Kaduthuruthi, located exactly 30 kms from Kottayam, 14 kms from Ettumanoor and 14 Kms from Vaikom, is well known for having a Shiva temple which is associated with the famous Ettumanoor-vaikom-kaduthuruthi trio.
This famous ancient Lord Shiva pantheon enshrines one of the three sacred Shivalingas given to the demon Khara by Bhaktavasankar. The interesting history of this temple dates back to Treta Yuga, and its glory originates from the time of Khara, a great demon, though served indomitable and wicked Ravana, was a devotee of Lord Shiva. Being a domineering military general, he was entrusted with the kingship of large areas in Dandakaranya and was related to Ravana through his father. His ardent devotion reached the point of consummation with obtaining several boons from Lord Shiva, propitiated at Chidambaram, at the instance of his preceptor Malayavan.
Among the boons blessed with, three Shivalingas were also there. They were big in size and grand in appearance. For taking them home, he adopted, rather oddly, to carry one in each hand and the third in the mouth. When felt tired on the way, he alighted at a spot, where the Vaikom Mahadeva Temple stands now. He installed one which he carried in his hand there and later installed the other at Ettumanoor. The third one which he carried in his mouth was installed at Kaduthuruthi.
There was a noble king called Vadakkankoor Raja, who was visiting Lord Shiva in all the three shrines. He was unable to offer worship as he was aged. He installed a Shivalinga as a representation of Lord Shiva of Vaikom at the North side facing east, and a one resembling Ettumanoor Shivalinga at the South Side facing West, thus worshipping all the three holy Shivalingas in one place. Those who cannot go to all the three places may visit this place and attain equal benefits of having worshipped at three places.
In Kaduthuruththi, Lord Shiva resides with his consort, Goddess Parvathi, in the sanctum which is 2000 years old. Lord Shiva resides as one who gives all prosperity and removes the obstacles of married life. Worshipping the lord here bestows boon of no re-birth.
