Thrikkalanjoor Mahadeva Temple, Kalanjoor

Thrikkalanjoor Sree Mahadeva Temple stands beside the Punalur–Muvattupuzha highway, Pathanamthitta district, about 80 km south-west of Sabarimala. A banyan tree with an altar, visible from the road, marks the spot, surrounded by a mandapa decorated with murals and holding an east-facing image of Nataraja. To the west rises a 60 ft gopuram, from which 18 steps lead up to the shrines of Shiva, the presiding deity, and of Sastha, known here as Indiliyappan.

Shiva and Sastha face each other, and each has its own copper-clad flagmast standing side by side, a rare sight. The eight-day festival begins in Meenam (March–April), with an Indiliyappan festival on the sixth day, and ends with the Thiruvathira Arattu. It is famous for Carnatic music: Chembai, Chemmangudi, Balamuralikrishna, Yesudas and Seshagopalan are among those who have sung here, and Kathakali and other classical arts are also performed.