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Cheruthirunavaya Temple – Shiva Temple – History

Cheruthirunavaya temple is located on Kuttippuram – Chamravattom road in Thavanur village in Malappuram district, Kerala. The temple is dedicated to Shiva and it lies on the banks of Bharatapuzha River. Here is a look at the history and deities worshipped in Cheruthirunavaya temple.

Shiva is worshipped in the form of a Shivling and the darshanam of Cheruthirunavaya temple is towards east. The Upa Devatas worshipped in the temple are Ganapathy and Nandi. The Nandi murti in the temple does not face Shiva, which is the usual rule in Shiva temples. Nandi faces north and is situated on the south side of the chuttambalam.

During the famous Mamangam period, Cheruthirunavaya was the main center of Eralpaddu. Nilapadu thara and sthanam were located here. Thirunavaya Sabha Madom which is the main center of Thirunavaya Sabha yogam is located at Cheruthirunavaya. This important Brahmin organization earlier had more than 400 illams as its members and it also controlled 19 temples.

The place was also a famous center for Veda Dhyanam. The Veda classes were held under the leadership of Mannam Thrikkovil Vadiyar.

The famous Thirunavaya temple is located on the opposite bank of Bharathapuzha River. The only Brahma temple is Kerala is also located nearby.