Kandiyoor - Shiva worshipped by the Kayamkulam Raja

Kandiyoor Mahadevar Temple is located one Kilometre west of Mavelikkara town along the north side of the main road. It is one of the biggest temples in Central Travancore as well as in Kerala. This centuries-old temple, built by Cheraman Perumal Nayanar Rajasekhara Varman in AD 823, is unique in archeological features. Kandiyoorappan, the principal deity, faces east inside a two-tired Sanctum.

Apart from this, one can see another five shiva shrines in this temple. Thus by worshipping the six shiva idols of the temple, one is assured of attaining the salvation. It is believed that 108 deities of the Hindu mythology are present in the temple environs. Moreover, the temple had been a silent spectator of many cultural as well as historical events that happened in Kerala.

According to the myths, Saint Mrukandu, father of Markandeya, worshipped a Shiva Linga which he brought from River Ganges. He consecrated it at Kandiyur. Shiva is worshipped here as Dakshinamurthy in the morning, Uma Maheswara at noon and as Kirathamurthy in the evening.

The other five shiva idols are considered as Shankara(doer of good deeds), Neelakanta(one with blue throat), Mrutyunjaya(one who eliminates death), Viswanatha(Lord of the universe) and Parvatheesha(Lord of parvathy). Sub deities of the temple are Ganapathy, Vishnu, Ayyappa, Goshala Krishna, Subrahmanya, Annapoorna and Snake-Gods. Infrontof the sanctum of the principal deity, a platform is set for the devotee to stand and worship Kandiyoorappa. This is not a part of Kerala's traditional style but of Hoysala style of architecture. Standing on it, one will feel the entire cosmos just shrank into deity and the devotee.The surrounding wall of the temple is in the Gajaprishta(back of the elephant) style of architecture and is believed that Bhoothganas of Lord Shiva took only a single night to construct it.

One is blessed with Knowledge if he worships at Kandiyur in the morning, at noon with post-marital bliss and with removal of obstacles in the evening. Sree Sankaran will bless you with knowledge, Sree Kanta will destroy all your sins, Mrutyunjaya will vanquish death, Viswanathan gives you peace and Parvatheesa gives a joyful life with your partner. If one could see the top of six siva shrines at the same time, it is considered equal to the pilgrimage to holy Kailasa. It is said as Sadashiva Darshanam. For people who cannot go to Vaikom on the Ashtami day can pray at Kandiyoor and as per the myths, both are equally effective.

According to the historians, the temple was of Odanadu(land of bamboo trees) King which later was captured by Kayamkulam Thampuran. The temple was also ruled by Madathumcore King of Mavelikkara. After defeating Kayamkulam Raja, Marthanda Varma grabbed power to rule the temple. When there was a war between Venadu and Kayamkulam, Kayamkulam King entered the temple, prayed his last and escaped through the west door. The door closed by him is never opened till this day. There is an Era in the name 'Kandiyoorabdam' from the formation of the temple. Tantric rights of the temple are bestowed upon Tarananellore. The main festival is celebrated on the Thiruvathira, which falls on in the month of Dhanu. A golden flagstaff adds to the beauty of the temple. Yama pooja on the Shivaratri day is also considered auspicious. Anthi pooja is the main offering at this temple.