Muziris Heritage Zone of Kerala: A few Hindu temples within the heritage boundary

Navrang India September 17, 2025

 

Muziris Heritage, Kerala, India article.wn.com

The Muziris Heritage Project one of the biggest conservation projects in India, undertaken by the Kerala  state government along with the central governments together, with support from the UNESC.The purpose is to  to conserve a  3000 years plus  rich  culture of Kerala. The region that forms a part of the heritage project lies between North Paravur in Ernakulam district and Kodungallur in Thrissur district. Muziris was an active port on the west coast of southern India in the 1st century BCE.  

The projects to be inaugurated in separate functions during July and August 2023 included Cheraman Juma Masjid in Kodungallur, Pattanam Information Centre, Kodungallur Temple Museum and Oottupura,Thiruvanchikulam Canal Office, Keezhthali Siva Temple, Mathilakathu PA Syed Mohammed Cultural Centre, Pathinettarayalam Kovilakam, boat jetties at Azhikode and Munakkal, Kottayil Kovilakam at North Paravur, Holy Cross Church, Paliam Oottupura and Kokkarani, and Pattanam Tourist Interpretation Centre.onmanorama.com

In this only a few temples are covered within the heritage zone.  

The temples mentioned below  fall within the enclave   of  the Muziris Heritage Site, near Kochi, Kerala  where Christianity first arrived in India and  the very first mosque came up and made a prayer call for the first time. So was the Jewish prayer house - Synagogue and the growth of a small Jewish community. Christianity began right  here and spread to other parts of India.  It was once a cauldron of different cultures, speaking  different languages living in peace and harmony in the shadow of different cultures and belief along with the majority - Hindus under the patronage of the Hindu ruler. Muziris was the busiest and largest Spice trade center and a harbor in ancient time.

Kurumbakavu Bhagavathi Temple:

Kurumbakavu Bhagavathi Temple. en.wikipedia

It is located about 1.5 km southeast of the Kodungallur bus stand is a famous temple dedicated to Bhadrakali (Goddess Kali). About 1800 years ago  Cheran Chenkuttuvan of the Chera dynasty had the idol of Kannagi installed. She was the wife of a rich trader from Poompuhar, Tamil Nadu one Kovalan who was mistaken for a petty thief and faced death in the Pandya kingdom, Madurai. Enraged  Kannaki took revenge on the ruler for having killed an innocent man and later she wandered around the present place where she attained the status of goddess. This temple is  popularly known as Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple.  Devotees throng the shrine  on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays and, as part of Sabarimalai Yatra - pilgrimage, thousands of pilgrims visit this temple  during November - January every year.
 Famous festivals are Bharani festival (Malayalam month of Meenam: March -April) and Navaratri (October-November).

Kizhthali Siva Temple:

Kizhthali Siva Temple. .muzirisheritage.org

Kizhthali Siva Temple is believed to have existed during the reign of  Perumal  (B.C 113-AD 343).  It is situated on the Paravur-Kodungallur Road. The rulers of Chera dynasty were Shaivites, ardent devotees of Lord Shiva, and they had the Nambuthiri Brahmins  assist them in their administration.These advisers, as it was a custom in those days, used to gather in the Shiva temple called Thali.  This place was dotted with many Shiva temples such as  such as Melthali, Nediyathali and Chingapuram Thali. Presently under the care of the Archeology department, the religious functions are being taken care of by a private trust.

During the Portuguese rule and later under the Dutch, this temple was destroyed. Again during the raid by Tipu Sultan of Mysore,  this temple was again damaged, but for Srikovil - Garbagraha.  Its original glory - the temple boasted of a Koothu Parambu, a Kalari Parambu and a Kalapura Parambu. 

Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple:

Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple. kshetralayam.
blogspot.com

 Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple at Kottappuram is a Hindu temple of great antiquity - history of more than 2000 years, Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is a famous one in this Muziris heritage area, known for its number of representations of Lord Shiva. The Namaskara Mandapam, where devotees prostrate before the God, in front of the sanctum - Srikovil is an attractive one with 16 ornate pillars. The Utsavam (annual festival) is held in the Malayalam month of Kumbham (Feb-Mar), during this period the major festival of Shivratri is celebrated on a  grand scale and is well attended every year in the month of February - March (Malayalam month: Kumbham). Aanayottam (Elephant race), conducted as part of the festival, attracts lots of devotees to the temple. Devotees attend the Palliyara puja  that is held on a regular basis and on  full moon days, before closing the temple. This puja signifies reverentially sending the god and goddess into their bed room (palli Arai) for comfortable rest and sleep. The belief is the devotees, who attend the puja, will be blessed with happy married life and healthy children. Reposted with modification from  the old post June 06,2016  navrangindia.blogspot.com

 Introduction". www.keralatourism.org Kerala Touris
 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muziris