Kaviyoor Mahadeva Temple, famous as Thrikaviyoor Mahadeva Temple is located at Kaviyoor (7 km northeast of Thiruvalla), in Pathanamthitta district, Kerala. The main deities worshipped in the temple are Shiva and Hanuman. Although the main deity is Shiva, importance is given to Hanuman, who is an Upa Devata. Mahashivratri is an important festival in the temple
The murti of Hanuman is small – 0.5 feet tall and it was consecrated by Vilwamangalam Swamiyar. The murti is made out of Panchaloha and is in sitting posture. He holds a weapon in right hand and choodamani in the left hand. Tail is held up. He wears a crown and a garland. Hanuman has separate sreekovil and separate poojari. The main offering to Hanuman is beaten rice or poha (Avil Panthirunazhi). It is believed that making this offering or vazhipadu will help in desire fulfillment.
It is believed that the place was earlier known as Kapiyoor (kapi means monkey) after Hanuman. Later the name became Kaviyoor.
The prathishta of Shiva in the temple was done by Vilwamangalam Swamiyar. As per another belief, Sri Rama who was returning to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana got down from his Pushpaka Vimana here and took rest and consecrated the Shivling and performed puja here.
Shiva is worshipped in a vatta sreekovil (circular sanctum) and He faces east. Goddess Parvati faces west in the temple. The Prathishta of Goddess Parvati was done on Uthrattathi Nakshatra in Makaram month in Kollavarsham 1068.
The Upa Devatas worshipped in the temple include Vishnu and Yakshi. The Vishnu murti is located west of Chuttu Mathil and is nearly 5 feet tall. This prathishta was done by Vilwamangalam Swamiyar. But some people believe it was done by Parashurama.
Navakam is performed on all days.
The wood carvings in the temple are considered to be a classic example of Kerala style wood sculpture. Scenes from Mahabharata and Ramayana are carved on the Balikkal Pura of the temple. There is Shiva Tandava and Vamana Avatar sculpture in front of the sreekovil. It is said that 1000 thachu was required to complete each sculpture on the sreekovil. There are breathtaking sculptures on the roof of Mandapam, Balikalpura and Vathil Madom.
The annual festival dedicated to Shiva is held for 10 days in Dhanu Masam (December – January). The kodiyettam is held on Thiruvathira nakshatra in Dhanu month. Moolam Nakshatra in Dhanu month is observed as Hanuman Jayanti. Another important festival here is the Mahashivratri.
Panthrantu Kalabham dedicated to Hanuman begins on the first day of Chingam month and lasts for 12 days. Ayiliyam nakshatra in Kanni masam is dedicated to serpent worship.