Spiritual PlaceHindu temple

Parippu Mahadeva Temple

Shiva temple at Parippu near Kottayam, said to date from 825 AD, with two front halls so two rival rajas need never meet

Photo: RajeshUnuppally at Malayalam Wikipedia · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

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01 — The story

Parippu Mahadeva Temple stands at Parippu in Aymanam panchayat, Kottayam district. Mentioned as Nalparappil in the Shivalaya stotra, it is believed to be one of the 108 Shiva temples consecrated by Parashurama, and it is closely linked with the Thekkumkur rajas. The Travancore Devaswom Board administers it, and the east-facing Shiva is joined by Krishna, Sastha, Ganapathy and Bhagavathy.

Tradition says the present temple was built in 825 AD by the Madathil Raja of Edappally, whose palace was nearby. He and a local chieftain, the Idathil Raja, were both devoted to Shiva but not on good terms, and neither wished to meet the other at the temple; so, unlike other Kerala temples, it was given two balikkalpuras, or front halls. The annual festival falls in Meenam (March–April), and Maha Shivaratri and Thiruvathira are also celebrated.

Unmapia

02 — About

Coming soon

We’re still writing about Parippu Mahadeva Temple: its history, what’s there and why it’s worth the trip.