108 Shiva Temples of Kerala – The Sacred Shivalaya Yatra of Parasurama

Discover the 108 Shiva Temples traditionally associated with Lord Parasurama, the Nootrettu Shivalaya Stotram and the sacred land of Parasurama Kshetra. Explore the complete traditional temple list and plan your 108 Shiva Temple pilgrimage with SouthGuru Holidays.

Kerala is known for its magnificent temples, sacred rivers, lush landscapes and centuries-old spiritual traditions. Among the most fascinating pilgrimage traditions of Kerala is the 108 Shiva Temple Yatra, popularly known as the 108 Shivalayas of Kerala.

According to Hindu tradition, these 108 Shiva temples are associated with Lord Parasurama, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu. The temples are remembered in the traditional Nootrettu Shivalaya Stotram, a Malayalam devotional hymn describing the sacred Shiva shrines associated with Parasurama Kshetra.

The traditional sacred geography of Parasurama Kshetra extends from Gokarna in Karnataka in the north to Suchindram in Kanyakumari in the south. The 108 temples are spread across Kerala and neighbouring regions, making this one of the most fascinating long-distance pilgrimage circuits in South India.

The Legend of Parasurama and the Sacred Land of Kerala

Lord Parasurama occupies a unique position in Hindu mythology as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and a great devotee of Lord Shiva.

According to traditional belief, after the events associated with King Kartaviryarjuna and the death of his father Sage Jamadagni, Parasurama undertook penance and worshiped Lord Shiva.

The legend says that Parasurama subsequently reclaimed land from the sea by throwing his divine axe, the Parashu. This reclaimed land came to be known as Parasurama Kshetra.

Traditional accounts describe this sacred region as extending from Gokarna to Suchindram. Parasurama is believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva at 108 sacred locations within this region. These temples are remembered through the Nootrettu Shivalaya Stotram.

It is important to understand that this is a religious and mythological tradition, preserved through Kerala’s temple culture and devotional literature, rather than a historically verified account of one individual physically constructing all 108 temples.

What is the Nootrettu Shivalaya Stotram?

The Nootrettu Shivalaya Stotram is traditionally regarded as a Malayalam devotional hymn associated with the 108 Shiva temples.

The hymn remembers the sacred temples through their traditional place names. Many of these ancient place names have changed over centuries, and some names correspond to locations that can be difficult to identify precisely today.

This is one reason why different published lists of the 108 Shiva Temples of Kerala sometimes show variations in spelling, numbering and modern temple identification.

Complete Traditional List of the 108 Shiva Temples

The following list is presented as a traditional Shivalaya list, using commonly used modern names wherever identification is reasonably clear. Because different sources preserve slightly different numbers and modern identifications, pilgrims should verify individual temple locations before travelling.

1–20

1. Vadakkunnathan Temple – Thrissur
2. Udayamperoor Ekadasi Perumthrikovil – Udayamperoor
3. Raveeswarapuram Mahadeva Temple – Kodungallur
4. Sthanumalayan Temple – Suchindram, Kanyakumari
5. Chowwara Chidambaraswamy Temple – Chowwara
6. Mathur Shiva Temple – Mathur
7. Triprangode Shiva Temple – Malappuram
8. Mundayur Mahadeva Temple – Thrissur
9. Thirumandhamkunnu Temple – Angadipuram
10. Chowalloor Shiva Temple – Guruvayur
11. Pananchery Mudikkoda Shiva Temple – Thrissur
12. Annamanada Mahadeva Temple – Thrissur
13. Thrikkuratti Mahadeva Temple – Mannar
14. Puramundekkad Mahadeva Temple – Malappuram
15. Avanoor Sreekanteswaram Mahadeva Temple – Thrissur
16. Kollur Mookambika Temple – Karnataka
17. Thirumangalam Mahadeva Temple – Thrissur
18. Thrikkariyoor Mahadeva Temple – Ernakulam
19. Kunnappuram / Kudappanakunnu Mahadeva Temple – Thiruvananthapuram
20. Velloor Perunthatta Mahadeva Temple – Kottayam

21–40

21. Ashtamangalam Shiva Temple – Thrissur
22. Airanikkulam Mahadeva Temple – Thrissur
23. Kainoor Shiva Temple – Thrissur
24. Mahabaleshwar Temple – Gokarna, Karnataka
25. Ernakulam Mahadeva Temple – Ernakulam
26. Pazhoor Perumthrikkovil – Piravom
27. Adat Shiva Temple – Thrissur
28. Parippu Mahadeva Temple – Kottayam
29. Chathamangalam / Sasthamangalam Mahadeva Temple – Thiruvananthapuram
30. Paraparambu Mahadeva Temple – Malappuram
31. Thrikkur Mahadeva Temple – Thrissur
32. Panayoor Shiva Temple – Palakkad
33. Nettur Mahadeva Temple – Ernakulam
34. Vaikom Mahadeva Temple – Kottayam
35. Rameshwaram Mahadeva Temple – Kollam
36. Rameshwaram Mahadeva Temple – Amaravila
37. Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple – Kottayam
38. Kanjilassery Mahadeva Temple – Kozhikode
39. Chemmanthatta Mahadeva Temple – Thrissur
40. Aluva Mahadeva Temple – Ernakulam

41–60

41. Thirumittacode Temple – Palakkad
42. Velorvattom Mahadeva Temple – Cherthala
43. Kallattupuzha Mahadeva Temple – Thrissur
44. Thrikkunnu Mahadeva Temple – Thrissur
45. Cheruvathur Mahadeva Temple – Thrissur
46. Ponganam / Pungunnam Mahadeva Temple – Thrissur
47. Thrikkapaleeswaram Mahadeva Temple – Niranam
48. Thrikkapaleeswaram Shiva Temple – Kannur region
49. Avittathur Mahadeva Temple – Thrissur
50. Perumala Panayannarkavu Temple – Pathanamthitta
51. Kollam Rameshwaram Mahadeva Temple – Kollam
52. Kattakambala Mahadeva Temple – Thrissur
53. Pazhayannur Mahadeva Temple – Thrissur
54. Perakam Mahadeva Temple – Thrissur
55. Ambalikkadu Mahadeva Temple – Thrissur
56. Cheranalloor Mahadeva Temple – Ernakulam
57. Maniyoor Mahadeva Temple – Malappuram
58. Thali Mahadeva Temple – Kozhikode
59. Kodungallur Mahadeva Temple – Thrissur
60. Sreekanteswaram Mahadeva Temple – Thiruvananthapuram

61–80

61. Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple – Kodungallur
62. Padanayarkulangara Mahadeva Temple – Kollam
63. Thrichattukulam Mahadeva Temple – Alappuzha
64. Pokkunny Shiva Temple – Palakkad
65. Kottiyoor Shiva Temple – Kannur
66. Thrippalur Mahadeva Temple – Palakkad
67. Perunthatta Mahadeva Temple – Thrissur
68. Thiruvalla / Thiruvatta Mahadeva Temple – Pathanamthitta
69. Vazhappally Mahadeva Temple – Kottayam
70. Puthuppally Mahadeva Temple – Kollam
71. Mangalam / Anchumoorthy Mahadeva Temple – Palakkad
72. Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple – Kottayam
73. Kodumboor Mahadeva Temple – Palakkad
74. Ashtamichira Mahadeva Temple – Thrissur
75. Killikkurussimangalam Mahadeva Temple – Palakkad
76. Puthur Mahadeva Temple – Kannur
77. Kumbhasambhavamandiram – Chengannur
78. Someswaram Mahadeva Temple – Thrissur
79. Venganellur Mahadeva Temple – Thrissur
80. Kottarakkara Mahadeva Temple – Kollam

81–108

81. Kandiyoor Mahadeva Temple – Alappuzha
82. Palayoor Mahadeva Temple – Thrissur
83. Chellur / Perinchellur – Taliparamba
84. Nedumpura Kulasekharanallur Mahadeva Temple – Thrissur
85. Mannoor Mahadeva Temple – Kozhikode
86. Thrichaliyoor / Thrissilery Shiva Temple – Wayanad
87. Sringapuram Mahadeva Temple – Kodungallur
88. Karivellur Mahadeva Temple – Kannur
89. Mammiyoor Mahadeva Temple – Guruvayur
90. Parampanthali Mahadeva Temple – Thrissur
91. Thirunavaya Mahadeva Temple – Malappuram
92. Kanjiramattam Mahadeva Temple – Idukki
93. Nalpathaneeswaram Mahadeva Temple – Cherthala
94. Kottappuram Shiva Temple – Thrissur
95. Muthuvara Mahadeva Temple – Thrissur
96. Velappaya Mahadeva Temple – Thrissur
97. Chendamangalam Shiva Temple – Ernakulam
98. Thirukkandiyur Mahadeva Temple – Malappuram
99. Peruvanam Mahadeva Temple – Thrissur
100. Thiruvaloor Mahadeva Temple – Ernakulam
101. Chirakkal Mahadeva Temple – Ernakulam
102. Thaliyil Mahadeva Temple – Kottayam
103. Kaduthuruthi Mahadeva Temple – Kottayam
104. Thrikkapaleswaram – Kannur
105. Kottur / Karivellur Mahadeva Temple – Kannur
106. Chenthamangalam Mahadeva Temple – Ernakulam
107. Kollur – Karnataka
108. Thrichaliyoor / Thrissilery – Wayanad

Important: Because the traditional Stotram and modern temple-identification lists differ in places, this list should be treated as a pilgrimage reference rather than an official government-certified enumeration. The Shaivam source, for example, preserves a 108-entry table but has an apparent numbering irregularity around Mathur.

The Most Important Shiva Temples in the 108 Shivalaya Tradition

Although every shrine in the traditional circuit has its own significance, several temples are particularly well known among pilgrims.

Vadakkunnathan Temple – Thrissur

Traditionally regarded as Sri Mad Dakshina Kailasam, Vadakkunnathan Temple occupies a special place in the Shivalaya tradition and is one of the most important Shiva temples in Kerala.

The temple’s magnificent Kerala-style architecture, historic murals and annual festivals make Thrissur an important destination for devotees and cultural travellers.

Mahabaleshwar Temple – Gokarna

Gokarna lies at the northern end of the traditional Parasurama Kshetra. Mahabaleshwar Temple is one of the great Shiva pilgrimage centres of Karnataka and is traditionally included in the 108 Shivalaya tradition.

Suchindram Sthanumalayan Temple

Located in present-day Kanyakumari district, the Sthanumalayan Temple at Suchindram is particularly unique because the principal deity represents the combined concept of Sthanu, Mal and Ayan – Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma.

Its inclusion illustrates the broad sacred geography of the traditional Parasurama Kshetra.

Vaikom Mahadeva Temple

Vaikom is one of Kerala’s most revered Shiva pilgrimage centres and is particularly famous for the Vaikom Ashtami festival.

Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple

Ettumanoor is another major Shiva pilgrimage centre in Kerala, celebrated for its traditional architecture, murals, rituals and festivals.

Kottiyoor Mahadeva Temple

Located amid the forests of Kannur district, Kottiyoor provides a very different pilgrimage experience, combining sacred traditions with the natural landscape of northern Kerala.

Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple

The ancient Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple near Kodungallur is deeply connected with the Shaiva heritage of Kerala and the historic Chera region.

108 Shiva Temple Yatra – A Spiritual Journey Across Kerala

The 108 Shiva Temple pilgrimage in Kerala is not simply a temple-hopping tour.

It is a journey through Kerala’s cultural and spiritual landscape.

The traditional circuit takes pilgrims through:

Thrissur → Ernakulam → Kottayam → Alappuzha → Pathanamthitta → Kollam → Thiruvananthapuram → Palakkad → Malappuram → Kozhikode → Kannur → Wayanad, while also extending traditionally to Gokarna in Karnataka and Suchindram in Kanyakumari.

Along the way, pilgrims encounter ancient temple architecture, sacred ponds, rivers, traditional villages, historic settlements and some of the most beautiful landscapes of South India.

Best Way to Plan a 108 Shiva Temple Pilgrimage

Completing all 108 temples is a major pilgrimage undertaking. It is not practical to treat it like a conventional Kerala holiday.

A well-planned 108 Shiva Temple Yatra should consider:

Starting Point: Trivandrum, Kochi, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kannur or another convenient location.

Duration: The number of days depends on how many temples the pilgrim wishes to cover each day.

Transportation: A private car, Tempo Traveller, Mini Bus or Coach can be arranged depending on the group size.

Accommodation: Hotels can be selected along the route to reduce unnecessary travel.

Temple Timings: Individual temple opening and pooja timings should be checked before finalising the daily route.

Darshan Planning: Some temples may require additional time for rituals, offerings and local customs.

Route Planning: Instead of following the numerical order, a geographically logical route can substantially reduce travel time.

108 Shiva Temple Pilgrimage from Trivandrum

For pilgrims travelling from Thiruvananthapuram, SouthGuru Holidays can create a customised Kerala Shiva Temple pilgrimage itinerary covering the southern, central and northern sections of the traditional Shivalaya circuit.

A route can be designed around important temples such as:

Sreekanteswaram → Amaravila Rameshwaram → Kollam → Kottayam → Vaikom → Ettumanoor → Ernakulam → Thrissur → Palakkad → Malappuram → Kozhikode → Kannur → Wayanad

The exact route can be modified depending on the number of temples, available days and the pilgrim group’s preferences.

Why Choose SouthGuru Holidays for a 108 Shiva Temple Yatra?

SouthGuru Holidays specialises in pilgrimage travel across Kerala and Tamil Nadu and can organise customised temple tours for individuals, families and pilgrimage groups.

Our pilgrimage services can include:

Complete Itinerary Planning A route designed around the temples you wish to visit.

Private Transportation Sedan, SUV, Innova Crysta, Tempo Traveller, Mini Bus and Coach options.

Hotel Accommodation Hotels selected according to the route, budget and group requirements.

Temple Pilgrimage Assistance Assistance with planning temple visits and daily travel schedules.

Group Pilgrimage Tours Customised arrangements for family groups, devotional groups and associations.

Kerala & Tamil Nadu Temple Circuits The 108 Shivalaya Yatra can also be combined with other important pilgrimage destinations across South India.

Frequently Asked Questions – 108 Shiva Temples of Kerala

What are the 108 Shiva Temples of Kerala?
The 108 Shiva Temples of Kerala, also known as the 108 Shivalayas, are a traditional group of Shiva temples associated with the Nootrettu Shivalaya Stotram and the religious tradition of Parasurama Kshetra.

Did Parasurama build all 108 Shiva temples?
According to Hindu tradition, Parasurama is associated with the consecration or worship of Shiva at these 108 sacred locations. This is a religious tradition and legend, not an independently verified historical record of the physical construction of every temple.

Where are the 108 Shiva Temples located?
The traditional circuit extends from Gokarna in Karnataka to Suchindram in Kanyakumari, with the majority of the traditionally identified temples located in Kerala.

What is the Nootrettu Shivalaya Stotram?
It is a traditional Malayalam devotional hymn that remembers the sacred 108 Shiva temples / Shivalayas associated with the pilgrimage tradition.

How many days are required for the 108 Shiva Temple Yatra?
There is no fixed duration. Depending on the route, temple timings and time spent at each shrine, a complete pilgrimage can require an extended itinerary. SouthGuru Holidays can design the route according to the number of days available.

Plan Your 108 Shiva Temple Pilgrimage with SouthGuru Holidays

The 108 Shiva Temple Yatra is one of the most fascinating spiritual journeys through the sacred landscape of South India.

From Gokarna to Suchindram, and through the ancient temples and villages of Kerala, this pilgrimage offers devotees an opportunity to experience the living Shaiva heritage of the region.

Whether you are planning a family pilgrimage, temple tour, group yatra or a complete 108 Shivalaya pilgrimage, SouthGuru Holidays can help plan your journey with transportation, accommodation and a carefully structured itinerary.