Thrikkakkudi Rock Cut Temple
The Kaviyoor Thrikkakkudi Cave Temple, popularly known as the Rock Cut Cave Temple is an ancient temple carved on a massive rock located at Kaviyoor near Thiruvalla in the Pathanamthitta district. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is also having archaeological importance because of its close similarity to the Pallava style of architecture.
Besides devotees, many historians and travelers visit this rock-cut temple to watch its stone engravings. As the earliest specimens of the stone sculpture of the state, this temple holds great archaeological significance. The sculptures and carved rooms of the temple are well preserved.
The Archaeological Department preserves this temple as a monument. Dating back to the 8th century AD, visiting this rare Shiva temple can be a wonderful experience.
History of Thrikkakkudi Rock Cut Temple
The Thrikkakkudi Rock-Cut Temple is one of the Top Historical Places & Monuments in Kerala. It is a must-visit for Lord Shiva worshippers. The three feet long Shivalinga is protected in a small cave with four walls and attracts worshippers from all around. The remarkable architecture and age-old designs make it a preserved monument by the Archaeological Department.
The Thrikkakkudi Rock-Cut Temple is one of the Top Historical Places & Monuments in Kerala. It is a must-visit for Lord Shiva worshippers. The three feet long Shivalinga is protected in a small cave with four walls and attracts worshippers from all around. The remarkable architecture and age-old designs make it a preserved monument by the Archaeological Department.
Architecture of Thrikkakkudi Rock Cut Temple
This temple is situated on the banks of the river Manimala. The architecture & sculptures of the temple are unique and famous. Enshrined in a square cave is the main deity of the Lord Siva represented in the form of Sivalinga which is about three feet high and carved out of rock.
The shrine also has idols of Ganapathi, Maharshi, and Dwarapalakas. Another noted shrine in Kaviyoor is the Hanuman Temple which stands on a small hillock and is built in the gable style architecture peculiar to Kerala.
Buddhist Monastery
One of the theories regarding Thrikkakkudi Rock Temple says that it may have been a Buddhist site before it was made into a Hindu Temple. Some research also suggests that it may also have been a Jain Basadi. However, not many evidences have been available to prove these theories.
