Kaviyoor Rock Cut Cave Temple

About Kaviyoor Rock Cut Cave Temple

Kaviyoor Rock Cut CaveTemple(Mahadeva Temple) is a bout 5 km east of thiruvalla, pathanamthitta district, south Kerala, this is located on the banks of the river Manimala, Kaviyoor is famous for its temples. The Kaviyoor Trikkukkudi Cave Temple, also known as the Rock Cut Cave Temple, is of historical importance and is preserved as a monument by the Archaeological Department.It bears close resemblance to the Pallava style of architecture and has prompted historians to date it to a period as early as the eighth century AD. The temple is more than thousand years old.But the actual time of construction is not known,like any other old temples. Certainly, this temple belongs to the oldest period of strucural temples.The engravings here are among the earliest specimens of stone sculptures in Kerala. The shrine also has idols of Ganapathy, 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. The Hanuman Temple is another noted shrine in Kaviyoor, which stands on a small hillock and is built in the gable style architecture uncharacteristic to Kerala.Several historians, like Stella Kramrich has this opinion. The Perfect round Sreekovil with Sandhara style and its peculiar basment clarifies this opinion.

This is one of the famous major temples of Travancore Devaswam Board under Thiruvalla group of temples.The cave is 19 feet 8 inches broad and 8 feet 6 inches high. Two pillars, 8 feet 8 inches in height, divide the breadth of the cave into three openings, two of which are 5 feet broad the other being only 4 feet 8 inches. The central shrine is a cylindrical rock cut linga. The entrance is facing west.

Interesting things to Visit

Koothambalam:

The Koothambalam , Situated 30 kms North West of Mananthavadi in the Wayanad region, Thirunelli Temple is known as the “main pilgrimage of South”. Tucked away in the Brahmagiri Hills, Thirunelli Temple is encircled by the gurgling River Papanasini.

Parumala Church:

The church that contains the mortals of St.Gregorios of Parumala who was the first declared saint of Malankara Orthodox Church (Indian Orthodox Church).

Kadayanickadu Dharmashastha Temple:

The temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa and is located in a beautiful and peaceful place. It is about 4 km from Manimala Town.

Forane Church:

Forane Church perunal is very famous. It runs for a week and worshippers from all over the neighborhood from all casts attend the procession from Karikkattoor junction all the way to church which is about 4 kilometers.

Kaviyoor Hanuman Temple:

A Hanuman Temple is also located in the temple complex of Kaviyoor Temple. This is one of the famous major temples of Travancore Devaswam Board.

Nearest Visiting places

Cherukolpuzha:

Ayiroor Cherukolpuzha religious convention of the Hindus is held at Cherukole on the banks of River Pamba, usually in Feb every year. This famous convention is attended by a large number of people and addressed by prominent religious scholars and cultural personalities.

Malikapurathamma Temple:

Malikappurathamma Devi temple alias Malikapuram Temple is situated on a small hill just 100 meters away from Sabarimala. According to legend, Malikapuram temple is the place where the demon Mahishi rests in eternal wait. The temple complex houses the shrines of the Devi and Kaduthaswamy and also the the shrines of the snake god, Nagaraja and goddess, Nagayakshi.

Perunthenaruvi Waterfalls:

The Perunthenaruvi Waterfall from Pathanamthitta via Vachoochira on the banks of the Pamba River about 10 km from Erumely, Perunthenaruvi is about 36 km from Pathanamthittais a natural fall down a rocky path into a ravine about 100 feet deep. Ideal for an outing, this place is a popular picnic spot. Perumthenaruvi which literally means honey river, is a picturesque tourist spot situated in Erumely, It is a favourite picnic spot among the tourists, with an awesome view of water cascading from a rocky path at a height of 60 to 100 ft.

Niranam:

The powerful ancient church situated at Niranam, dates back to 52AD. This monument is believed to have been erected by Apostle St.Thomas and is considered the oldest Christian church.

Konni (Elephant Training Center):

The hilly area of Konni, located 11 km from Pathanamthitta, is the gate-way to the forest bordering the district. Surrounded by acres of thick forest, it is an adventurous tourist spot where one can go for thrilling elephant safaris and trekking. Konni has the largest number of wild elephants in the state and is a major elephant training center. In the past, wild elephants caught from the forests were brought here and put in wooden cages known as ‘anakoodu’ (Elephant Cage) till they were properly trained. After 1972, elephant hunting was stopped since the central government put an end to this crude old method of elephant catching and training.

Aranmula Boat Race:

The stretch of river Pamba at aranmula is the venue of the famous snake boat race. It is more a pageantry than a race. The snake boat is of an exrtra ordinary shape with a length of about 100ft. The rear portion towering to a height of about 20ft. and the front portion tapering gradually. The boat resembles a snake with its hood raised. the race is held on the last day of the week long Onam festival to commemorate the crossing of the river by Lord Krishna. The participants cheerfully row up and down the river to the tune of songs known as Vanchippattu.

Parumala:

Mar Gregorios Metropolitan, a Saint of Malankara Orthodox Church is burried here. This is also a famous Christian pilgrim centre . The orma perunnal (Remembrance Day) is celebrated during November every year.

Sabarimala temple:

Sabarimala temple is located on the top of the hills of the Western Ghats. The holy shrine in Sabarimala is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. Thousands of devotees visit Sabarimala during the months of November-January when the main festival takes place.The devotees who visit the temple during the festival walk barefoot through the uneven road to reach the temple.

Nearest Petrol Pump

Indian Oil Petrol Pump
Kottayam, Kerala.

Petrol Pump
Kozhencherry
Pathanamthitta, Kerala.

Petrol Pump
Puimoodu junction NH 220
Kottayam, Kerala.

Indian Oil Petrol Pump
Manarcadu Thenganal Road
Puthuppally
Kottayam Kerala.

Petrol Pump
Pathanamthitta, Kerala.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

Hotel Vani
SH 1, Changanassery
Kottayam, Kerala.

Kumarakom Lagoon
Ambika Market P.O, Vechoor
Kottayam, Kerala 686144
Tel: 09811165753

Hotel Abad Plaza
M.G Road, Kochi
Kerala 682035
Tel: 0484 2381122.

Nila Palace Hotel
Cheerancavu, Ezhukone
Kollam, Kerala 691505
Tel: 0474 2529301.

Taj Residency
Ernakulam, Ernakulam
Kerala
Tel: 0484 2371472.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Police station
Pandalam, Pathanamthitta
Kerala.

Pulincunnoo Police Station
Alappuzha, Kerala
Tel: 0477 2222222.

Mavelikara Police Station
Mavelikkara, Alappuzha
Kerala.

Police Station
Pathanamthitta, kerala.

Ponkunnam Police Station
NH 220, Ponkunnam
Kottayam, Kerala.

Nearest Hospital:

Pushpagiri Medical College and Hospital
Pushpagiri Buildings
Pathanamthitta, Kerala
Tel: 0469 2700755.

Tiruvalla Medical Mission Hospital
Pathanamthitta, Kerala
Tel: 0469 2630144.

Govt.Hospital
Thiruvalla, Kottayam
Kerala
Tel: 0469 2602757.

AncySibi Pandisserry House
Ramankary, Alappuzha
Kerala 689595-
Tel: 09780892400.

GK Hospital
Kavumbhagom
Pathanamthitta, Kerala.

Central Research Institute For Homeopathy
Chethipuzha Kurichy Road
Kottayam, Kerala.

Government Hospital
Kottayam, Kottayam
Kerala State
Tel: 0481 2462550.

Link:

http://keralam-festivals.blogspot.com/2009/07/kaviyoor-rock-cut-cave-temple.html
http://pazhayathu.blogspot.com/2009/02/rock-cut-cave-temple-at-kaviyoor-800-ad.html
http://artistictraditions.blogspot.com/2008/04/kaviyoor-trikkudi-cave-temple.html

Location info

• Address: Trikkukkudi, Kaviyoor village, near thiruvalla, Pathanamthitta District, Kerala, India

• District: Pathanamthitta District

• Nearest City: Trivandrum,Ernakulam, Thiruvalla ,Kottayam, Pathanamthitta,Changanacherry

• Best time to visit: November to April.

Climate & weather

The climate is tropical and humid, And the Weather temparature ranges from Summers: 36°-20°; Winters: 16°-32°C.

Things to do at Kaviyoor Rock Cut Cave Temple

Watch the beautiful idol of lord shiva, Participate in annual festival and see elephants during the festival. See
Njaliyil Bhagavathy Temple, Sculptures of this temple.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Kerala. 4G is reliable in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and along the coastal belt. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain backwater stretches. Most hotels, houseboats, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Kerala’s towns and cities offer diverse food ranging from traditional Kerala sadhya to multi-cuisine restaurants. Kochi has a thriving food scene with influences from Arab, Portuguese, and Jewish traders. Temple festivals feature traditional Kerala vegetarian feasts.

Accessibility

Religious sites may have steps at the entrance and may not have ramps. The interiors are generally level once inside. Some historic sites have uneven stone floors. Visitors with mobility concerns should check in advance.

Rules & restrictions

Modest dress is required: shoulders and knees must be covered (scarves or shawls are often available at the entrance). Photography is generally permitted without flash, but video may be restricted. Maintain silence inside. Mobile phones should be on silent mode. Remove shoes if required (indicated by signage). Do not touch artefacts or altars. These are active places of worship — respect services, festivals, and devotees.

Best photography spots

Kerala has some of India’s finest church architecture. The Santa Cruz Basilica in Fort Kochi, St. Francis Church (India’s oldest European church, where Vasco da Gama was first buried), and the numerous Syrian Christian churches across the backwaters feature distinctive Kerala-style facades mingling European and local design. Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light.