Thrikkadavoor Mahadeva temple is located at Thrikkadavoor on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake and is 6 km north of Kollam town in Kerala. The Shivling worshipped in the temple is of swayambhu sankalpam (divine origin). The darshanam of Thrikkadavoor Shiva temple is towards west.
The Upa Devatas worshipped in the temple are Sri Krishna, Yakshi, Ganapathy, Sastha and Nagam.
Thrikkadavoor Mahadeva Temple Story
The temple is closely associated with the legend of Markandeya. According to tradition, this is the sacred place where Markandeya, who was destined to live only until the age of sixteen, performed intense penance to relieve his parents' sorrow. When Yama's messengers came to claim his life, Markandeya embraced the Shivling in devotion. It is believed that Shiva appeared before him, subdued Yama, and granted Markandeya freedom from death.
Another important legend explains the origin of the temple's idol. Over time, the idol worshipped by Markandeya became buried beneath the earth, and the site was gradually overtaken by forest. Many years later, a young girl carrying milk accidentally tripped over a tree root, causing the milk to spill. When people attempted to cut away the root, their blade struck the buried idol, from which blood is said to have flowed. Following this miraculous event, devotees performed the prescribed rituals and built the temple at that very spot.
The temple is also connected to the legend of Daksha's Yajna. Local tradition holds that the water body known today as Aamikkulath Chira at Thirukkadavoor was originally Dakshayani Kulam, further strengthening the temple's association with this ancient religious event.
Thrikkadavoor Mahadeva Temple Festival
The annual festival in the temple is known as Kadavoor Pathu. The 10-day festival begins on Chathayam nakshatra and ends on Thiruvathira nakshatra in Kumbham month with arattu. The final day of the festival is famous for Kettukazhcha. The eduppu kuthira (ceremonial horse) is an offering to Shiva by the people of each desom surrounding the temple. Eight such ceremonial horses are brought to the shores on boats and then taken to the temple. The sight of the majestic horses is quite captivating.
Earlier 36 para ari (rice) Utsava Bali was performed on the 8th day of the festival.
The eight karas or desams that are part of the festival include Njarakkal, Neeravil, Kureepuzha, Thevally, Mathilil, Kadavoor, Kottakkakam and Murunthan.
As per history, the temple was known as Markandeyan Kovil.
The murti of Sri Krishna (Upa Devata) was consecrated by Vilwamangalam Swamiyar. The Shayana Pradakshinam (urul vazhipadu) is famous and it was started by Vilwamangalam swamiyar.
The Karanma Shanti is of Kaviyoor Mana. Kazhka Sthanam earlier belonged to Pavumba Warrier.
The temple belonged to Kambiyil Vallyathan (Naduvazhi), Koyipurathu Kuruppu (Kara Nathan), Pathanavil Kuruppu and Kallungodathu Kuruppu. The temple was given away to Travancore in Kolla Varsham 1112.