Kandiyoor Sree Mahadeva Temple
About Kandiyoor Sree Mahadeva Temple
Located in Kandiyoor, Alappuzha district, this sacred Shiva temple stands as a testament to Kerala's rich spiritual heritage. The presiding deity, Lord Shiva, is worshipped as Kandiyoorappan in the Kirathamoorthy form. The temple occupies 7.5 acres and features traditional Kerala architecture with a rectangular sanctum in two-tier style, Gajaprishta-style compound walls, stone inscriptions, sculptures, and multiple shrines. According to temple legend, this site marks where Lord Shiva performed the Brahma Shirassu act, severing one of Brahma's heads, establishing it as a paramount Shaiva pilgrimage center. The temple is also known as Dakshina Kashi due to its spiritual significance in Shiva worship tradition. Historically, Kandiyoor served as the capital of the Odanadu kingdom and maintains associations with the sage Mrikandu, father of Markandeya Maharishi.
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