The Peruvanam Mahadeva Temple is an ancient Shiva temple located in Thrissur district, Kerala, India. It is considered to be one of the 108 Shiva temples in Kerala and the main temple of the old-time Peruvanam village.
The temple is said to be in existence since the beginning of Kerala and the appearance of Parasurama, the sixth avatar of Vishnu. It is believed to be around 2000 years old.
The temple complex is sprawling over seven acres of land and is enclosed by a compound wall. The unique feature of the Peruvanam Temple is the square-shaped sanctum sanctorum, which is very rare in Indian temples. The inner courtyard can be reached from the east and west sides, with the main entrance on the eastern side.
Here are some of the interesting aspects of the Peruvanam Mahadeva Temple:
- Dual Shivalinga: The Irattayappan Temple within the complex has a unique feature - it houses two Shivalingas, which is why the presiding deity here is known as Irattayappan, meaning ‘double’.
- Madathilappan Temple: This temple within the complex has the tallest sanctum sanctorum in South India. It is a three-storied structure.
Peruvanam Pooram Festival: The Peruvanam temple is famous for the annual Peruvanam Pooram festival, which is a vibrant and colorful festival celebrated with immense devotion.
Timings: The temple is generally open from 5:00 AM to 10:30 AM and 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM. Here are the specific timings for the next week:
- Sunday, March 31, 2024: 5:00 AM to 10:30 AM and 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM
- Monday, April 1, 2024: 5:00 AM to 10:30 AM and 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM
- Tuesday, April 2, 2024: 5:00 AM to 10:30 AM and 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM
- Wednesday, April 3, 2024: 5:00 AM to 10:30 AM and 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM
- Thursday, April 4, 2024: 5:00 AM to 10:30 AM and 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM
- Friday, April 5, 2024: 5:00 AM to 10:30 AM and 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM
- Saturday, April 6, 2024: 5:00 AM to 10:30 AM and 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM
How to Reach Peruvanam Temple:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, which is about 55 kilometers from the temple. You can hire cabs or taxis from the airport to reach the temple.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Thrissur railway station, which is about 10 kilometers from the temple. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are easily available from the station to reach the temple.
- By Road: The temple is well connected by road to Thrissur and other nearby towns. State buses and private buses ply regularly to the temple.