Poothadi Maha Siva Temple

Kerala, Wayanad, Thiruvananthapuram

Situated in Poothadi, Wayanad, Poothady Siva Temple is a famous temple in Wayanad deicated to Lord Siva. The temple was built centuries ago. It is one of the first temples installed in Wayanad.

Legend

According to the legends, The Poothadi Siva Temple used to belong to a Namboodiri illam and was later vested with Kottayam Rajas. After the death of Pazhassi Raja, the Kottayam royal family entrusted the Poothadi Siva Temple to one of the members of the Poothadi idam, a local chieftain. The temple is believed to have taken its name from the root'Bhootaganangal Aadiya Sthalam' or'the place where Bhootas of Lord Siva danced'. In course of time, Bhothamaadi became Poothadi.

Architecture

Once a major portion of Poothadi village belonged to the Poothadi Siva Temple , now the temple owns around 13 acres. The Poothadi Siva Temple complex is situated in about an acre. There are two sreekovils - one for Lord Siva and one for Lord Vishnu - out of which the one for Lord Siva is important. Both the sreekovils face west.

Darsan Info

The Poothadi Siva Temple is open from 5:45 AM to 12 noon and from 5 PM to 8 PM.

Darsan Dresscode

Kerala traditional attire

Famous Festival

December-January : Chuttu vilakku mahotsavam

April: Prathishta Day

Culture

The culture of Wayanad, mainly, can be related to the tribal culture. This place is home to a huge population of Adivaasis or tribal people. Some of the main tribes that live here include Adiyars, Paniyas, Kurumas, Kattunaikar and Kadans along with a few other ones.

Temple Rituals

The main idol of Lord Siva is in linga form, while Lord Vishnu is in standing pose with four arms holding conch, chakra, club and lotus. Lord Ganapati and Lord Sastha are other idols present in the Poothadi Siva Temple. There is another sila idol of Lord Gopalakrishna in standing pose.