“S hivalayams, the sacred temples of lord shiva!As per mythology, Lord Parasurama is believed to have created the land between Gokarna and Kanyakumari by reclaiming Kerala from the ocean with his axe, after the killing of King Kartavirya Arjuna and other Kshatriyas, and then dividing it into 64 villages.Out of these villages, 32 were in the Tulu-speaking region between Perumpuzha and Gokarnam, while the remaining 32 were in the Malayalam-speaking area between Perumpuzha and Kanyakumari. After donating the land to Brahmins, 108 Maha Shiva Lingam and Durga idols were installed in these villages, with 105 of these Shiva temples located in Kerala, two in Karnataka, and one in Kanyakumari District of Tamil Nadu, all of which are mentioned in the Shivala Sotram along with a song in the Malayalam language. The 108 Shivalayams are a group of sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temples are located in different parts of India and are considered important pilgrimage destinations for devotees of Lord Shiva. Each of these temples is believed to have a unique history and spiritual significance.

Significance of the 108 Shivalayams

According to legend, these temples were installed by Lord Parasurama after he reclaimed the land of Kerala from the ocean using his axe and donated it to Brahmins.

The Shiva lingams and Durga idols installed in these temples are believed to represent the divine power and energy of Lord Shiva and his consort, Goddess Durga. It is said that visiting these temples and offering prayers can bestow blessings and fulfill the wishes of devotees.

The temples are also significant in terms of their architecture and cultural heritage. Many of these temples are centuries-old and showcase intricate carvings, sculptures, and murals depicting stories from Hindu mythology. They are also considered to be important pilgrimage sites and are visited by devotees from all over India and abroad.

Furthermore, the 108 Shiva temples are part of the rich cultural heritage of Kerala and are a testimony to the state's syncretic culture, which blends various religious beliefs and practices. The temples also serve as a symbol of communal harmony and cultural diversity in India.

Vadakkunnathan Temple is a Hindu temple located in Thrissur, Kerala and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the oldest and largest temples in the state and features traditional Keralite architecture.

Udayamperoor Ekadasi Perumthrikovil Temple is a Hindu temple located in Ernakulam, Kerala and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is renowned for its annual Ekadasi festival, which attracts devotees from across the region.

Raviswarapuram Siva Temple is a Hindu temple located in Tamil Nadu and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is known for its intricate carvings and is believed to date back to the 9th century.

Suchindram Sthanumalayan Temple is a Hindu temple located in Tamil Nadu and is dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma. It is known for its unique architecture and is a popular pilgrimage destination.

Chowwara Chidambaraswamy Temple is a Hindu temple located in Kerala and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is known for its annual festival, Thaipooyam, which is celebrated with great pomp and show.

Mathur Shiva Temple is a Hindu temple located in Tamil Nadu and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is known for its ancient architecture and is believed to have been built during the 14th century.

Triprangode Siva Temple is a Hindu temple located in Kerala and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is known for its intricate carvings and is believed to date back to the 12th century.

Mundayur Mahadeva Temple is a Hindu temple located in Kerala and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is known for its annual festival, Mundayur Thiruvathira, which is celebrated with great fervor.

Thirumandhamkunnu Temple is a Hindu temple located in Kerala and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is known for its ancient architecture and is a popular pilgrimage destination.

Chowalloor Siva Temple is a Hindu temple located in Kerala and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is known for its annual festival, Thaipooyam, which is celebrated with great pomp and show.

Mudikkode Shiva Temple is a Hindu temple located in Kerala and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is known for its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere, making it a popular spot for meditation and prayer.

Annamanada Mahadeva Temple is a Hindu temple located in Kerala and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed to be one of the 108 ancient Shiva temples in the region and features intricate carvings and stunning architecture.

Mannar Thrikkuratti Mahadeva Temple is a Hindu temple located in Kerala and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is known for its annual festival, Mannar Thrikkuratti Mahotsavam, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm and draws thousands of devotees from across the region.

Puramundekkadu Shri Mahadeva Temple is a Hindu temple located in Tamil Nadu and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is known for its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere, making it a popular spot for meditation and prayer.

Avanoor Sreekanteswaram Mahadeva Temple is a Hindu temple located in Kerala and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is known for its annual festival, Avanoor Pooram, which is celebrated with great pomp and show and draws thousands of devotees from across the region.

Kollur Mookambika Temple is a Hindu temple located in Karnataka and is dedicated to Goddess Mookambika, a form of Goddess Parvati. It is believed to be one of the most sacred pilgrimage destinations in the region and features stunning architecture and intricate carvings.

Thirumangalam Sree Maha Vishnu Siva Temple is a Hindu temple located in Tamil Nadu and is dedicated to both Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. It is known for its unique architecture and intricate carvings.

Thrikkariyoor Mahadeva Temple is a Hindu temple located in Kerala and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is known for its annual festival, Thrikkariyoor Pooram, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm and draws thousands of devotees from across the region.

Kudappanakunnu Kunnathu Sri Mahadeva Temple is a Hindu temple located in Kerala and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is known for its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere, making it a popular spot for meditation and prayer.

Ashtamangalam Siva Temple is a Hindu temple located in Kerala and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is known for its annual festival, Ashtamangalam Pooram, which is celebrated with great pomp and show and draws thousands of devotees from across the region.

Iranikulam Sree Mahadeva Temple is a Hindu temple located in Kerala and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is known for its unique architecture and intricate carvings.

Kainoor Shiva Temple is a Hindu temple located in Kerala and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is known for its annual festival, Kainoor Mahadeva Temple Pooram, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm and draws thousands of devotees from across the region.

Mahabaleshwar Temple, Gokarna: Located in Karnataka, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its intricate carvings and architecture.

Ernakulam Shiva Temple: One of the oldest temples in Kerala, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva and features a massive gopuram (tower) and intricate murals.

Pazhoor Perumthrikkovil: Located in Kerala, this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is known for its exquisite mural paintings and intricate wood carvings.

Adat Shiva Temple: A well-known temple in Kerala, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere.

Parippu Mahadeva Temple: Located in Kerala, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and features a unique architecture with a circular sanctum.

Sasthamangalam Mahadevar Temple: Located in Kerala, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its beautiful stone carvings and peaceful atmosphere.

Perumparampu Sri Mahadeva Temple: A famous temple in Kerala dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is known for its intricate wood carvings and beautiful paintings.

Thrikkur Mahadeva Temple: Located in Kerala, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its unique architecture and peaceful surroundings.

Panayur Siva Temple: A popular temple in Kerala dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is known for its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere.

Tirunettur Mahadeva Temple: Located in Tamil Nadu, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its intricate carvings and beautiful architecture.

Vaikom Mahadeva Temple: A renowned temple in Kerala dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is known for its massive gopuram and beautiful architecture.

Kollam Rameswaram Mahadeva Temple: Located in Kerala, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and features a unique circular sanctum and intricate carvings.

Amaravila Rameswaram Sri Mahadeva Temple: A well-known temple in Kerala, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its unique architecture and peaceful surroundings.

Ettumanoor Mahadevar Temple: A popular temple in Kerala dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is known for its intricate wood carvings and serene atmosphere.

Kanjilassery Maha Siva Temple: Located in Kerala, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its beautiful architecture and peaceful surroundings.

Chemmanthatta Mahadeva Temple: A famous temple in Kerala dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is known for its intricate carvings and serene atmosphere.

Aluva Mahadeva Temple: Located in Kerala, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and features a massive gopuram and beautiful architecture.

Thirumittacode Temple: A renowned temple in Kerala dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it is known for its beautiful murals and intricate carvings.

Velorvattom Sri Mahadeva Temple: A well-known temple in Kerala dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is known for its unique architecture and peaceful atmosphere.

Muttichur Kallattupuzha Sri Maha Siva Temple: Located in Kerala, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and features a beautiful stone idol and serene atmosphere.

Thrikkunnathu Mahadeva Temple: A popular temple in Kerala dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is known for its beautiful architecture and peaceful surroundings.

Cheruvathur Mahadeva Temple: Located in Kerala, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its intricate carvings and serene atmosphere.

Poonkunnam Siva Temple: A popular temple in Kerala dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is known for its beautiful architecture and peaceful surroundings.

Niranam Thrikkapaleeswaram Dakshinamurthy Temple: Located in Kerala, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its unique architecture and peaceful atmosphere.

Kadachira Sri Thrikkapalam Siva Temple: A well-known temple in Kerala dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is known for its beautiful stone carvings and serene surroundings.

Nadapuram Iringannur Siva Temple: Located in Kerala, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its unique architecture and peaceful atmosphere.

Avittathur Mahadeva Temple: A famous temple in Kerala dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is known for its exquisite murals and intricate carvings.

Parumala Valiya Panayannarkavu Devi Temple: Located in Kerala, this temple is dedicated to the goddess Durga and is known for its beautiful architecture and serene surroundings.

Anandavalleeshwaram Sri Mahadevar Temple: Located in Kerala, this ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings.

Kattakampal Temple: A popular temple in Kerala dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it is known for its stunning paintings and intricate carvings on the walls and ceilings.

Kondazhy Tritham Tali Siva Temple: Located in Kerala, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its peaceful atmosphere and intricate carvings.

Perakam Mahadeva Temple: A well-known temple in Kerala dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is known for its beautiful architecture and serene surroundings.

Chakkamkulangara Siva Temple: Located in Kerala, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its unique architecture and peaceful atmosphere.

Veeranimangalam Mahadeva Temple: A famous temple in Kerala dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is known for its exquisite carvings and peaceful surroundings.

Cheranalloor Mahadeva Temple: Located in Kerala, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its beautiful murals and intricate carvings.

Maniyoor Mahadeva Temple: A popular temple in Kerala dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is known for its unique architecture and serene surroundings.

Kozhikode Tali Temple: One of the oldest temples in Kerala dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is known for its intricate carvings and peaceful atmosphere.

Kaduthruthy Mahadeva Temple: Located in Kerala, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings.

Keezhtali Mahadeva Temple: A well-known temple in Kerala dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is known for its unique architecture and peaceful surroundings.

Talikotta Mahadeva Temple: Located in Kerala, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its exquisite murals and intricate carvings.

Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple: One of the oldest temples in Kerala dedicated to the goddess Bhagavathy, it is known for its ancient architecture and religious significance.

Sreekanteswaram Mahadeva Temple: A famous temple in Kerala dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is known for its beautiful architecture and peaceful surroundings.

Thiruvanchikulam Temple: Located in Kerala, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its unique architecture and serene surroundings.

Padanayarkulangara Mahadeva Temple: A popular temple in Kerala dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is known for its exquisite carvings and peaceful atmosphere.

Thrichattukulam Mahadeva Temple: Located in Kerala, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings.

Pokkunny Siva Temple: A well-known temple in Kerala dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is known for its unique architecture and peaceful surroundings.

Kottiyoor Siva Temple: A famous temple in Kerala dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is known for its religious significance and peaceful atmosphere.

Thrippalur Mahadeva Temple: Located in Kerala, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its intricate carvings and peaceful surroundings.

Sree Perunthatta Siva Temple: Located in Thrissur district of Kerala, the temple is famous for its exquisite wood carvings and is believed to have been built during the 9th century.

Trithala Maha Siva Temple: Located in Palakkad district of Kerala, the temple is known for its unique architecture and is believed to have been built during the 8th century. It is one of the few temples in India where the main deity is in the form of a linga facing the west.

Thiruvatta Mahadeva Temple: Located in Kottayam district of Kerala, the temple is believed to have been built during the 16th century and is known for its beautiful architecture and serene surroundings.

Vazhappally Maha Siva Temple: Located in Kottayam district of Kerala, the temple is believed to have been built during the 16th century and is known for its stunning mural paintings and intricate carvings.

Changankulangara Mahadeva Temple: Located in Alappuzha district of Kerala, the temple is believed to have been built during the 11th century and is known for its impressive architecture and peaceful atmosphere.

Anchumurthi Mangalam Temple: Located in Thrissur district of Kerala, the temple is famous for its five deities and unique architecture. The temple is believed to have been built during the 9th century.

Thirunakkara Sree Mahadevar Temple: Located in Kottayam district of Kerala, the temple is known for its impressive architecture and is believed to have been built during the 16th century.

Kodumbu Mahadeva Temple: Located in Palakkad district of Kerala, the temple is known for its ancient architecture and serene atmosphere. It is believed to have been built during the 12th century.

Ashtamichira Mahadeva Temple: Located in Thrissur district of Kerala, the temple is known for its unique architecture and beautiful surroundings. It is believed to have been built during the 9th century.

Pattanakkad Mahadeva Temple: Located in Alappuzha district of Kerala, the temple is known for its impressive architecture and beautiful surroundings. It is believed to have been built during the 10th century.

Uliyannoor Mahadeva Temple - This temple in Kochi is believed to be one of the oldest Shiva temples in the region and features unique architecture and intricate carvings.

Killikkurussi Mahadeva Temple - Located in Thrissur, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its grand festival celebrations and stunning traditional architecture.

Puthur Mahadeva Temple - This temple in Palakkad is believed to be over 1000 years old and features unique stone carvings and impressive architecture.

Chengannur Mahadeva Temple - This temple in Alappuzha is believed to be over 1000 years old and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It features intricate wood carvings and stunning architecture.

Someswaram Mahadeva Temple - Located in Kozhikode, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and features a unique three-tiered structure, with each tier having a distinct architectural style.

Venganellore Thiruvimbilappan Temple - This temple in Thrissur is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its grand festival celebrations and stunning architecture.

Kottarakkara Mahadeva Temple - This temple in Kollam is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its grand festival celebrations and unique architectural style.

Kandiyoor Sree Mahadeva Temple - This temple in Alappuzha is believed to be over 1000 years old and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It features impressive architecture and intricate stone carvings.

Palayoor Mahadeva Temple - Located in Thrissur, this temple is believed to be one of the oldest Shiva temples in Kerala and features unique architecture and beautiful paintings.

Taliparamba Rajarajeshwara Temple - This temple in Kannur is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its grand festival celebrations and stunning architecture.

Nedumpura Kulasekharanellur Temple - This temple in Palakkad is dedicated to Lord Shiva and features unique architecture and intricate carvings.

Sree Mannoor Siva Temple - Located in Thrissur, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and features unique architecture and stunning wood carvings.

Thrissilery Siva Temple - This temple in Wayanad is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its unique architecture and grand festival celebrations.

Sringapuram Mahadeva Temple - Located in Thrissur, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and features unique architecture and intricate carvings.

Karivellur Mahadeva Temple - This temple in Kannur is dedicated to Lord Shiva and features unique architecture and beautiful paintings.

Mammiyoor Mahadeva Temple - Located in Guruvayur, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its grand festival celebrations and stunning architecture.

Parampanthali Sree Mahadeva Temple - This temple in Kannur is dedicated to Lord Shiva and features unique architecture and intricate carvings.

Thirunavaya Navamukunda Temple - Located in Malappuram, this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is known for its grand festival celebrations and stunning architecture.

Kanjiramattam Sree Mahadeva Temple - This temple in Ernakulam is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its grand festival celebrations and impressive architecture.

Nalpathaneeswaram Sree Mahadeva Temple - Located in Thrissur, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and features unique architecture and intricate carvings.

Kottappuram Siva Temple: Located in Thrissur district, this temple is believed to have been built during the reign of King Kulashekhara Varman.

Muthuvara Mahadeva Temple: Situated in Kannur district, this temple is famous for its annual festival, Arattu, which is celebrated with great pomp and show.

Velappaya Mahadeva Temple: This ancient temple is located in Thrissur district and is known for its beautiful carvings and sculptures.

Chendamangalam Kunnathali Temple: This temple in Ernakulam district is dedicated to goddess Kali and is famous for its unique architecture and intricate carvings.

Thrikkandiyur Mahadeva Temple: This temple in Kozhikode district is one of the oldest Shiva temples in Kerala and is known for its exquisite architecture and rich history.

Peruvanam Mahadeva Temple: Located in Thrissur district, this temple is famous for its annual festival, Arattupuzha Pooram, which is a grand spectacle with elephant processions and traditional percussion music.

Thiruvaloor Mahadeva temple: This temple in Malappuram district is famous for its unique Shiva lingam which is said to be made of a rare black stone.

Chirakkal Mahadeva Temple: Situated in Kannur district, this temple is known for its beautiful murals and sculptures depicting various Hindu mythological stories.

Shivalayas are an essential aspect of our culture and spirituality. These temples are a testament to the faith and devotion of the people who built them, and they continue to inspire and attract devotees from all over the world.