Country India Time zone IST (UTC+5:30) Phone 04935 231 003 | State Kerala PIN 670732 ISO 3166 code ISO 3166-2:IN | |
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Address Mazhuvannur Temple Rd, Porunnanore, Kerala 670645 Similar Kottarakkara Sree Mahagan, Sree Indilayappan Temple, Pulimukham Devi Temple, Avanavanchery Sri Indilayap, Anikkattilammakshethram | ||
Mazhuvannur Maha Siva Kshethram is an ancient Hindu Temple at Tharuvana in Wayanad district of Kerala state in south India.The presiding deity in the sanctum-sanctorum is Lord Shiva, other deities are Arayil Bhagavathy,sree durga,nandhi,Lord Ayyappa and Lord Ganapathi. This temple is situated on the highest peak in the areas of Karingari, Paliyana, and Tharuvana.Daily poojas are performed here from dates unknown. Famous Mazhuvannur Thekke Illam family members perform pooja here from ancient times till today.
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Legend about the name
It is believed that the name Mazhuvannur is derived from three Malayalam words "Mazhu"(Axe), "Vanna"(Come), "Oor"(Place).Which means the place where axe had fallen. it is also te home god(kuladeivam) of pollayoodu tharavadu(family) whose disciples are currently staying in Bangalore
Legend about the Temple
Lord Siva appeared to Banasura after his hard tapas. Banasura asked Lord Siva to stand as a guard to his Kingdom. Then Lord Siva and Parvathi stood as guard to his Kotta. Chithralekha, daughter of Banasura is in affection with Anirudhan, the son of Lord Sreekrishna. One day Arirudhan reached the Banasura Kotta to meet Chithralekha. There started a big fight between Anrudhan and Lord Siva. Lord Siva thrown his axe against Anirudha from the banasura hills. The axe was believed to have fallen in Mazhuvannur. And Parasurama is believed to have done the foundation to the temple
Functions and activities
Daily pooja was being carried out in this temple from days immemorial and the same still continues. During festival times like Onam, Vishu, Aaayudha pooja etc. special poojas are carried out. During sabarimala season daily evening pooja is carried out. Lot of devotees from near and far attend such functions. In Sabari mala season Bhajana and special prayers ae carried out. Recently the temple committee has started giving "Annadanam" on First Sunday of each calendar month, which is being attended by mass.
Renovation
The temple which was built with bricks and wood in ancient times was renovated recently. The temple had "Naalu Kettu " in very ancient times, but it got damaged by the passage of time, the remains of which are still visible there. Presently the temple is under Malabar Dewaswom Board. Recently lot of activities are being undertaken by the temple committee to make the temple a grand one. Initiatives are being done to protect the temple property, plant trees in temple land and to make a grand name borad in the main road.
Properties of temple
The main temple complex, Lord Ayyappan tree based structure, Temple pond, Temple land known as Banglow Kunnu, Naaga Kaav, Temple land and idol at Puthusseri.
Landscape
Banasura Hills are near this temple and offers a picturesque view.Banasura Sagar Dam, one of the biggest Earth dam in Asia is constructed recently and it attracts lot of tourists.
How to reach the temple
Nearest railway station is calicut.The temple is situated 10 Kilometers south-west of Mananthavady. From Tharuvana it is one kilometer away, and transport is available round the clock. Famous temples like Thirunelli temple and Valliyoorkavu temple can be reached from here with in one hour time.