The Thrikkadavoor Mahadeva Temple is located 5 km north-west of Kollam, in Thrikkadavoor village on the banks of the Ashtamudi lake, dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the most famous Shiva temples in the district of Kollam. The god is dearly called as "Desinganadinte Kasinathan" (Kollam was called as 'Desinganadu' in the past) and also as "Thrikkadavoorappan" by the devotees.
The Shiva linga at Thrikkadavoor is believed to be "Swayambhoo" (formed by itself) and hence considered highly sacred by devotees. The temple is having a typical Kerala type architecture with majestic Gopurams on main entrances. The temple is also having a golden flagmast. Before the sanctum sanctorum there is a granite Namaskara mandapa with copper-covered pillars. The temple, previously owned by some Nair families, is now under the administration of Travancore Devaswom board.
The annual Kettukazhcha festival (exhibition of effigies) held during the months of February - March, in the malayalam month of Kumbhom is a very colorful and magnificent event. The eight artificial horses, which represent the eight neighboring places like Thevally (karas) around the temple, is a special attraction for tourists and is similar to the Kettukazhcha at the Chettikulangara devi temple, in Alappuzha. Charriots built at Thevally were carried to the Thrikkadavoor temple which is approximately 3 km away, through the lake and backwaters. Procession of artificial horses as a part of temple festival are so rare in Southern parts of Kerala. Chettikulangara temple and Thrikkadavoor temple are exceptions and hence is really an astonishment for the common folk in southern parts of Kerala.
Thrikkadavoor temple also celebrates the Thiruvathira festival with much joy and is a 10 day celebration for the devotees. Gajarathnam Thrikkadavur Shivaraju, the famous elephant of Thrikkadavur Mahadeva temple, also attracts many elephant lovers as well as foreigners. The 101 Kalasam (pot) and Chathussatham are the major offerings at this temple.
Thrikkadavoorappa Seva Sangam, a non-profit organisation formed by the youth, functions on the temple premises and it helps the devotees during the festival season.
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