Cheranalloor Mahadeva Temple

Cheranalloor Mahadeva Temple stands on the banks of the Periyar at Kalady in Ernakulam district and was one of the important temples of the Cochin kingdom. Folklore says Parashurama installed its Shiva idol in the Treta Yuga, and it is counted among Kerala's 108 Shiva temples. It once owned large estates yielding about 24 tons of paddy a year, but land reforms left it with only the couple of acres it stands on.

The circular main shrine is built in Kerala-Dravidian style, with a square namaskara mandapam on the east and an unusually large nalambalam. Shiva is believed to be present here with Sati, and as the deity is thought to relieve devotees of their debts, a rina mochaka puja is performed daily, among five regular pujas. The annual festival is held in Kumbham, in February or March.