Mazhuvannur Maha Siva Temple

Mazhuvannur Maha Siva Kshethram is an ancient Shiva temple at Tharuvana in Wayanad district, Kerala, on the highest peak of the Karingari, Paliyana and Tharuvana area, near the Banasura Hills and the Banasura Sagar Dam. Besides Shiva, it honours Arayil Bhagavathy, Durga, Nandi, Ayyappa and Ganapathi, and members of the Mazhuvannur Thekke Illam family have led its worship for centuries.

The name is read as 'the place where the axe fell'. Legend tells that Shiva, sworn to guard the demon king Banasura, was drawn into battle with Krishna over Banasura's capture of Krishna's son Aniruddha; when neither could win, Shiva hurled his axe from the Banasura hills and it landed here, where Parashurama is believed to have built the temple. Once of brick and wood, it has been renovated, though remains of an old nalukettu survive, and it is now under the Malabar Devaswom Board. Special pujas mark Onam, Vishu and Ayudha Puja, and free meals are served on the first Sunday of each month.