Sri Ponmeri Shiva Temple
Ponmeri Shiva Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Vatakara, Kozhikode in Kerala, India. The temple is famous as it has a unique sub-temple dedicated to Lord Brahma, who is rarely worshipped at temples. In the Eleventh Century AD, the Kadathanad Kings commissioned this great, grand, and splendid Mahadeva Temple constructed by the famed architect Perumthachan. The sanctum-sanctorum of the temple is unique and unrivaled with a grandiose shiva linga with gold-plated kappu (covering).
History of Sri Ponmeri Shiva Temple
Vadakkan Pattukal or the Ballads of Malabar says that a Namboodiri, an ardent Siva devotee, once felt the divine presence at the place and installed a small shrine for Lord Siva in linga form. Over the years, Ponmeri Shiva Temple became famous, inviting the attention of the Kadathanatt Raja. Jealous of the popularity of the temple, the King decided to take over the administration the same.
The Namboodiri family knew that their reluctance to part with the idol could only lead to the punishment of beheading on charges of opposing the Royal move. So, they dumped all the wealth in an unmarked well and the entire family committed suicide. The temple later came under the control of the Kolathiri kingdom when Kadathanad was annexed to it. The temple was renovated when the control came back to Kadathanad many decades later. The temple also braved the campaign of Tipu Sultan.
Architecture of Sri Ponmeri Shiva Temple
The Sreekovil of Ponmeri Shiva Temple is squarish and the sopanam has six direct steps. The base is made of granite and the entire sreekovil features exquisite wood carvings. The roof is covered with copper sheets. Sub-shrine of Lord Ganapati is attached to the Sreekovil.
The Chuttambalam was renovated 200 years ago. There are seven sub-shrines outside the Chuttambalam. The namaskara mandapam is similar to the one at Sree Krishna Temple, Guruvayoor. Besides Navagruhas, dwaadasa motifs, and bhoothas, the wooden carvings depict the stories from Kiraatham, Kaama-dahanam, and Parvathy Parinayam.
