Kottakkal Shiva temple, also known as Venkitta Thevar temple, is located near Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala in Kottakkal - Malappuram route in Malappuram district, Kerala. The shrine is dedicated to Shiva – sankalpam is that of pathnisamethanaya Shivan (Shiva with wife Parvati). The darshanam of Venkitta Thevar Shiva temple is towards east. The annual festival in the temple begins with Kodiyettam on Thiruvathira nakshatra day in Kumbha Masam. The Upa Devatas worshipped in the temple are Ganapathi and Ayyappan. The shrine is famous for its sculptures in wood and mural paintings. As per history, the temple was built by Valluvakkonathiri in 1200 CE. The temple lies outside on the boundary wall of an old fort. The temple has mentioned and praised in the 17 th century poem Brahmara Sandesham by Vasudeva Kavi. The temple is a classic the indigenous style of temple architecture of Kerala. The shrine has a Dwitala Vimana. The garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) and Mukhamandapa are square