Mazhuvannur

Mazhuvannur

Geographical co ordinates : 11°43'53.07"N 75°59'16.29"E : Temperatures : 06:00 AM : 15 Degree C 11:00 AM : 20 Degree C 02:00 PM : 25 Degree C 07:00 PM : 20 Degree C...

 Maha Siva Kshethram is an ancient Hindu

Hindu

Hindu refers to an identity associated with the philosophical, religious and cultural systems that are indigenous to the Indian subcontinent. As used in the Constitution of India, the word "Hindu" is also attributed to all persons professing any Indian religion...

 Temple

Temple

A temple is a structure reserved for religious or spiritual activities, such as prayer and sacrifice, or analogous rites. A templum constituted a sacred precinct as defined by a priest, or augur. It has the same root as the word "template," a plan in preparation of the building that was marked out...

 in Wayanad district of Kerala

Kerala

or Keralam is an Indian state located on the Malabar coast of south-west India. It was created on 1 November 1956 by the States Reorganisation Act by combining various Malayalam speaking regions....

 state in south India

South India

South India is the area encompassing India's states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu as well as the union territories of Lakshadweep and Pondicherry, occupying 19.31% of India's area...

.The presiding deity in the sanctum-sanctorum is Lord Shiva, other deities are Arayil Bhagavathy,sree durga,nandhi,Lord Ayyappa and Lord Ganapathi. This temple is situated on the highest peak in the areas of Karingari, Paliyana, and Tharuvana.Daily poojas are performed here from dates unknown. Famous Mazhuvannur Thekke Illam family members perform pooja here from ancient times till today.

Legend about the name

It is believed that the name Mazhuvannur is derived from three malayalam words "Mazhu"(Axe), "Vanna"(Come), "Oor"(Place).Which means the place where axe had fallen.

Legend about the Temple

Lord Siva appeared to Banasura after his hard tapas. Banasura asked Lord Siva to stand as a guard to his Kingdom. Then Lord Siva and Parvathi stood as guard to his Kotta. Chithralekha, daughter of Banasura is in affection with Anirudhan, the son of Lord Sreekrishna. One day Arirudhan reached the Banasura Kotta to meet Chithralekha. There started a big fight between Anrudhan and Lord Siva. Lord Siva thrown his axe against Anirudha from the banasura hills. The axe was believed to have fallen in Mazhuvannur. And Parasurama is believed to have done the foundation to the temple.

Renovation

The temple which was built with bricks and wood in ancient times was renovated recently. The temple had "Naalu Kettu " in very ancient times, but it got damaged by the passage of time, the remains of which are still visible there. Presently the temple is under Malabar Dewaswom Board.

Properties of temple

The main temple complex, Lord Ayyappan tree based structure, Temple pond, Temple land known as Banglow Kunnu, Naaga Kaav, Temple land and idol at Puthusseri.

Landscape

Banasura Hills are near this temple and offers a picturesque view.Banasura Sagar Dam

Banasura Sagar Dam

Banasura Sagar Dam, which impounds the Karamanathodu tributary of the Kabini River, is part of the Indian Banasurasagar Project consisting of a dam and a canal project started in 1979...

, one of the biggest Earth dam in Asia is constructed recently and it attracts lot of tourists.

How to reach the temple

Nearest railway station is calicut.The temple is situated 10 Kilometers south-west of Mananthavady. From Tharuvana its just 1 kilometer away, and transport is available round the clock.