Thiruvanchikulam Temple is located near Kodungallur in Thrissur district, Kerala. The eight day annual festival in the temple ends on Amavasya or Karutha Vavu in Kumbham month. Chothi nakshatra day in Karkidakam month is an important festival in the temple.
The festival usually coincides with Maha Shivratri. Thiruvathira in Dhanu Masam is another important festival. Brahmotsavam is held in Vaikasi Masam (May - June).
The Prathishta in the temple is of the Umamaheshwara. The murti is considered to be the Sadashiva form of Shiva. This temple has the largest number of Upa Devatas in Kerala – 33 Upa Devatas.
The shrine was built before 8th century AD. Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva temple is the only one Shaiva Tirupati in Kerala. As per Shaivites, there are 274 Shaiva Tirupatis.
The Kodungallur palace which was the administrative center of Cheraman Perumal was located near the temple.
The temple is a classic example of ancient Kerala style temple architecture.
After the night puja (Athazha Pooja), a unique ritual in which Shiva and Goddess Parvati are guided to the Paliyara for sleeping is performed in the temple.
Among the 33 Upa Devatas, it is believed that two are of Sundaramurthy Nayanar and Cheraman Perumal Nayanar.
The temple was destroyed by Tipu Sultan. The temple was rebuilt in 1801 AD and a manuscript regarding this is found in the temple.
The temple is in square shape and is built using brick, granite and wood. The roof is covered with copper. There are two walls – Aka Mathil and Puram Mathil. The flag post in the temple is gold plated.
The wooden pillars are noted for its sculptures. The walls too have granite sculptures. There are numerous paintings or chumar chithrangal in the temple.
There is a konna maram in the temple which blooms in all seasons. Konna maram usually blooms only during Vishu period.
The main vazhipadu in the temple is Shanka Abhishekam. Navakam is performed every day.