Inscriptions of the Later Chera ruler Goda Ravi Varma (10th century) were discovered from the Triprangode Siva Temple. Later, the region formed a part of the Kingdom of Tanur (Vettathunad), who were the vassals of the Zamorins of Calicut. The main army led by the Zamorin camped at Triprangode during the Thirunavaya Wars of the 14th century.

Location Kerala, Malappuram, Thiruvananthapuram

Legend

Long ago, there lived a sage called Mrikandu with his wife Marudvati. Both were devotees of Shiva (He is the Eternal Lord. He is the Ruler of time Mahakaleshvara the Originator of time (Mahakala) and Destroyer of time (Kalari) or Kalasamhara Murti). The couple were childless, and so decided to perform austerity rituals so they would be blessed with a child. Then one day, Shiva appeared before them, Shiva asked the couple if they desired an ordinary and mentally disabled son who would live a long life, or an exceptional son who would live a short life up until the age of sixteen. In due course, Marudvati gave birth to a boy and the child was named Markandeya. Markandeya was an exceptionally gifted child, and became an accomplished sage early in his childhood. He was especially devoted to Shiva, and had mastered the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra. As the boy was getting on to be sixteen, Rishi Mrikandu became sad. At the age of sixteen, his time on this earth will come to an end, and so Yama, came to take his life away. The boy, Markandeya was afraid, he then ran to Lord Mahavishnu (the preserver) but he was helpless and he directed him to Triprangottappan (Lord Shiva). On the way to Triprangode temple there was a huge banyan tree that stood by making difficulty to enter into the temple. At the time he reached there surprisingly the tree separated into two parts and then he could easily enter into temple. Markandeya hugged the Shiva Lingam and requested Lord Shiva to protect him from Yama. Yama threw his noose around the boy-sage; it encircled the Shiva Lingam too.

At a blow, the Shiva Lingam burst open with a thundering roar and a majestic, fiery form of Lord Shiva appeared out of the blazing light. Lord Shiva was very anger and asked whether Yama has these much courage to encircle the Shiva Lingam with his noose, Shiva struck down Yama with his Trident (trishool), and Yama was no more. Markandeya was escaped from death. Shiva blessed Markandeya with eternal life and proclaimed that he shall remain forever as a sixteen-year-old sage. The assembly of Devas, who had witnessed all these, begged Shiva to revive Yama. Otherwise there will be a situation in the world with people live long without death. This would put unnecessary burden on the earth. Shiva then revived Yama, and declared that His devotees were forever to be spared from the noose of Yama. Since that day, the fiery form of Shiva that appeared to save the boy-sage Markandeya is called Kalasamhara Murti.

Architecture

Triprangode Siva Temple is one of the most important temples in Kerala dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is situated on the side of fields known as 'Vellottu padam'. spreads over a vast area of around 6 acres, with many sub-shrines, trees and ponds. There is a huge banyan tree in front of the temple. Another major tree in the temple complex is elanji tree, considered very important to Lord Shiva. The main idol is the swayambhoolingam of Lord Shiva, facing west. There is a shrine dedicated to Goddess Parvati towards the left side of Lord Shiva. There are four more shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva in the temple complex. One is considered the 'moolasthanam', that means the original seat of the Lord. It is called 'Karanayil Temple'. The other three shrines represent the three steps taken by the Lord to kill Yama. An interesting feature of this temple is that there are three types of sreekovils (sanctum sanctorum), which are commonly found in Kerala. The main shrine is a two-storied one in 'Gajaprishta' shape, literally meaning the shape of the back of an elephant, and is very large in size. It has a southward extension, which encloses the shrine of Goddess Parvati, thus having the concept of 'Ardhanarishwara. There is a 'namaskara mandapam' in front of the sreekovil, used by the Brahmins for reciting Vedas, Shiva Sahasranama, etc. Here, we can find the idol of Nandi, the vehicle of the Lord. There is an idol of Lord Ganesha on the south-western door, facing east.

Culture

Triprangode is part of the famed Tirur town. Tirur was part of the Kingdom of Tanur (Vettattnad) in medieval times and the site of part of the first railroad laid by the British in Kerala. The 16th-century poet Thunchaththu Ezhuthachan, who is considered to be the father of the Malayalam language literature, lived in the town.

Darsan Info

Triprangode Siva Temple is open from 4:30 AM to 11:45 AM and from 4:30 PM to 8 PM.

Darsan Dresscode

At Triprangode Siva Temple, Kerala traditional attire is preferred

Famous Festival

January - Eight-day festival ending with Thiruvathira of Dhanu

February - Siva ratri

March - Siva ratri

December - Eight-day festival ending with Thiruvathira of Dhanu

Temple Rituals

Triprangode Siva Temple is one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage centres in northern Kerala. Kokila Sandeśa of Uddanta Sanstrikal (15th century) mentions Triprangode among other major destinations in the region. The main deity of this temple is the Maha Sivan (Great Siva) who rescued the young boy Maarkandeya from the Kaala Paasam (the time noose) of Yama (the god of Death).

Special Rituals

The connection between Navamukunda Temple and Triprangode Siva Temple is mentioned in the ancient Classic 'Maarkkandeya Puraanam'.

Additional Info

 

Eateries near Triprangode Siva Temple

Sabka Restaurant

Phone:098959 72041

Al-Baik Restaurant

Phone:096052 22400

 

 Supermarket : Available