During Chera rule, Kerala was divided into eighteen tiers for the administration; each tier headed by a major temple (Shiva temple). In these, the Tritam Tali Siva Temple is the central temple of the tree. There is a special temple dedicated to Goddess Parvathi in the premises, and also houses 11 sub-deities, including the three sons of Lord Shiva (Ganapathi, Subrahmanya and Ayyappan), Mahavishnu, Bhadrakali, Navagrahas, Hanuman, Serpent deities and Brahmarakshassu.
Tipu's attack
This temple is said to have been destroyed during Tipu Sultan's conquest reign while his invasion of Kerala. After that, for nearly two hundred years, the sculpture of the Maha temple has been broken up.