Chengannur Mahadevar Temple is one of the oldest and famous temple, situated in

Allappuzha dist. (Kerala). It is a sprawling temple complex with a circular Sanctum. Lord Shiva and
Parvathi Devi are the main investitures of this temple. Differing from other temples, there are two
main Shrines in this temple. Lord Shiva facing East and Devi facing West. The main shrine is a conical
copper plated one. Devis main Idol is made with an alloy of five metals (PANCHALOHAM). The
Shivalingam, is covered with a gold plate bearing an image of Ardhanareeswara - or the Shiva-
Shakti manifestation of Shiva.
The other sub-investitures of the temple are Ganapathi, Shasta (Lord Ayyappan), Chandikeswaran,
Neelagrivan, Ganga, and Naagar. There is also a shrine of SreeKrishna nearby.
The temple was constructed centuries back in accordance with an architectural design
evolved by the famous Perunthachan. In the 18th Century the temple complex was damaged by fire
and renovated later by Vanghipuzha Thampuran except the KUTHAMBALAM (Performance Hall). This
could not be restored to its original position as it had been designed and constructed by
Perunthachan. The structure of the Kuthambalam originally constructed by Perunthachan was in
such a manner that the shadow of the performer would not fall on the stage if all the lamps were lit on
each of the post of the Kuthambalam. The mukhamandapam in front of the temple and other
mandapams in this temple are full of exquisite woodwork.
Compared to other temples, this temple has a peculiarity of its own, quiet distinct from
other temples. The interesting belief and festival of this Temple is %#!&%#%%& which is
considered as a symbol of fertility. This festival is connected with a menstruation ceremony, which is
observed periodically in the temple. That is why this temple is also considered as Shakthi Peedam.

How to Reach..
Chengannur situates at the extreme east part of Alappuzha district. It lies between
Thiruvalla and Pandalam in MC Road and between Thiruvalla and Mavelikkara in Railway line.
It is 117kms north of state capital Thiruvananthapuram on the Main Central Road (MC Road).
Chengannur Mahadeva Temple is only 1 km away from both Railway Station and KSRTC Bus Stand.


Old Syrian Church

Kottayam Thirunakkara Kshetram - Temple hours 0400 - 1100 hrs and 1700 - 2000 hrs.
Mahaganapati homam, dhara, muzhukappu, and paysam are important oIIerings.


1. KunnathumaIa Mahadeva TempIe.
This temple is considered as the `Moolasthanam of the Chengannur Mahadeva temple. It
is situated very near to the Mahadeva temple in north side.
. AranmuIa Sreekrishna TempIe.

The famous `Parthasarathi temple on the banks of the holy river
Pampa is dedicated to Lord Krishna attracts large number of devotees.
This temple is the most famous one among the Pancha Pandava
temples. The image of Krishna in this temple is believed to be worshiped by
Arjuna of pandavas.
The river Pampa at Aranmula is the venue of the famous snake boat race.
Aranmula Sreekrishna/Parthasarathi Temple is 8kms from Chengannur.
3. SabarimaIa Ayyappa TempIe.
Sabarimala is a renowned pilgrim centre atop the rugged hills of the Western Ghats. This
holy shrine is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa.

The sanctum sanctorum nestles 914 m above sea level,
amidst the virgin forest wilderness of the Western Ghats.The main
pilgrimage is undertaken between November and January. Regardless
of caste, creed, colour, they wear black dhotis and carry on their
heads, bundles containing traditional offerings like coconut filled with
ghee, camphor and rice.
Chengannur is declared as the main Edathavalam of Sabarimala Pilgrimage by
Travancore Devaswom Board. Most of the pilgrims passing through chengannur visits chengannur
Mahadeva Temple.
O Chengannur railway station is the nearest station to reach Sabarimala.
O Chengannur to Pamba (Via Aranmula) is 93 Kms
O Pampa to Sannidhanam (Via Neelimala - Appachimedu - Sabaripeedom ) is approx 7 Kms
O KSRTC bus service is available from the railway station to Pampa every half an hour.
. PuIiyoor Sreekrishna TempIe.
The famous Puliyoor Sreekrishna swami temple situated in the Chengannur - Mavelikkara
road via Cheriyanad is only 4 Kms away from Chengannur Mahadeva Temple. The main deity of this
temple is Sreekrishna and is one of the sacred Pancha Pandava Temples. The image of Krishna in this
temple is believed to be worshiped by Bhima of Pandavas.
5. Thiruvanvandoor Sreekrishna TempIe.
Situated on the banks of Manimala and Pamba rivers, Thiruvanvandoor is a famous Hindu
Pligrimage centre. The Vishnu shrine here is believed to have been consecrated by the legendary
Bhrigu Muni in Thiruvanvandoor. It is mentioned that this place is one of the five sacred places where
the image of Vishnu was worshiped by Pandavas during their vanavasa. This temple is only 10 km
away from Chengannur Mahadeva Temple. Thiruvanvandoor is a part of chengannur.
6. Thrichitat Sreekrishna TempIe.
This famous temple is situated very near to the chengannur mahadeva temple. This
temple is one of the sacred Pancha Pandava temples. The image of Krishna in this temple is believed
to be worshiped by `Yudhishtira of pandavas.
7. ChakkuIathukavu Devi TempIe.

Chakkulathamma, the famous miracle worker, is housed
in this temple. People from all religions are permitted to enter this
temple. Lady worshippers offer "Pongala" to the Goddess on the
Thrikkarthika Day of the Vrichika month.Chakkulathucavu Temple is
located near the Neerettupuram Junction on Thiruvalla - Edathuva
route.
Chakkulathukavu Devi Temple is around 20 kms away from chengannur mahadeva temple.
. ThiruvaIIa SreevaIIabhaswami TempIe.

Sree Vallabha temple here is one of the important
pilgrim centers of Vaishnavites all over India. Lord Vishnu is the main
deity of this temple. Kadhakali is performed almost on all days in this
temple as offerings by devotes. A granite pillar carved out of single
piece with an image of Garuda on its top stands in front of the
temple.
The pillar, which serves as a flag staff, is 60ft high and is made of granite. It is believed that its
bottom touches the water table.
Sreevallabha swami temple is situated around 12 km away from chengannur.
9. SasthamkuIangara (ChathankuIangara) TempIe.
Chathankulangara in Chengannur town is known for the famous temple dedicated to
Narasimha. This temple is situated very near to the Mahadeva Temple in the eastern side. The
presence of elegant wood carving of artistic perfection depicting the puranic scenes connected with
Sree Rama and Sree Krishna is the peculiarity of this temple.

Shiva TempIe
%he temple is located on Cross Road in the city. %he name Ernakulam is derived from
the pond of this temple. %he temple pond is known as Rishinagakulam. Probably
Rishinaga was softened to Erna and when the kulam (pond) joined to it, the name
Ernakulam was born.....Click here to see more
hagawathi TempIe at Chottanikkara
Chottanikkara is located at 15 km away from Ernakulam and 3 km from %hripunithura.
%his shrine is one amongst the most reckoned in Kerala....Click here to see more
Anchumana TempIe:
%his temple is located at Anchumana at Padivattam in Edapilly within Kochi Corporation
limit.
Sri Bhuvaneswary, Sri Annapoorneswary and Sri Badrakali are the deities presided
here with equal importance. Sri Bhuvaneswary, considered as the mother of universe,
showers prosperity and protection while Sri Annapoorneswary ensures abundance of
wealth and blesses for long happy married life. Sri Bhadrakali is duty-bound to
annihilate evil forces....Click here to see more
PaIIuruthy Sri havaneeswara Mahakshetram:
%he temple is situated at Palluruthy near Kochi. %he deity is Shiva.
%he consecration was done by the great reformer, Sree Narayana Guru. %he temple
has a Swarna Dwajam (golden flagmast). Near the temple there is a school established
by Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam (SNDP), founded by Sree Narayana
Guru. %his school is the second largest school in the State.
%here is a 10-day festival in the month of Kumbam (February/March). %he festival is a
great event. Cultural and entertainment programmes of various nature staged during
these days in addition to other usual temple festival programmes. %he festival is
attended by thousands and thousands of people. Pooyam Mahotsavam is also
celebrated on a big scale. Kavadi Ghoshayatra (procession) with dozens of Kavadis is a
great crowd pulling event during this Mahotsavam.
PaIIuruthy Sree Dhanwanthari TempIe:
%he deity of this temple is Dhanwanthari, the physician of Gods. %he idol made of
Krishna Sila (black granite stone) is four-handed. %he right upper hand holds a Chakra
(wheel) and the lower hand holds a Leach between the index finger and the thumb.
Other three fingers show upright. %he left upper-hand holds a Conch while lower hand
holds a Pot with Nector. %he sanctum sanctorum of the temple is square-shaped and
constructed in Nagara style of architecture....Click here to see more
Paramara hagawathy TempIe:
%he temple is at Paramara , opposite Ernakulam %own Hall. Here the deity Bhagawathy
faces north, a rare experience. %his temple is also known in two other different names
Parambanar Kulangara Bhagawathy and Paramara Grandma.
Shiva, Ganapathy, Brahmarakshas, Nagayakshi and Alunkal Bhagawathy are also
accommodated here as sub-deities.
%here is a legend behind this temple.....Click here to see more
Sree Cochin Swetambar Murtipujak Jain TempIe:
%he temple is located on Gujarati Road in Kochi city. %he deity is Bhagawan Shri
Dharmanath.
Jain community was migrated to Kerala from Katch and Saurashtra of Gujarat State for
business. Sree Dharmanath Jainalay was constructed by Smt Hirubai Jivaraj Dhanji as
a memorial to her late husband Sri Jivaraj Dhanji. %his memorial was gifted to the Jain
Sangh, the association of Jains in Kochi. %he Sangh administers Murtipujak Jain
%emple.....Click here to see more
Sree Narayaneswaram TempIe:
%he temple is located on Poonurunni-Vytila Road. %he presiding deity is Goshala
Gopalakrishnan who faces west. Subramanian facing east is a sub-deity. Shiva, also
known as Dhakshninamoorthy, facing south and Parvathi facing north are also sub-
deities. Other gods accommodated as sub-deities are Ganapathy, Ayyappan,
Sribhoothanagayakshi and Hindumban. Gosala Gopalakrishnan, Shiva, Parvathi and
Subramanian are housed in a same sanctum sanctorum.
Palpayasam(milk kheer) is the main offering to the presiding deity.
All the idols are made of Panchaloha (five metals). %he temple was raised at the
instance of Sree Narayana Guru and there is a magnificent altar for Sree Narayana
Guru.
%he festival of the temple is in Kumbam (February/March) which prolongs to 7 days.
Multi-pronged cultural programmes, folk dances, performing arts, Kavadi procession are
some among many programmes. Massive day-time fireworks add gaiety to the festival.
Vasudevapuram Sree Mahavishnu TempIe:
%he temple is located at South Aduvassery in Aluva, about 20-km from Ernakulam. %he
deity is Vishnu. Wherever Vishnu is there, Mahalaxmi is also there in idol-less form to
serve him, devotees firmly believe. Here the presence of Mahalaxmi is more felt, the
devotees testify. %he consecration of the temple was done by Parasuraman, the legend
creator of Kerala.
%here is a great legend. After consecration Parasuraman entrusted the temple
responsibilities to the Brahmins of the area....Click here to see more
VeIuthattu Vadakkan Chowva hagawathy TempIe:
%he temple is located at Kedamangalam, near North Parur. %he deity is Bhagawathy.
Here the Bhagawathy is worshipped in different forms Saraswathy, Parvathi, Sree
Durga, Sreelaxmi, Ashtaiswarya Dayini and Bhadrakali. %he history says that this
Bhagawathy is the family deity of a Nair family of Malabar who brought it here when
they settled here. %his was about 800 years ago....Click here to see more