Iranikulam Sree Mahadeva Temple is located at Iranikulam, Mala in Thrissur district.Iranikulam village is an ancient village and one of the 64 Brahmin villages in Kerala. Iranikulam is famous for its culture. When the governance of the Cheran administration was weakened, the temple administration was numbered. But when the internal squabbles broke out between them, the non-rulers were turned into two groups and made another deity of Lord Shiva in separate Sanctum sanctorum. The temple has two main deities, Thekkadathappan and Vadakkedathappan. Both deities are Lord Shiva. In the rehabilitation of the temple, the new idol was replaced by a broken statue.The South shrine is generally considered to be the two-level Sanctum sanctorum shrine of Lord Shiva. The presiding deities of north shrine are Lord Shiva, Parvati and Subramanya dwell at the same altar in the sanctum sanctorum facing east.
The warrior sage of India, ‘Lord Parasurama’ installed one of the 108 ‘Siva Lingas’ as protective deities of his reinstated land on the north bank of Chalakudy river near by an aborigines’ mother goddess centre of worship. Later the centre became a seat (Thali) of the advisory board of the ancient united Kerala ruled by the King named ‘Keralaputhra’. Chalakudy river being the main business route from the hills to the ‘Musirus’(now Kodungallur) port, this area by then named ‘Iraneeswaram’(Iranivattom) became a main business and administrative centre. Then the local chieftains constructed another temple close to the main shrine and installed the idols of Lord Siva, Sree Parvathy and Bala Muruga on a single pedestal as a rarity in the worship culture of Kerala. Thus the temple and the vast village flourished for centuries.
The temple houses few amazing wooden carvings which reflect its splendor. The twin sanctum sanctorum of this temple is a two storied structure with a circular design. Master architects “Perumthachan” had unified 64 wooden bars on a single pedal to construct the main roof, which is undoubtedly a perfect masterpiece. The “Mirugamala” depicts images of more than 500 dragon faced animals. Lord Shiva’s Boothaganas (group of devil) are believed to have carved all these faces overnight. The huge Ballikalpura (sacrificial stone) and the idol of Nandhi Deva here are protected by the Archeological Department. The shrine also houses charming sculptures of the “Dwarapalakars” which is another prominent feature.
Thiruvathira Mahotsavam
This is the annual temple festival which ends on the morning of ‘Thiruvathira Nakshthra (star) , falling in the Malayalam month of Dhanu. This is also considered as the birth day of ‘Lord Siva’. This is a rare twin festival believed to be celebrated by ‘Sree Parvathy’ along with all her devotees, relatives and friends to enhance the wellbeing of all women folk and the prosperity of their consorts. Every day ‘Athira neerattu’ (rejuvenating morning bath) and ‘Thiruvathirakkali’ and other usual temple ceremonies such as the ‘Siveli’, ‘Sreebhoothabali’, ‘Utsavabali’ etc. happen as usual.
Pathamudayam
Celebrated on the 10th day after ‘Vishu’, the agricultural New Year day of Kerala. After usual rituals in the morning, there is ‘Kazcha Siveli’ towards the evening. Special ‘Chuttuvilakku’ and ‘Niramala’ is offered. Then a very special ritual is performed here. Goddess Sree Parvathy is ceremoniously taken in procession on an ornamented elephant, with ‘Thalappoli’ to the ‘Guruthi panthal’ near ‘Karottamma’s’ sanctum sanctorum. There Sree Parvathy adorns the seat of the Chief Guest and in her presence ‘Desaguruthi’ is performed at midnight to appease Karottamma for the welfare of all the locals. After this Sree Parvathy returns to her sanctum. This ritual is known to be performed here only.
Many devotees visit the Sree Mahadeva Temple at Iranikulam as part of their religious pilgrimage to seek spiritual solace and blessings. Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of Wealth and Removal of sins.
