Thrippalur Mahadeva Temple is an ancient Hindu
temple located on the banks of the Gayatri River in Alathur, Palakkad district.
The temple is primarily dedicated to Lord Siva, along with Lord Krishna and
Lord Narasimha, reflecting a harmonious blend of Shaiva and Vaishnava
traditions. It is also counted among the 108 revered Siva temples in Kerala.
References to this temple appear in several classical works of Malayalam
literature. According to legend, the idol of Lord Siva was installed by sage
Parashurama during the Treta Yuga. Though its exact historical origins are
unclear, the temple was once under the control of the Kavalappara Swarupam, a
ruling family
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of Palakkad. The temple complex features three main sanctums
(sreekovils) dedicated to Lord Siva, Lord Krishna, and Lord Narasimha. The
shrine of Lord Siva is especially notable for its two-storeyed structure with
intricate carvings that highlight its antiquity. The sanctums of Siva and
Krishna are square in shape, while the Narasimha shrine is circular. All three
deities face west. The temple interior is paved with polished granite, giving
it a compact yet distinctly ancient atmosphere. On the eastern side, there are
old wall paintings believed to be over a century old, possibly created by a
devotee of Thrippalur Siva. A large temple pond lies outside the western
entrance. It is traditionally believed that the temple was established to
pacify the powerful energy of Lord Siva.