The Avittathur Mahadeva Temple, situated in the idyllic village of Avittathur, is a historic temple that boasts a rich cultural and architectural heritage, dating back over 2000 years. Located just 6 km from Irinjalakuda, the temple is nestled in a scenic landscape once home to Sage Agastya, who performed penance at one of the nearby peaks. As we approach the temple, the initial disillusionment of not finding the expected hills gives way to a sense of wonder, as the historic temple comes into view, with its traditional glory intact. The temple's compound, more spanning 3.5 acres, is home to several ancient structures, including the Nadapandal, Valiya Balikkal, and the Sreekovil, which is a two-storied, stone-paved sanctum that houses the revered Siva Linga. The Namaskara Mandapam, with its 16 pillars and intricately carved wooden sculptures, is a notable feature of the temple, showcasing the Kirata story and Palazhimadhanam carvings. The temple's unique consecration ritual, which involves three sankalpas, is believed to have been performed by Sage Agastya, who is said to have installed the idol of Lord Siva, facing west. The temple has an inscription in Vattezhuthu on either side of the entrance of the Sreekovil, which is believed to be of the Chera dynasty (937 AD), making the temple more than 1000 years old. Avittathur is one of the thirty-six ancient gramams in the present Kerala State, and the temple is one of the grama-kshetra, with the great Sage Agastya having installed the idol. The earlier name of the place was Agastya-Trippadha-ur, which means the place sanctified by the holy feet of Sage Agastya, and over time, the name was corrupted to Agastyaputtoor and later to Avittathur. A remarkable feature of the temple is the presence of a Homa-Kundam at the northwest, believed to have been used by Sage Agastya, which has an extent of 50 cents and a depth of four kolu. The temple's history is also marked by various administrative changes, from being owned by the local Illams to being managed by a committee of devotees. The temple was earlier owned by forty Illams of the locality, who nominated a person called Samudaya Manushyan (Manager) with powers to administer the temple. However, over time, the management of the temple changed hands, with the Paravoor Raja, a Namboothiri chief, administering the temple, followed by a period of mismanagement, which was eventually rectified by the court's verdict in favour of Devaswam. Two Namboothiri devotees, Kuduppilli Krishnan Namboothiri and Naduvam Narayanan Namboothiri, did yeomen service in the temple, with the latter continuing to look after the temple affairs efficiently after the former's death. During his period, the Sreekovil was covered with copper sheets, Dhwaja-Pradishta was done, and the temple rituals were made systematic. After implementing the Land Reforms Act of 1963, the temple properties were lost. Still, the Ooralars managed the temple efficiently, and in 1985, a local committee of devotees called Avittathur Siva Kshetra Samiti was formed, with a membership facility extended to all the Hindu families of the locality. Today, the temple is managed by a 51-member General Council and 11-member Executive Committee, with the President and Secretary attending to the day-to-day affairs of the temple, ensuring its continued preservation and upkeep. Considering the age-old structure and ancient values, the Temple is preserved and protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as a National Monument.