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Kerala is known for its rich cultural heritage and spiritual legacy. Within the fabric of the generous number of other temples holding their different histories, architectural splendour, and spiritual environment, the Shiva temples are not just matters of worship but epitomes of ancient Indian architecture and devotion. This blog explores ten prominent Shiva temples in Kerala, each with a unique charm. So, when you plan your trip, make sure to include these iconic temples in your itinerary for a unique and religious experience.
10 Shiva Temples In Kerala
From Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple to Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple, here are some of the most famous Shiva temples in Kerala.
1. Vadakkunnathan Temple
Photo: Challiyan / Wikimedia Commons
One of the ancient and most popular Shiva temples of Kerala is Vadakkunnathan Temple, situated in the cultural heart of Thrissur city. Parashurama, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, founded this shrine. The magic of classical Kerala architecture is prevalent within this temple. This temple complex has monumental gopurams on all four sides and a traditional Kuttambalam or a temple theatre for performing rituals. The Shivlinga is not found in the sanctum sanctorum as it is completely covered with a mound of ghee offered for centuries. Murals adorn all its walls, depicting scenes from the Mahabharata.
Location: Thrissur
Timings: 4 AM – 11 AM and 4 PM – 8:20 PM
How to Reach: One can take buses or rented taxis from Thrissur Railway Station or Cochin International Airport.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Suggested Read: Hill Stations In Wayanad
2. Sree Mahadeva Temple
Photo: Georgekutty / Wikimedia Commons
The Vaikom Mahadeva Temple is one of the oldest Shiva temples in Kerala, located in Kottayam District. Parasurama built the temple and its magnificent in its architecture and spiritual value. Here, one can find a self-manifested Shiva linga in the sanctum. Other features include a big courtyard and a grand temple tower called the gopuram. Vaikom Satyagraha was a movement in this hamlet, related to Indian social reform for temple entry of lower caste communities.
Location: Vaikom
Timings: 4 AM – 12 PM and 5 PM – 9 PM
How to Reach: One can take buses or rented taxis from Vaikom Road Railway Station or Cochin International Airport.
Best Time to Visit: November to February
3. Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple
Photo: Hari vaikom(harish) / Wikimedia Commons
The Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple is one of the most popular temples in the town of Ettumanoor in the Kottayam District. This temple is well known for its brilliant architecture and art. This temple is particularly famous for its resplendent murals and opulent wood carvings. One of the most striking paintings is that of Lord Shiva as Nataraja, the cosmic dancer, on the gopuram. Besides, the shrine harbours a shiva linga that draws devotees from far and wide.
Location: Ettumanoor
Timings: 4 AM – 12 PM and 5 PM – 8 PM
How to Reach: One can take buses or rented taxis from Kottayam Railway Station or Cochin International Airport.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Suggested Read: Hill Stations In Kottayam
4. Sree Neelakandeswarar Temple
Photo: Achyuta T. Madabushi / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Sree Neelakandeswarar Temple is an ancient, tranquil temple dedicated to Lord Shiva at Nilambur in Malappuram district. It is popular under Nilambur Kovilakam amidst greenery and a calm environment. Typical of this temple is the traditional Kerala style architecture: sloping tiled roof and wooden carvings. In the sanctum sanctorum, there is also a Shivalinga. The serene ambience of this temple complex makes it a peaceful retreat for devotees.
Location: Nilambur
Timings: 5 AM – 11 AM and 5 PM – 8 PM
How to Reach: One can take buses or rented taxis from Nilambur Road Railway Station or Calicut International Airport.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
5. Thirunelli Temple
Photo: Ingo Mehling / Wikimedia Commons
One of the oldest temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, Thirunelli Temple, is located in the attractive Brahmagiri hills of Wayanad. It is also called Sahyamala Kshetram and Kashi of the South. Lord Brahma himself built this, according to mythology. Situated in a tranquil spot amidst dense forests and picturesque landscapes, this temple offers a conducive environment for worship and meditation. This temple complex has a holy tank called Papanasini, where rituals are performed to eliminate sin.
Location: Wayanad
Timings: 5:30 AM – 12 PM and 5:30 PM – 8 PM
How to Reach: One can take buses or rented taxis from Kozhikode Railway Station or Calicut International Airport.
Best Time to Visit: September to March
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Payyanur
6. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Photo: Alaison bennny / Wikimedia Commons
Primarily dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram retains an important niche of Lord Shiva. This historic temple is a fusion of the Dravidian and Kerala forms of architecture, and it is known for its luxuriance and delicate carvings. It has the Lord Vishnu enshrined as Padmanabhaswamy, reclining on the serpent called Anantha. It’s also famous for its hidden treasure, which has made the temple one of the wealthiest religious institutions in this world.
Location: Thiruvananthapuram
Timings: 3:30 AM – 12 PM and 5 PM – 7:20 PM
How to Reach: One can take buses or rented taxis from Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station or Trivandrum International Airport.
Best Time to Visit: October to February
7. Malliyoor Mahadeva Temple
Photo: Shyam Mohan / Wikimedia Commons
Located in the Kottayam district, the Malliyoor Mahadeva Temple is a serene and spiritually significant shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Beautiful picturesque scenery all around, it creates a tranquil atmosphere in the temple for prayer. Moreover, the temple is famous for its significant rituals and customs that reflect the local culture of the area and their commitment to past heritage. Devotees come to this temple to get blessings for good health and prosperity. Their festivals are celebrated with ardent interest and participation from the community.
Location: Malliyoor
Timings: 3:30 AM – 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM – 7:20 PM
How to Reach: One can take buses or rented taxis from Kottayam Railway Station or Cochin International Airport.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Suggested Read: Beaches In Kerala
8. Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
Situated in Kodungallur of the Thrissur district, Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple is one of the oldest and most popular Shiva temples, dating back nearly 2,000 years. Its association with the erstwhile fabled Chera Empire and various shrines of different gods and goddesses are some of the other features within its premises. The presiding deity is Lord Shiva worshipped as Mahadeva. One of the unique aspects of the temple is the Navagraha shrine dedicated to the nine planets, its many poojas and rituals, and its deep roots in the ancient traditions of the temple.
Location: Kodungallur
Timings: 4:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
How to Reach: One can take buses or rented taxis from Irinjalakuda Railway Station or Cochin International Airport.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
9. Kaduthuruthy Mahadeva Temple
Photo: T M Cyriac / Wikimedia Commons
The Kaduthuruthy Mahadeva Temple belongs to the famous Vaikom-Ettumanoor-Kaduthuruthy temple triangle in the Kottayam district and forms one of the essential pilgrimage circuits of Kerala. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the most attractive features are the unblemished atmosphere and historical value. This sanctum sanctorum houses a shiva linga, and the architecture belongs to the traditional Kerala style with its exuberant wooden carvings and murals.
Location: Kaduthuruthy
Timings: 4 AM – 12 PM and 5 PM – 8 PM
How to Reach: One can take buses or rented taxis from Kottayam Railway Station or Cochin International Airport.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Suggested Read: Jatayu Earth’s Center
10. Sree Kottarakkara Thampuran Mahadeva Temple
The Sree Kottarakkara Thampuran Mahadeva Temple is another Shiva temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known as the Kottarakkara Thampuran and situated in the Kollam district. The temple has a lot of history and culture associated with it; it is considered to be very close to the classic dance form of Kathakali, whose roots have been traced back to this place. The temple complex is vast, with different shrines of Parvati, Ganesha, and other deities, though the main deity is Lord Shiva, who is worshipped with great devotion.
Location: Kottarakkara
Timings: 4 AM – 11:30 AM, and 5 PM – 8 PM
How to Reach:One can take buses or rented taxis from Kottarakkara Railway Station or Trivandrum International Airport.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
The Shiva temples in Kerala are not only places of worship but stand as ambassadors of this region’s cultural and architectural heredity. With its different history, legends, and rituals, each temple offers a different kind of spiritual experience. Visiting these temples gives a person a deep sense of peace and oneness with the ultimate. Plan a trip with TripXL and explore our tour packages for a carefree experience.
Cover Photo: Val Shevchenko / Shutterstock
