Areeparambu Mahadeva temple is located at Areeparambu, around 12 km east of Kottayam railway station in Kottayam district, Kerala. There are two temples here and both are dedicated to Shiva.
The two temples here are known as Vadakke Ambalam (North Temple) and Thekke Ambalam (South Temple).
The Shivling worshipped in Vadakke Ambalam is swayambhu (of divine origin). The sanctum sanctorum here is circular (vatta sreekovil). The temple is big and includes a Thidappalli. Devotees offer worship here first. It is said that Vadakke Ambalam was located somewhere else and was transferred here from the original site due to some unfortunate incident.
The Thekke Ambalam has a square sanctum sanctorum (Chatura Sreekovil). Importance is given to Thekke Ambalam.
Marriages and choroonu etc need to be conducted in both the temples. Both the temples have flag post (Kodimaram). Kodiyettam or flag hoisting is held at both the temples.
Upa Devatas worshipped in the temple are Ganapathy, Sastha, Subrahmanian, Devi, Nagaraja and Nagayakshi.
The 8-day annual festival is observed in the temple concludes with arattu on Thiruvathira nakshatra day.
As per history, Vadakke Ambalam belonged to Puthoor Deshavazhi and Thekke Ambalam belonged to Lakkattoor Deshavazhi. Earlier both the temple had separate pujaris. Later both the temples came under the control of Thrissur Thekkemadom.
The temple is currently managed by a committee formed by local people.