Please Download Our Android App to Continue Editing

Avittathur is one of the 64 original Brahmin settlements in the Kerala state. The temple was owned by 28 Brahmin families in the village of Avittathur. It is said that Shiva Lingam of temple installed by Lord Parashurama and later sage Agasthya has constructed the temple and designed the day-to-day rituals of the temple. The name of the village was originally agastyaputtur but it seems to be just the Sanskritization of the word.

The Avittathur inscription (AD 1024) is in the period of Chera King of Mahodayapuram (Kodungallur) Raja Kulasekhara Kota Ravi Varman (Ravi Kota "Rajasimha" (c. 1021– c.1036 CE)). The inscription says about the conditions of Chirakkal Nilam (Chirakkal paddy fields) at Avittathur; It was handed over to Avittathur Mahadeva Temple for the day-to-day expenditure of the temple. The rules (inscription) named "Kadakottu Kacham". Avittathur inscription discovered at Avittathur Thazhekad Church near the Avittathur Mahadeva temple. The Kadankattu kacham is similar to the Moozhikulam kacham of Thirumoozhikkulam Lakshmana Perumal Temple. In addition to that four more old inscriptions have been discovered in the temple compound.

The temple compound is 3.25 acres; Sri Mahadeva (Lord Shiva) facing west in a separate Sanctum Sanctorum. The temple complex is very huge and is preserved as a national monument by ASI (Archaeological Survey of India). The temple having a compound wall in square shape. The Avittathur Mahadeva Temple is a class of its own beauty. The temple sanctum sanctorum is round shaped with copper tiled double storey. Ambalavattam (Nalambalam) is majestic in shape and the extensive Nadapura (Anakottil) at west side having huge pillars as its support while the valia-balikkal near the inner entrance is large enough to hide the direct view of the sanctum sanctorum. Daily poojas are performing as per the requirements of a "Maha kshetra".