural Painting
Photo:Kannan shanmugam / Wikimedia Commons
Although a unique spot to visit and explore, the Institute of Mural Painting is a popular place among art enthusiasts. It is located within the Guruvayur Devaswom complex and is dedicated to preserving and promoting the traditional art of mural painting. You can witness mural artworks from several local artists on display inside the institute and even get to witness some artists working on them in real-time.
Distance From Mammiyoor Temple: 1.2 Km
Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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4. Parthasarathy Temple
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
The Parthasarathy Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna in his role as Arjuna’s charioteer, is another ancient and significant temple in Guruvayur. Featuring traditional Kerala architecture, the main highlight of this temple lies in its unique design and features. There are a variety of unique sculptures that are a focal point for the devotees in the temple as well.
Distance From Mammiyoor Temple: 1.4 Km
Timings: 4:30 AM – 12:30 AM and 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM
5. Chavakkad Beach
Photo: Mohamed rizwan rasheed / Wikimedia Commons
For some peace, quiet and coastal fun, head to Chavakkad Beach in Thrissur. It is located a short drive from Guruvayur and is known for its stunning long coastline. The beach is clean and perfect for swimming. You can’t indulge in any extensive water sports but you can sunbathe, relax and go for beach combing as well. You can often witness local fishermen around the beach.
Distance From Mammiyoor Temple: 5 Km
Timings: 24*7
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Where To Stay
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Guruvayur has a range of accommodation options to choose from, catering to different budgets and preferences. There are luxury hotels, budget-friendly guesthouses, and homestays available. Most of them are usually booked well in advance. So, consider booking your stay in some of the popular hotels like Kirali Tourist Home, Pooja Inn, Sreepathi Indraprastha Hotel, Hotel Brahmaputra, Chandana Inn, etc.
Where To Eat
Photo: Jadan.r.jaleel / Wikimedia Commons
Guruvayur, where the Mammiyoor Mahadeva Temple is located, offers a variety of dining options. Be sure to try local specialities like sadhya, a vegetarian feast served on banana leaves, and appam with stew. There are several restaurants and eateries around the temple complex offering quick bites. For an elaborate meal, visit nearby towns to explore a variety of restaurants including Varishta Gateway, Bamboo Leaf, Ganapathy Bhawan, The Big Bun Theory, Nivedyam Restaurant, etc.
Suggested Read: Top Kerala Temples That You Must Explore In God’s Own Country
Other Factors To Consider
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Tips For Travellers
- As with most Hindu temples, appropriate attire is required to enter Mammiyoor Temple.
- Photography is generally allowed inside the temple, but it’s advisable to check with the temple authorities before taking pictures.
- The temple can be visited throughout the year, but the festive seasons of Shivaratri and Thiruvathira are particularly auspicious
Mammiyoor Temple is of extreme religious and spiritual significance so the next time you are planning to explore the popular temples in Kerala’s Thrissur district, including this and Guruvayur temple to your travel plans without fail. The vibrant architecture and serene atmosphere of this temple make it a spot worth visiting. Plan a trip with TripXL, to Kerala during the period of Shivratri to witness the grandeur of the temple.
Cover Photo: RanjithSiji / Wikimedia Commons
