Kadappattoor Mahadeva temple is located on
the banks of Meenachil river near Pala in Kottayam District. The
8-day annual festival begins on the Aswathy Nakshatra in Meenam month. Parama Shiva worshipped in the temple is lovingly known as Kadappattoorappan. A unique aspect of the temple is that a murti or Vigraham of Shiva is worshipped in the temple not the regular Shivling. Shivratri in Kumbha Masam is another important festival in the temple.
The stone murti worshipped in the temple is Nagabhushana Lingam and has the image of Shiva carved on it. The murti was accidently found on July 14, 1960 under an Athimaram here.
The origin of the Shivling is traced to Gauna Maharishi who performed intense meditation here. It is believed that the vigraham worshipped in the temple was worshipped by Gauna Maharishi. The local people of the place provided all the help to the saint and therefore the place came to be known as 'Kadappetta Ooru' - meaning the Rishi is indebted to the people of the region.
For thousands of years the murti remained hidden in a fig tree. Madathil Paachu Nair was cutting the tree on a stormy day. But the experienced woodcutter failed in controlling the tree. Even before half of the tree was cut, it fell in the opposite direction exposing the Shivling. People in thousands gathered on hearing the news and this led to the consecration of the deity.
The initial structure of the temple was found unsatisfactory and a new temple was built in its place in 2006 CE with a rectangular sreekovil with copper covered pyramidal roof and golden thazhikakudam. The sreekovil walls are decorated with sculptures. The namaskara mandapam also has a copper covered pyramidal roof and golden thazhikakudam.
The Upa Devatas in the temple are Ganapathy, Sastha, Nagam and Bhagavathy.
The other important temples observed in the temple are Shivratri and Pathamudayam in Medam month.
Every year July 14 is celebrated as Vigraha Darsana Dinam is held. On that day there will be Akhanda namam japa yajnam from early morning. Vigraha Darsana Pooja is performed around 2 pm and doors of sreekovil doors are opened for Darshanam.
Thousands will offer Vavu bali on the banks of the Meenachil river, near the temple on Karkidaka vavu day. On Ayilyam day in Kanni and Thulam months there is Ayilyam pooja for Naga Devatha. Mondays, Saturdays and Pradosham days, Mandala - Makaravilakku season (Dhanu 1 to Makaram 5) and Ramayana month (Karkidakam) are also important here.
The temple is an important night shelter and resting place for Sabarimala pilgrims.
The annual pratishta festival in the temple is held in Malayalam Meda masam (April - May).