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3. Thiruvanchikulam

திருவஞ்சைக்களம் 

Location: Tiruvanchikulam (Kerala) near Kodunggallur
(
Chera Kingdom-Malai Naadu)
Shiva: Vanchikuleswarar, Anjaikkalathappar
Ambal:Uma Devi,Umaiammai
Vriksham:
Theertham:
Patikam: Sundarar
Travel Base: Trichur (Kerala)
Description: Tiru Anjaikkalam  is the only Shivastalam in Kerala which has been sung by the Nayanmars and is located in the vicinity of Kodungallur, near Thrissur. Kodunallur is well known for its famed temple to Bhagawati.

History: Cheraman Perumal, one of the 63 Nayanmars and a great friend of Sundaramoorthy Nayanar is said to have ruled with Kodungallur as his capital.Aadi Swathi (in the month of Cancer) is of festive significance commemorating Sundarar's association with the temple. Sundarar and Cheraman Perumal Nayanar are said to have left for Kailasam from here.The latter composed the Tirukkailaya Ula at Tirukkayilayam (Mount Kailash).

The Temple: In keeping with the Keralite architectural style, this temple has a conical copper plated Vimanam. Cheraman Perumal's image is carved on the temple walls & there is a memorial to him nearby. A majestic tiered brass lamp adorns the temple. Dakshinamurthy, contrary to the name faces the East here. The sanctum is in the form of a chariot and there is no separate shrine for Ambal. Unlike most other Shiva temples in Kerala, there is an image of Nataraja here.

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