Niranam Thrikkapaleeswaram Dakshinamurthy Temple

Niranam Thrikkapaleeswaram Dakshinamurthy Temple, is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is situated on the banks of the Pampa river at Niranam of Pathanamthitta District in Kerala state. This temple is a classic example of the Dravidian style of architecture. The temple is the abode of Dakshinamurthy (is an aspect of the Lord Shiva as a guru (teacher) of all types of knowledge). The deity of Thrikkapaleeswaram is located in main Sanctum Sanctorum facing east. According to folklore, sage Parashurama has installed the idol.The temple is a part of the 108 famous Shiva temples in Kerala.

The temple is located in the center of the Pamba River and Manimala River at Niranam. Thrikkapaleeswaran is here in the mind of the Vidya Deva Dakshinamurthy. The temple and the place were popular in the period of Niranam poets (Kannassa Kavikal). Several long periods of time had taken the forgotten time. In recent times, the famous astrologer Kanippayyur Shankaran Namboodiripad has conducted a “deva prashna” for the redevelopments of temple. One of the major attractions here is the Shiva lingam. The Shiva lingam is a unique feature and this lingam stone only seen in Himalayas.

As per history, the temple was famous as Niranam Kapileswaram. The region and the temple was also known as Mahodayapuram. The 14th century Manipravalam poem, Unni Neeli Sandesham, mentions this temple. It is believed that the temple was built during the reign of Cheraman Perumal. As per some scholars, the temple was connected to Kodungallur, the capital of Chera kings.

The temple is also famous for the worship of Saptamatrikas. It is believed that murtis of the seven divine mothers here are the most beautiful ones in Kerala. The Rishabha murti (Nandi) here is also famous for its beauty. Rishabha has separate shrine and pujas daily.