- By Kashish Rai
- Wed, 04 Feb 2026 01:34 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple: Are you concerned about the delay in your marriage or looking for the ideal life partner? The Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple in Kodungallur, Kerala, is a divine temple where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati live together, fulfilling the wishes of their devotees. It is said that the unique 'Palliyara Puja' performed at this sacred place removes all the hurdles in marriage completely.
In The Daily Jagran’s series Divine Paths, were we discuss about unique temples across India and abroad, let us uncover the secrets of this special temple and the rituals performed there that might make your marriage dreams come true.
History Of Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple
The history of the Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple is believed to date back to over 2000 years. This temple was constructed by the rulers of the Chera dynasty and is one of the oldest temples in Kerala.
It is said that the great saint Sundaramurthy Nayanar and King Cheraman Perumal attained the abode of Lord Shiva - Kailasha from this very spot itself. It is one of the 274 famous Shiva temples in India, which is mentioned in the holy Tamil scriptures.
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The Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple is believed to have been constructed by the rulers of the Chera dynasty. (Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)
Presiding Deities At Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple
The main presiding deity of the Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple is Lord Shiva, who is known as Mahadeva in this temple. He is also accompanied by Goddess Parvati, who is known as Umadevi. The most unique feature of this temple is that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati live in this temple along with their entire divine family, which signifies the bliss of married life.
Lord Shiva is worshipped as Mahadeva and Goddess Parvati is worshipped as Umadevi at the Thiruvanchikulam Temple. (Image Source: Gemini AI)
Rituals Performed To Resolve Marriage Delays At Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple
Some special and effective rituals are performed at the Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple to remove obstacles to marriage, which are as follows:
- Palliyara Puja
This is the most significant ritual performed at this temple. Every night before the temple closes, the idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are carried in a palanquin to their bedchamber or Palliyara. It is believed that at this moment, the deities are in their most benevolent form. People awaiting delays in marriage perform this puja to attain a happy married life. It is highly auspicious to perform this puja for three consecutive full moons or Purnima.
Devotees perform various pujas at Thiruvanchikulam Mahadev Temple to bring an end to marriage-related issues. (Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)
- Swayamvara Parvathi Puja
This special puja is done for those whose marriages are encountering problems because of Mangal Dosha or other planetary problems. This puja is associated with the penance performed by Goddess Parvati to get Lord Shiva as her husband. In this ritual, special mantras are recited to remove the negative effects and hasten the marriage prospects.
- Dampathi Puja
This puja is performed to end disputes between couples or to find a suitable life partner for those who are unmarried. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are worshipped as the perfect couple in this ritual. The devotees light ghee lamps and give silk clothes as offerings, as it is said that this remedy invites love and bliss in their married lives.
It is said that the devotees who perform puja at this sacred place with devotion and a pure heart have all of their prayers answered, with the blessings of Lord Shiva and Parvati. If you are facing any challenges related to marriage, do visit this sacred site to seek the blessings of Bholenath and Maa Parvati. For more such stories, stay tuned to The Daily Jagran!