Thiruvatta Mahadeva Temple
Thiruvatta Mahadeva Temple () is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is situated on the banks of the Manimalayar (river) in Thiruvalla of Pathanamthitta District in Kerala state in India. References to this temple is found in Vazhappally inscription relates to the rule of Kodungallur Chera (previously Kulasekhara) king Rama Rajasekhara and temple at Vazhappally. It is the earliest available epigraphical record mentioning a Kodungallur Chera king and written in Malayalam language. According to folklore, sage Parashurama has installed the idol of Lord Shiva in the Treta Yuga. The temple is a part of the 108 famous Shiva temples in Kerala. History The temple is one of the earliest temples in Kerala. It is believed that the temple was built during the reign of the Second Chera dynasty by Kulasekhara Perumals who ruled over the city of Mahodayapuram. The oldest inscription found at the Kerala, the Vazhappally copper plate, mention about this Siva temple. The Thiruvata Temple and the Vazhappally Maha Siva Temple have been associated with since the days of the Chera kingdom. Temple Architecture Main Sanctum Sanctorum: The temple is located a little away from the banks of the Manimalayar (river) at Thiruvalla. The Swayambhu Shiva