Thirunettoor Mahadeva Temple is a sacred and historically significant temple in Kerala renowned for its unique tradition of worshipping both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu within the same temple complex. The temple holds a special place in Kerala’s spiritual landscape as it is believed to be one of the 108 Shiva temples consecrated by Sage Parashurama.
The main deity, Lord Shiva, is worshipped in the form of Sri Parameswara, while Lord Vishnu is enshrined as Vaikundeswara. Both deities are installed in separate sanctum complexes reflecting a rare and harmonious blend of Shaivism and Vaishnavism. The temple also houses shrines dedicated to Lord Krishna, Lord Ganapathy, Subramanya, Goddess Saraswati, Yogiswaran and Pamban Devan making it a spiritually diverse and inclusive place of worship. According to tradition, the revered saint Vilwamangalam Swamiyar played a key role in suggesting the installation of the Vishnu idol further enhancing the temple’s religious significance. One of the most important rituals observed here is the Vavu Bali ceremony performed during the Amavasya day of the Malayalam month of Karkkidakam. Devotees gather in large numbers to offer prayers and ancestral offerings seeking peace for departed souls.
Festivals
The Temple has a number of festivals. The important ones are :
Kodiyattu Mahotsavam
The Kodiyattu Mahotsavam is the most important annual festival of Thirunettoor Mahadeva Temple, celebrated with great devotion and traditional grandeur. The festival begins with the ceremonial flag hoisting (Kodiyettu) in the temple premises, marking the start of the sacred celebrations. Over the course of several days, special poojas, abhishekams, and rituals are performed for both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu in their respective sanctums. The temple also hosts traditional art forms, devotional music and cultural programmes creating a spiritually vibrant atmosphere. The festival concludes with the Arattu ceremony where the deities are taken in a grand procession for the ritual bath symbolizing purification and divine renewal.
Karkidaka Vavu Bali
Karkidaka Vavu Bali is an important ritual observed at the temple on the Amavasya day of the Malayalam month of Karkkidakam. On this sacred day, devotees gather in large numbers, especially at the Maha Vishnu shrine, to perform ancestral offerings known as bali. The ritual is performed with deep devotion to seek peace and liberation for departed souls. Sacred prayers, offerings, and traditional rites are conducted throughout the day, creating a spiritually charged atmosphere within the temple. This observance is considered highly auspicious and draws devotees seeking blessings for their ancestors.
Contact Address: Tirunettoor Mahadeva Temple, Ambalakadavu Rd, near Temple Road, Nettoor, Maradu, Ernakulam, Kerala 682040.
Phone Number: 1800 4254 747
