This is one of the most important Siva temples in Kerala. Situated near Mavelikara, the temple is in a large compound surrounded by huge walls. The main deity is Mahadeva. Apart from that the different forms of Mahadeva, Parvatheeshan, Sree Sankara, Sreekandeswara, Viswanatha and Mruthyunjaya are also consecrated in separate sancta. Vishnu, Nagaraja, Nagayakshi, Gosala Krishna Annapoorneswary and Brahmarakshas are the subordinate deities. It is believed to be one of the 108 Siva temples established by Sage Parasurama in Kerala. According to a legend Rishi Mrikandu, father of Rishi Markandeya got an idol of Lord Siva as Kirathamoorthy from the Ganga. Searching for the suitable place more to consecrate it, he came to Kandiyoor. Another legend associates this place with the spot where Lord Siva cut off the head of Lord Brahma. Kandiyoor was annexed to his land by the Raja of Kayamkulam and it was added to Travancore by Marthandavarma. After his defeat, the Kayamkulam Raja is believed to have surrendered his sword at the temple and left through the backdoor. After that the door has not been opened till now. The most important puja here is at night called Anthi puja when the concept of Ardhanaareeswara is adopted for the deity. Kandiyoor was the capital of the Odanad dynasty. The temple is mentioned in literary creations written in the 14 th century.