Chirakkadavu Sree Mahadeva Temple
Chirakkadavu Sree Mahadeva Temple is a historic Hindu temple in Chirakkadavu, Kottayam, Kerala. It sits along the Kollam–Theni route of National Highway 183, about 32 km east of Kottayam city and 3 km south of Ponkunnam on the way to Manimala and Erumely.
The temple is about 1,000 years old. The main idol is a Swayambhu Siva Lingam found under a bilva tree. A temple tank nearby supplied mud used to build the temple. The name Chirakkadavu comes from a pond (chira) on the eastern side.
Legend says a king built an ashram near the bilva tree, did tapas (penance), and was known as Kuwala Maharshi. The Lord appeared in the king’s dream, the king continued penance, and later left this world for heavenly abode.
The temple features a very large Balikallu (stone pedestal) with attractive front sculptures and a big granite lamp. Despite the size of the Balikallu, the Lord can be seen clearly if you stand near the eastern gate. The surrounding wooden carvings are beautiful, and the place feels clean and peaceful.
Rituals include five daily poojas, three seeveli processions, and Navakam. In the past, pilgrims walking to Sabarimala would halt here. Ayyappa devotees regard Chirakkadavu Mahadeva as the father of Lord Ayyappan, so many Ayyappa devotees visit, especially on Dhanu 24 when a traditional Ayyappa song is performed.
The temple hosts a vivid Velakali dance during festivals, where young children (ages 5–20) dress as warriors and perform with swords and shields to drums—an impressive sight known as Velathullal.
Meenari is a famous offering here. During Karkidaka Vavu, devotees buy rice at the temple and feed fish in the temple pond, believed to cure illnesses. Other common offerings include Jaladhara and Mrithinjaya Pushpanjali for healing, and Swayamvara Pushpanjali for better marriage relations. Chaturshatam is a rare, important offering performed at the temple.
Chirakkadavu Mahadevar Temple is a self-sufficient temple under the Travancore Devasom Board, continuing its traditional rituals and community role.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 09:51 (CET).