Tirtha Atlas

The sacred geography of the Indic world — every site mapped, dated, storied, and cited.

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Early medieval · Hindu · India

Madai Vadukunda Shiva Temple

Madai, Kerala · 12.0303°, 75.2528°

ShivaKolathiri (Mushika)
Sacred since
800 CE
first attestation / structure
Standing structure
c. 9th c. (Kolathiri)
Kolathiri (Mushika)

History & significance

A medieval Shiva temple on the Madai Para plateau north of Kannur, associated with the Kolathiri kings of the Mushika line who made the nearby port of Madai their headquarters roughly twelve centuries ago. The plateau stands about 150 feet above sea level with wide views over the surrounding coast.

Sthala katha — the legend

Tradition holds the shrine was raised on the southwest corner of Madai Para at the spot where a swayambhu manifestation of Shiva was found.

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Sources

coordinates: wikipedia-2026-08-27 · sources retrieved 2026-08-26 · dynasty page: Kolathiri (Mushika)