Thiruvanchikulam Temple

The Thiruvanchikulam Temple in Kodungallur, Thrissur district, is a Shiva temple believed to date from the Chera period, with Shiva worshipped as Mahadeva and Parvati as Umadevi. It has 33 sub-deities, the most of any temple in Kerala. It is the only temple in the state among the 276 Paadal Petra Sthalams praised in the Tamil Tevaram, and the saint Sundarar and King Cheraman Perumal are believed to have left for Kailasa from here, Sundarar on a white elephant. Mahodayapuram, capital of the Kulasekharas, grew up around it. Damaged and looted in Tipu Sultan's invasion, it was rebuilt by Paliath Achan.

Built in Kerala style, the temple has entrance towers on all four sides and a fortified central sanctum where Shiva is worshipped as a linga. It is known for its mural paintings and is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. Images of Sundarar and Cheraman are carried in for the Svati festival in July–August, and the Brahmotsavam in May–June is the main festival.