Thiruvatta Mahadeva Temple

Thiruvatta Mahadeva Temple stands near the Manimalayar river in Thiruvalla, Pathanamthitta district. Counted among Kerala's oldest temples, it is believed to have been built under the Kulasekhara Perumals of Mahodayapuram, and it is mentioned in the Vazhappally inscription of the Chera king Rama Rajasekhara, which is written in Malayalam and is the oldest record yet found that names a Kodungallur Chera king. Folklore says Parashurama installed the Shiva idol, and it is one of Kerala's 108 Shiva temples.

The square granite sanctum, roofed with copper, holds a self-manifested linga set a little low, with Shiva known here as Thiruvatta Thevar, facing east. Ganapati has a place at the south-east corner. The wide nalambalam has limestone walls and contains a second shrine with a large separately installed linga.