Kottarakkara
Mahadeva Temple, located in Kottarakkara, Kollam district, is dedicated to Lord
Shiva. It is considered one of the 108 Shiva temples in Kerala, with the
Shivling believed to have been consecrated by Parashurama, an avatar of Lord
Vishnu. The Shivling here is notably large, and the sanctum sanctorum is
circular (vatta sreekovil). The temple complex includes a nalambalam (inner
courtyard), a temple pond, and a namaskara mandapam (prayer hall).
Historically, the temple was the family deity (Paradevatha) shrine of the
Elayadath Swaroopam. It is also said that Kottarakkara Thampuran first
performed Ramanattam, the precursor to Kathakali, at this temple.
Please wait...