Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple sits on a low hill in the middle of Kottayam town, in Kottayam district, Kerala, and it is the kind of place a town has grown around. The full name is the Thirunakkara Sree Mahadevar Temple, a Shiva temple that Kerala Tourism dates to roughly 500 years ago. This guide covers what to see, when to go, how to reach it and how the famous Arattu festival unfolds.
The Thirunakkara Sree Mahadevar Temple is a roughly 500-year-old Shiva temple in central Kottayam, Kerala, built in the Kerala architectural style by the erstwhile Thekkumkoor royal house. It is known for its colourful murals and a large koothambalam (temple theatre), and it hosts the ten-day Thirunakkara Arattu festival each spring.
Key takeaways
- Kerala Tourism describes Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple as about 500 years old, built by the erstwhile Thekkumkoor Maharaja in the Kerala School of Architecture (as of October 2026).
- Its murals, depicting stories of Shiva and the Dashavatara (ten avatars of Vishnu), are rated by Kerala Tourism among the finest in the state.
- Kerala Tourism lists darshan hours as 4 am–11 am and 5 pm–8 pm; confirm during festivals and eclipses, when timings change.
- The Thirunakkara Arattu is a ten-day festival that begins on the first day of the Malayalam month of Meenam (March–April) and ends with the deity’s ceremonial bath.
- The temple is central: about 250 m from Thirunakkara bus stop and about 1.9 km from Kottayam railway station, per Kerala Tourism.
- Nearest airport is Cochin International (COK), roughly 76–82 km away depending on the source.
About Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple
Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple is a Shiva temple in central Kottayam town, Kottayam district, Kerala, that Kerala Tourism dates to about 500 years ago. It stands on Thirunakkara Hill, known locally as Nakkara Kunnu, and the surrounding Thirunakkara Maidan is the town’s main open ground.
The presiding deity is Shiva, worshipped here as a Shivalinga and called Thirunakkara thevar in local usage. English Wikipedia notes the temple is counted among the 108 Shivalayas of Kerala and is administered by the Travancore Devaswom Board. Do not confuse it with the nearby Thirunakkara Sri Krishna Temple, which is a separate shrine.
The founding is credited to the erstwhile Thekkumkoor (Thekkumkur) royal house, whose kingdom was later absorbed into Travancore. Wikipedia frames the 16th-century date as tradition (“believed to have been built”), so treat the exact year as attributed rather than documented. According to local belief, a Thekkumkoor king who worshipped Vadakkumnathan at Thrissur found a self-manifested Shivalinga at Nakkara Hill and built the temple around it; this is told as legend, not history.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Thirunakkara Hill, central Kottayam, Kottayam district, Kerala |
| Deity | Shiva (Mahadeva), as a Shivalinga |
| Age / builder | About 500 years; erstwhile Thekkumkoor Maharaja (per Kerala Tourism) |
| Style | Kerala School of Architecture |
| Administration | Travancore Devaswom Board |
| Darshan hours | 4 am–11 am and 5 pm–8 pm (per Kerala Tourism; reconfirm) |
| Main festival | Thirunakkara Arattu, ten days in Meenam (March–April) |
Best time to visit
The most comfortable months to visit Kottayam are roughly November to February, when the weather is drier and a little cooler. Kottayam sits in Kerala’s backwater belt and is warm and humid for most of the year, with the southwest monsoon bringing heavy rain from June to September, so plan temple visits and sightseeing around the rain in those months.
If your aim is the festival, the key window is the Malayalam month of Meenam (March–April), when the Thirunakkara Arattu takes place. March and April are hot; carry water and plan temple visits for early morning or evening.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | Nov–Feb | Drier, warm days, most comfortable for sightseeing |
| Summer / festival | Mar–May | Hot and humid; Arattu falls in Meenam (Mar–Apr) |
| Southwest monsoon | Jun–Sep | Heavy rain, lush backwaters, fewer crowds |
| Post-monsoon | Oct | Greenery, occasional showers, shoulder season |
How to reach Thirunakkara
Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple is in the centre of Kottayam, so reaching it is simply a matter of reaching Kottayam town and walking or taking a short auto-rickshaw ride. Kerala Tourism places the temple about 250 m from the Thirunakkara bus stop and about 1.9 km from Kottayam railway station.
By rail, Kottayam is a major station on the Thiruvananthapuram–Ernakulam line with frequent trains; from Kochi it is roughly a 75-minute ride. By air, the nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (COK), which Incredible India lists at about 76 km and Kerala Tourism at about 82 km by road; Thiruvananthapuram airport is the farther alternative at around 150–160 km. By road, Kottayam is well served by KSRTC and private buses, and the KSRTC bus station is about 2 km from the railway station.
| Mode | Access point | Approx. distance |
|---|---|---|
| Local | Thirunakkara bus stop | 250 m |
| Rail | Kottayam railway station | 1.9 km |
| Air | Cochin International Airport (COK) | 76–82 km |
| Air (alt.) | Thiruvananthapuram airport (TRV) | ~150–160 km |
What to see at the temple
The highlight at Thirunakkara is the mural work, which Kerala Tourism rates among the finest in the state. The paintings, in the traditional Kerala style, depict stories of Shiva and the Dashavatara, the ten avatars of Vishnu. Take time in good daylight to read the panels rather than rushing a quick darshan.
The temple also has a large koothambalam, a roofed traditional theatre used for ritual arts and cultural performances; Kerala Tourism calls it among the best in Kerala. On the grounds you will also see the kodimaram (flag mast) and an anakottil (elephant shelter) used during festivals. The layout follows the Kerala School of Architecture, with the sanctum at its heart.
Alongside the main Shiva shrine, the temple complex has sub-shrines. Kerala Tourism’s festival listing names Subramanya (Murugan), Ganesha, a panchaloha (five-metal) idol of the Goddess, and Ayyappa among the deities enshrined here.
| Feature | Why it matters | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Murals | Shiva stories and the Dashavatara, among Kerala’s finest (per Kerala Tourism) | 20–30 min |
| Koothambalam | Large traditional temple theatre for ritual arts | 10–15 min |
| Main Shiva shrine | The Shivalinga, worshipped as Thirunakkara thevar | Darshan |
| Sub-shrines | Subramanya, Ganesha, the Goddess, Ayyappa | 10–15 min |
| Kodimaram & anakottil | Flag mast and elephant shelter, central to festivals | 5–10 min |
The Thirunakkara Arattu festival
The Thirunakkara Arattu is a ten-day temple festival that begins on the first day of the Malayalam month of Meenam, which falls in March–April. According to Kerala Tourism, it ends with the Arattu itself, the ceremonial holy bath of the deity in the temple tank, which gives the festival its name.
The processions are the draw. Kerala Tourism describes a procession of nine caparisoned elephants carrying decorated parasols, accompanied by drummers and dancers, moving to the temple tank for the deity’s bath. In the temple courtyard you can see Mayilattom (a peacock dance) and Velakali (a martial-style dance), and Kathakali is staged through the night on the third and fourth days. Kerala Tourism puts annual participation at about 1,500 people.
Exact dates shift each year with the Malayalam calendar, so treat any calendar date as provisional. One press/blog source listed the 2026 festival as roughly 15–24 March with the Arattu on 24 March, but Kerala Tourism itself advises confirming dates with local authorities. For a future visit, reconfirm with the Travancore Devaswom Board or the temple office.
How to plan your visit
Thirunakkara is a half-day stop rather than a full-day destination, and it pairs naturally with Kottayam’s backwaters and other temples. A simple plan:
- Morning: Reach the temple soon after it opens (Kerala Tourism lists 4 am–11 am) for a quiet darshan and the murals in soft light.
- Midday: Walk around the Thirunakkara Maidan and the town, and have a Kerala meal nearby.
- Afternoon: Head to Kumarakom for the backwaters, or visit the Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple about 12 km north.
- Evening: Return for the evening session (5 pm–8 pm) if you want a second darshan, or continue to your onward stop.
If you are touring more of the state, Kottayam fits well into a wider Kerala travel plan, often between Kochi and the southern backwaters or the high ranges around Munnar.
Where to stay
Kottayam town has a straightforward range of hotels within a short ride of the temple, and the Kumarakom backwaters nearby add resort and homestay options. The bands below are indicative planning estimates (reconfirm; as of October 2026), not quoted tariffs, since room rates move with season and demand, especially during the festival.
- Budget (around ₹1,000–₹2,500 a night): basic town hotels and lodges in Kottayam, handy for an early temple visit.
- Mid-range (around ₹2,500–₹6,000): business-style hotels in town and simpler homestays towards Kumarakom.
- Luxury (₹8,000 and up): backwater resorts around Kumarakom, a short drive from the temple.
Book well ahead if you are visiting during the Arattu, when the town fills up. Homestays are a good way to eat local food and get practical, current advice from hosts.
Food to try in Kottayam
Kottayam is in the heart of central Kerala’s Syrian Christian and Hindu food country, and the local table leans on rice, coconut and spice. Look for:
- Appam with stew (lacy fermented rice-flour pancakes with a mild coconut-milk curry).
- Puttu and kadala curry (steamed rice-flour cylinders with black-chickpea curry), a classic breakfast.
- Karimeen pollichathu (pearl spot fish marinated and grilled in a banana leaf), a backwater speciality.
- Kottayam-style beef and fish curries, known for a sharp, peppery hit.
- Vegetarian sadya (a rice meal with many sides on a banana leaf), easy to find near temples.
Near the temple you will also find simple vegetarian meals suited to a pilgrimage day.
Budget breakdown
Visiting the temple itself is free; your spending is on travel, stay and food. The table below is an indicative planning estimate for one person on a one-day Kottayam trip (reconfirm live prices; as of October 2026). It assumes local transport by auto-rickshaw and a mid-range meal or two, and excludes long-distance travel to reach Kottayam.
| Item | Indicative range |
|---|---|
| Temple entry | Free |
| Local autos / short taxi hops | ₹300–₹700 |
| Food (2 meals + snacks) | ₹300–₹800 |
| Optional Kumarakom boat ride | ₹500–₹2,000 |
| Rough day total (excl. stay & long travel) | ₹1,100–₹3,500 |
Etiquette, dress and rules
Thirunakkara is a working Hindu temple, so dress and conduct matter. Traditional, modest dress is expected: in many Kerala temples men remove the shirt and wear a mundu, and women wear a saree, set-mundu or churidar. Entry norms for non-Hindus vary between Kerala temples, so if this applies to you, check at the temple office before entering.
Photography inside the sanctum is generally restricted at Kerala temples; ask temple staff before using a camera or phone, especially near the shrine. Footwear is left outside. No specific permit (ILP, PAP or park permit) applies to visiting Kottayam or this temple. During the Arattu, expect large crowds, elephants and processions, and follow the directions of temple authorities and police.
Practical tips
- Timing: Kerala Tourism lists darshan as 4 am–11 am and 5 pm–8 pm, so plan around the midday closure. One other source gives different hours, so reconfirm, and note timings change on festival days and during eclipses.
- Connectivity and cash: Kottayam is a well-connected town with banks, ATMs and widespread UPI acceptance; carry some cash for autos and small shops.
- Health: Kottayam town has district-level hospitals and the Government Medical College nearby for emergencies.
- Heat: March to May is hot and humid; carry water and a hat, and keep to early-morning or evening visits.
- Solo women travellers: Kottayam is a busy, everyday town and the temple area is public and well-used; the usual city precautions apply.
- Packing: light cottons year-round, a rain layer in the monsoon, and clothing that meets temple dress norms.
Nearby places
Thirunakkara works best combined with Kottayam’s other sights, most within an hour’s drive. Distances below are approximate road distances.
| Place | Distance from Kottayam | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple | ~12 km | Famous Shiva temple with celebrated murals |
| Kumarakom | ~16 km | Backwaters, Vembanad Lake, bird sanctuary |
| Vaikom | ~32 km (via Kumarakom) | Historic Mahadeva temple and pilgrimage town |
| Kochi | ~75 min by train | Fort Kochi, harbour and heritage; see our Kochi guide |
Frequently asked questions
How old is Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple?
Kerala Tourism describes the Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple in Kottayam as about 500 years old, built by the erstwhile Thekkumkoor Maharaja. English Wikipedia frames the 16th-century date as tradition rather than documented record, so treat the exact year as attributed rather than confirmed history.
What are the darshan timings at Thirunakkara temple?
Kerala Tourism lists the Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple’s darshan hours as 4 am to 11 am and 5 pm to 8 pm. Timings change on festival days and during eclipses, and at least one other source gives different hours, so reconfirm with the temple before a special trip.
When is the Thirunakkara Arattu festival held?
The Thirunakkara Arattu is a ten-day festival that begins on the first day of the Malayalam month of Meenam, falling in March or April. Exact dates shift each year with the Malayalam calendar, so Kerala Tourism advises confirming with local authorities or the Travancore Devaswom Board.
How do I reach Thirunakkara temple in Kottayam?
Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple is in central Kottayam, about 250 m from the Thirunakkara bus stop and about 1.9 km from Kottayam railway station, per Kerala Tourism. The nearest airport is Cochin International (COK), roughly 76–82 km away by road depending on the source.
What is Thirunakkara temple famous for?
Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple is famous for its colourful murals, which Kerala Tourism rates among the finest in the state and which depict stories of Shiva and the Dashavatara, and for its large koothambalam (traditional temple theatre). The annual Thirunakkara Arattu festival is its biggest event.
Is there an entry fee for Thirunakkara temple?
No, there is no entry fee to visit the Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple; darshan is free. You only spend on local transport, food and any paid rituals or offerings. Photography inside the sanctum is generally restricted, so ask temple staff before using a camera near the shrine.
Last updated and sources
Thirunakkara suits anyone interested in Kerala’s temple art and ritual arts, and it is an easy, central stop on a Kottayam or backwaters trip. Go early in the day for the murals, and time a visit to Meenam (March–April) if you want to see the Arattu.
Last updated: 28 October 2026. Fees, timings and permits change — reconfirm with official sources before you travel.
Sources: Kerala Tourism — Thirunakkara Temple, Kottayam; Kerala Tourism — Thirunakkara Arattu; Kerala Tourism — Thirunakkara Mahadeva (temples listing); Wikipedia — Thirunakkara Sree Mahadevar Temple; Incredible India — Kottayam; Wikipedia — Ettumanoor Mahadevar Temple. Accessed September 2026.
