Chengannur Mahadeva Temple, Chengannur

The land mark of Chengannur town. Such a great and old temple with rich history. I don't need to say anything more about the abode of lord Mahadev who resides with his better half Sri Parvati devi. This temple is famous for the ceremony of "Thripooth aaratt"( തൃപ്പൂത്താറാട്ട്) of Devi.

Chengannur is known as the Gateway to Sabarimala Temple. Chengannur Mahadeva Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.The temple is believed to be built according to the architectural design developed by Perumthachan. Some legends say that the temple is one of the 108 shrines commissioned by Parasurama. There are two main Shrines in this temple. Lord Shiva facing East and Devi facing West.Chengannur Mahadeva Temple is also referred to as Chengannur Bhagavati Temple, as the temple is one of the 108 Shakti Peethas dedicated to Goddess Parvathi.In this temple, Lord Shiva &Goddess Parvati appear in the form of ‘Ardhanaareeswara'. Thriputharattu is the main festival of this temple.The festival is associated with the menstruation ceremony and is observed periodically in the temple. During this time the temple is kept closed for three days and worships will be offered to another image of the goddess in a different spot of the temple. On the fourth day, the idol of the Devi is taken to a nearby river on the fourth day and Arattu (holy bath) is conducted. This ceremony is called Thripputhu. The annual temple festival is observed for 28 days starting from Thiruvathira Nakshatram in Dhanu Masam to Thiruvathira Nakshatra in Makaram month. Chengannur Mahadeva Temple opens daily at 3:50 AM. Worship timings are from 04:30 AM to 11:30 AM in the morning and from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the evening. The temple is about a kilometre and half from the Chengannur Railway Station while the Bus Stand is just half a kilometre away.