Mazhuvannur Maha Siva Kshethram

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Mazhuvannur Maha Siva Kshethram
town
Front view of temple
Front view of temple
Mazhuvannur Maha Siva Kshethram is located in Kerala
Mazhuvannur Maha Siva Kshethram
Mazhuvannur Maha Siva Kshethram
Location in Kerala, India
Coordinates: 11°43′52″N 75°59′19″E / 11.7312°N 75.9885°E / 11.7312; 75.9885Coordinates: 11°43′52″N 75°59′19″E / 11.7312°N 75.9885°E / 11.7312; 75.9885
Country India
StateKerala
Languages
 • OfficialMalayalam, English
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
670732
ISO 3166 codeIN-KL

Mazhuvannur Maha Siva Kshethram[1] is an ancient Hindu Temple at Tharuvana in Wayanad district of Kerala state in South India. The presiding deity in the sanctum-sanctorum is Lord Shiva; other deities are Arayil Bhagavathy, Shree Durga, Nandhi, Lord Ayyappa and Lord Ganapathi. This temple is situated on the highest peak in the areas of Karingari, Paliyana, and Tharuvana. Daily poojas(prayers) are performed here from ancient times. The Mazhuvannur Thekke Illam family members have been involved in leading pooja(prayer) here for many centuries.

Legend about the name[]

It is believed that the name Mazhuvannur is derived from three Malayalam words "Mazhu" (Axe), "Vanna" (Come), "Oor" (Place), which means "the place where axe had fallen".

Legend about the temple[]

The legend speaks of Lord Shiva appearing to Banasura after his arduous meditation(tapas) and offering him a wish. Banasura used this to ask Lord Siva to stand as a guard for his Kingdom. This made Lord Siva and Parvathi stand as guards to his castle (Banasura Kotta). Meanwhile, Usha, the daughter of Banasura, was affectionate towards Anirudhan, the son of Lord Krishna. One day Anirudhan reached the Banasura Kotta to meet Usha. This led to a big fight between Anirudhan and Banasur which ended with Anirudhan being captured and sentenced. Lord Krishna, in order to free his son, started a war with Banasur. But, as Lord Siva was a guardian to Banasur, he was forced to fight Lord Krishna. Lord Siva used his weapon (Sivajwaram) and Lord Krishna resisted with his weapon (Vishnujwaram). During this war between the deities, no one was able to claim victory. This led to Lord Siva throwing his axe against Lord Krishna from the Banasura hills. The axe was believed to have fallen in Mazhuvannur at the location of the temple and Parasurama is believed to have built the temple at this spot.

Functions and activities[]

Daily pooja is carried out in this temple from ancient times and this continues to this day. During festival times like Onam, Vishu, Aaayudha Pooja, etc., special poojas(prayers) are carried out. During Sabarimala season daily evening pooja(prayer) is carried out. These functions are widely attended by many people from around the country. During Sabarimala season Bhajana(singing prayer) and special prayers are carried out. Recently the temple committee has started giving "Annadanam" on the first Sunday of each calendar month which is a form of offering food to monks and other people.

Renovation[]

The temple, which was built with bricks and wood in ancient times, was renovated recently[when?]. The temple had "Naalu Kettu" in very ancient times, but it got damaged by the passage of time, the remains of which are still visible there. Presently the temple is under Malabar Dewaswom Board. Recently lot of activities are being undertaken by the temple committee to make the temple grander. Initiatives are being done to protect the temple property, plant trees in temple land and to make a grand signpost on the main road.

Properties of the temple[]

The main temple complex, Lord Ayyappan tree-based structure, temple pond, temple land known as Banglow Kunnu, Naaga Kaav, temple land and idol at Puthusseri.

Landscape[]

Banasura Hills are near this temple and offer a picturesque view. Banasura Sagar Dam, one of the biggest earth dams in Asia was constructed recently and attracts lot of tourists.

How to reach the temple[]

Nearest railway station is Calicut/Kozhikode. The temple is situated 10 Kilometers south-west of Mananthavady. From Tharuvana it is one kilometer away, and transport is available round the clock. Famous temples like Thirunelli temple and Valliyoorkavu temple can be reached from here with in one hour time.

Gallery[]

  • Images of the temple

  • Mazhuvannur Temple

  • Side view of the temple

References[]

  1. ^ Mazhuvannur Temple Legend. See "Mazhuvannur Temple Legend" Archived 2011-09-01 at the Wayback Machine

See also[]

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