Tirtha Atlas

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Early medieval · Hindu · India

Vazhappally Maha Siva Temple

Vazhappally, Changanassery, Kottayam district, Kerala · 9.4561°, 76.5266°

Shiva (with Parvati, Ganesha and Dakshinamurthy)CheraKerala
Sacred since
820 CE
first attestation / structure
Standing structure
rebuilt 820-844 (Chera)
Chera

History & significance

Rebuilt under the Chera ruler Rajasekhara Varman in the early 9th century, this Changanassery temple issued the Vazhappally copper plate, the earliest surviving inscription in the Malayalam language. It is counted among the 108 Shiva temples of Kerala and is unusual in having two nalambalams and two flagstaffs, with 17th-century wood carvings.

Sthala katha — the legend

Tradition holds that ten Brahmin families rescued the Shiva linga from Neelamperoor and brought it here, and that Parasurama himself installed the deity.

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Related sites

Palani Dhandayuthapani Temple
Palani · India
attributed to Chera kings, early centuries CE; renewed since
Vadakkunnathan Temple
Thrissur · India
classic Kerala-style complex, medieval
Thrichittatt Mahavishnu Temple
Chengannur · India
Second Chera period (800-1102)
Thripuliyoor Mahavishnu Temple (Thiruppuliyur)
Puliyoor, Chengannur · India
Second Chera period (800-1102)
Thiruvanvandoor Mahavishnu Temple
Thiruvanvandoor · India
Second Chera period (800-1102)
Thiruvazhmarban Temple (Thiruvanparisaram)
Thiruppathisaram · India
by 1139 (trad. Kulasekara Alvar)

Sources

coordinates: wikipedia-2026-08-27 · sources retrieved 2026-08-26 · dynasty page: Chera