Vazhappally Sree Mahadeva Temple
Ancient Splendor: The Vazhappally Sree Mahadeva Temple is a historic shrine located near Changanassery, believed to be over 1000 years old. It is one of the 108 Shiva temples established by Lord Parasurama and holds immense spiritual significance. The temple is famous for its "Vazhappally Inscriptio n", the oldest written record in the Malayalam language dating back to the 9th century. The presiding deity is Lord Shiva, worshipped in the form of a majestic Lingam. The temple complex is unique because it houses two "Nalambalams" and two flag-masts, which is rare in Kerala. The architecture features incredible wood carvings that depict figurines from various Hindu epics. The atmosphere is deeply meditative, surrounded by traditional Kerala homes and greenery. It was once a prominent center under the Second Chera dynasty and later the Thekkumkoor kings. The temple has survived numerous wars and historical shifts, remaining a pillar of faith for the local community. The "Daru Silpas" (wood sculptures) here are considered some of the finest examples of 17th-century craftsmanship. Visitors are drawn to its serene environment and the rhythmic daily rituals. The temple also has a sub-shrine for Lord Ganesha and Lord Sastha. The daily "Sreebali" procession is a sight of traditional grandeur. It is a must-visit for anyone interested in the intersection of history, linguistics, and temple art. The temple's legacy is preserved by the Travancore Devaswom Board today.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 to 2 HoursPlace Type:
Religious & Historical SiteEntry Fees:
No Entry Fee: Visiting the temple is free for everyone, though some special poojas like "Ganapathy Homam" have a specific fee.
Dress Code Policy: Men must wear a Mundu and remain bare-chested; women should wear traditional Sarees or Salwar ...No Entry Fee: Visiting the temple is free for everyone, though some special poojas like "Ganapathy Homam" have a specific fee.
Dress Code Policy: Men must wear a Mundu and remain bare-chested; women should wear traditional Sarees or Salwar Kameez for entry.Timing:
Regular Timings: The temple opens at 5:00 AM and closes at 10:00 AM; it reopens in the evening from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: The morning hours between 5:30 AM and 7:30 AM are perfect to witness the most important rituals in a c...Regular Timings: The temple opens at 5:00 AM and closes at 10:00 AM; it reopens in the evening from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: The morning hours between 5:30 AM and 7:30 AM are perfect to witness the most important rituals in a cool climate.Special Events:
Thiruvathira Festival: Celebrated in the Malayalam month of Kumbham, this is the main festival featuring grand rituals and cultural performances.
Vinayaka Chathurthi: Since there is a prominent shrine for Lord Ganesha, this day is celebrated...Thiruvathira Festival: Celebrated in the Malayalam month of Kumbham, this is the main festival featuring grand rituals and cultural performances.
Vinayaka Chathurthi: Since there is a prominent shrine for Lord Ganesha, this day is celebrated with special "Appam" offerings and prayers.Best Photo Spots:
Temple Entrance: The eastern entrance with its traditional wooden carvings and tiled roof is a perfect spot for capturing the essence of Kerala.
Granite Base: The base of the sanctum with its ancient inscriptions provides a textured and hist...Temple Entrance: The eastern entrance with its traditional wooden carvings and tiled roof is a perfect spot for capturing the essence of Kerala.
Granite Base: The base of the sanctum with its ancient inscriptions provides a textured and historical background for close-up photography.
The Lamp Pillars: The "Vilakkumaram" or lamp pillars, when lit in the evening, offer a stunning visual for long-exposure photography.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Study the Inscriptions: If you are a history enthusiast, look for the granite bases where ancient Vattezhuttu inscriptions are still visible to the naked eye.
Admire Daru Silpas: Spend significant time looking at the wooden carvings on the "Gopuram" and "Sreekovil" to appreciate the 17th-century art.
Observe the Sreebali: Watch the daily ritual where the deity's representative idol is taken around the temple accompanied by traditional percussion.
Evening Deeparadhana: Join the local devotees during the sunset prayer when the entire temple is lit with thousands of flickering oil lamps.
Photography: Capture the unique "Double Nalambalam" layout and the intricate wooden figurines that make this temple an artist's delight.Study the Inscriptions: If you are a history enthusiast, look for the granite bases where ancient Vattezhuttu inscriptions are still visible to the naked eye.
Admire Daru Silpas: Spend significant time looking at the wooden carvings on the "Gopuram" and "Sreekovil" to appreciate the 17th-century art.
Observe the Sreebali: Watch the daily ritual where the deity's representative idol is taken around the temple accompanied by traditional percussion.
Evening Deeparadhana: Join the local devotees during the sunset prayer when the entire temple is lit with thousands of flickering oil lamps.
Photography: Capture the unique "Double Nalambalam" layout and the intricate wooden figurines that make this temple an artist's delight.
Visit the Pond: Spend a few minutes by the temple tank to enjoy the reflection of the ancient structure in the calm, sacred waters.
Learn the History: Talk to the local priests or "Vazhappally" residents to hear legends about the temple's migration from Neelamperoor.
Information
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Why Famous:
Vazhappally Inscription: It is famous for housing the 9th-century copper plate inscription, a key piece of evidence for the history of the Malayalam language.
Masterful Wood Carvings: The temple is renowned for its detailed "Daru Silpas" or ...Vazhappally Inscription: It is famous for housing the 9th-century copper plate inscription, a key piece of evidence for the history of the Malayalam language.
Masterful Wood Carvings: The temple is renowned for its detailed "Daru Silpas" or wood carvings that are among the best preserved in South India.
Ardhanariswara Concept: The installation of the deity follows the unique Ardhanariswara concept, representing the union of Shiva and Parvati. -
Architecture:
Dravida-Kerala Fusion: The temple showcases a blend of Dravida and Kerala styles, featuring a massive granite base and wooden superstructures.
Sanctum Dimensions: The circular Sreekovil has three layers of walls and a copper-tiled roof, meas...Dravida-Kerala Fusion: The temple showcases a blend of Dravida and Kerala styles, featuring a massive granite base and wooden superstructures.
Sanctum Dimensions: The circular Sreekovil has three layers of walls and a copper-tiled roof, measuring about 25 ft in diameter.
Wood Carving Details: The 17th-century "Daru Silpas" on the walls depict complex figures with a height of 2 to 3 feet, carved with extreme precision. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Cochin International Airport is 105 KM away; you can take a bus or taxi to Changanassery and then a local auto.
By Train: Changanassery Railway Station is very close, just 2 KM away; frequent autos and buses connect the station to ...By Air: Cochin International Airport is 105 KM away; you can take a bus or taxi to Changanassery and then a local auto.
By Train: Changanassery Railway Station is very close, just 2 KM away; frequent autos and buses connect the station to the temple.
By Road: Located on the Kottayam-Changanassery road; easily accessible by all KSRTC and private buses traveling toward Trivandrum.
By Local Transport: Auto-rickshaws are the most efficient way to reach from Changanassery town or the nearby bus terminal within 10 minutes. -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Post-Monsoon: October to December is the best time when the surroundings are lush green and the weather is pleasant for exploring.
Festival Month: Visit during February or March to catch the annual Thiruvathira festival and see the temple in...Post-Monsoon: October to December is the best time when the surroundings are lush green and the weather is pleasant for exploring.
Festival Month: Visit during February or March to catch the annual Thiruvathira festival and see the temple in its festive decoration.
Morning Part of Day: The time before 8:00 AM is best for photography and to avoid the humid heat of the mid-day sun in Kerala. -
Near Tourist Places:
Thrikodithanam Temple (4 KM), Changanassery Market (2 KM), Perunna Subramanya Temple (3 KM), Kottayam (18 KM), Kumarakom (28 KM), Vagamon (50 KM), Neelamperoor (10 KM), Kurisumala (52 KM), Kuttanad (15 KM), Alleppey (25 KM).
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: The temple is well-maintained and safe; however, be careful while walking on the stone floors during the rainy season.
Packing: Keep a traditional Kerala Mundu in your bag if you are traveling, as you cannot enter the inner...Health & Safety: The temple is well-maintained and safe; however, be careful while walking on the stone floors during the rainy season.
Packing: Keep a traditional Kerala Mundu in your bag if you are traveling, as you cannot enter the inner courtyard in trousers.
Cash & ATM: There are numerous ATMs in Changanassery town, including SBI and Axis Bank, located within 1 KM of the temple.
Connectivity: Mobile signals are strong; no public Wi-Fi is available, but the urban location ensures good 4G/5G data coverage.
Local Etiquette: Respect the silence of the sanctum and avoid using mobile phones while inside the temple's inner boundaries.
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