Deities
ദേവതകൾ
The divine presences that sanctify this sacred abode
Main Sanctum (Srikovil)
Shiva enshrined here as Dakshinamurthy, the silent guru
✦ The Prime Lord of Knowledge ✦
Sitting atop Mount Kailas, Dakshinamurthy is the form of Shiva who imparts eternal wisdom to the sages in silence. A Dakshinamurthy temple as the principal shrine is rare in Kerala.
Dakshinamurthy
ദക്ഷിണാമൂർത്തി
The presiding deity of the temple, Lord Shiva is enshrined in His form as Dakshinamurthy, the silent guru seated beneath the banyan tree, who imparts eternal wisdom to the sages. The murti faces east in the main sanctum sanctorum. As the Prime Lord of Knowledge, Dakshinamurthy is sought by students, scholars, and seekers of every kind.
Significance
A Dakshinamurthy temple as the principal shrine is rare in Kerala. The lingam here is said to be of the stone type found only in the Himalayas, marking this as one of the most distinctive of the 108 Shiva temples of Kerala.
Upa-Devatas & Sub-Shrines
The Saptha Matha, Nandikeswaran, and other deities within the temple complex
Saptha Matha (Saptha Mathrukkal)
സപ്ത മാതൃക്കൾ
The seven divine mothers (Brahmani, Vaishnavi, Maheswari, Kaumari, Varahi, Indrani, and Chamundi) reside in their own sanctum within the temple, where special offerings are made in the morning, noon, and evening. These centuries-old deities are among the most ancient and revered presences in the temple.
Nandikeswaran
നന്ദികേശ്വരൻ
Niranam Thrikkapaleeswaram is one of the few temples where Nandikeswaran, Shiva's celestial carrier, has a special abode of his own, with regular offerings made to him. Many myths and legends about Nandikeswaran's divine presence in this land are still current among the local people.
Ganapathy
ഗണപതി
Lord Ganapathy, the remover of obstacles, is worshipped as an upa-devata. Devotees offer prayers to Ganapathy before beginning any new venture.
Sastha
ശാസ്താവ്
Lord Sastha (Ayyappa / Dharmasastha) is enshrined within the temple complex and worshipped as the protector of dharma.
Sree Krishnaswamy
ശ്രീ കൃഷ്ണസ്വാമി
Sree Krishnaswamy is enshrined in a separate sanctuary within the temple grounds.