Chengannur Mahadeva Temple

The Chengannur Mahadeva Temple is a prominent 1,500-year-old Hindu shrine in Chengannur, Alappuzha district, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy. Built by the legendary architect Perunthachan, it features exquisite Kerala architecture with shared sanctum for both deities. The temple is renowned for its unique Thripputhu festival, symbolizing fertility through the menstruation ritual of the goddess, making it one of the 108 Shakti Peethas.

Visitors can explore a historic temple complex spanning six acres with traditional Kerala architecture, including copper-plated conical shrines and intricate woodwork. The temple houses separate shrines for Lord Shiva facing east and Goddess Parvathy facing west, along with sub-deities like Ganapathi, Shasta, and Sree Krishna. Visitors witness daily pujas and can observe the temple's unique cultural practices during special festivals.

Believed to be constructed around 300 AD by the legendary architect Perunthachan, this 1,500-year-old temple is one of the major Shiva temples in Kerala. The temple was renovated in the 18th century after fire damage, restoring remarkable paintings and murals. It holds significance as one of the temples believed to be built by Parasurama.

The temple is one of the 108 Shakti Peethas and is culturally significant for the Thripputhu festival, a rare menstruation ritual for Goddess Parvathy symbolizing fertility. The temple celebrates a 28-day annual festival (Varshikotsavam) during December-January. Both Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy share equal importance here, representing the divine Shiva-Shakti manifestation.