Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple
Kottayam's old Shiva temple, the Chandra stop in local practice.
⭐ Why it is famous
Thirunakkara Mahadeva is a major, ancient Shiva temple at the heart of Kottayam town; it is not a dedicated Chandra shrine, but its Somavaram (Monday) crowds and its association with Chandra-linked Shiva worship have made it the temple locally treated as this leg of the Navagraha trail.
📜 Pilgrimage history
Believed to have been established under the patronage of the Thekkumkur royal family centuries ago, it remains one of the principal Shiva temples of the erstwhile Thekkumkur kingdom and hosts a well-known annual utsavam.
🕰️ Temple timings
- Morning: 4:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Evening: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🙏 Darśan details
- Mondays (Somavaram) are considered especially auspicious here.
- Traditional dress required: mundu for men, sari/set-mundu for women.
- The annual ten-day utsavam (Feb–Mar) draws large crowds and processions.
🚉 Location & getting there
📍 Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple, Kottayam, KottayamKottayam railway station (KTYM) — 1 km
Kottayam bus stand — state transport buses stop here.
Cochin International Airport (COK) — 75 km
In the centre of Kottayam town, a short walk from the KSRTC bus stand and railway station.
🪔 Poojas, sevās & tickets
This temple does not publish a rate list. Darśan is free; ārcanā, abhiṣeka and other sevās are booked at the counter inside the temple on the day.
🧭 Around the temple
Places to see besides the temple — tap any one to open it in Google Maps.
🛏️ Where to stay
- Numerous hotels across Kottayam town
- Backwater resorts at Kumarakom, 16 km
₹ Indicative trip cost (per head, 2 days)
| Budget | Standard | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| ₹700 | ₹1,800 | ₹4,000 |
🛕 Nearby temples
📌 Other attractions nearby
- Kumarakom backwaters
- Kottayam heritage bazaar
🧵 Part of these circuits
📅 Best time to visit
Mondays; the annual utsavam in Feb–Mar