July 10, 2013: The Thrikkakkudy rock-cut temple situated in a cluster of giant rocks at Kaviyur, 5 km from Thiruvalla, in Pathanamthitta district is believed to be the relics of the centuries’ old Dravidian culture and civilisation.

Archaeologists say that the cave temple dates back to 8th century AD. The rock-cut temple is now a protected monument under the Archaeological Department.

This wonder in rock, dedicated to Lord Siva, facing the South, has got a unique construction and structural beauty.

In the words of the late P. Unnikrishnan Nair, historian and archaeologist who had done much research on this protected monument, the Thrikkakkudy rock-cut temple was as old as the cave temples of Kallil, Madavoorpara, Irunilamkode and Vizhinjom.

Etymologically, the name ‘Thrikkakkudy’ has its origin from the words, ‘Thiru - kal - kudy’ meaning ‘sacred dwelling place in rock.’ It does not have the traditional features of a temple such as the Balikkalpura, Balivattom, Dhwaja (mast) and Naalambalam.

The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has renovated the rock-cut structure and started one-time daily rituals (in the morning) from May 31 following repeated requests from devotees.

The two-and-a-half-foot high Sivalinga in granite has been placed on a raised platform inside the 10-foot high and seven-foot square sanctum sanctorum. The walls of the sanctum sanctorum are plain and polished, with a six-foot high door.

On either side of the entrance to the sanctum stands are two Dwarapalakars.

There is a broad veranda in front of the sanctum sanctorum. The images of Lord Vinayaka (Ganapati) and a sage are carved on the side wall.

A deep, narrow, perennial natural pond amidst two rocks is an attraction here.

Buddhist influence

Historians see a Buddhist influence at the rock-cut-structure at Thrikkakkudy too.

Archaeologist Unnikrishnan Nair was of the opinion that this might have been a Buddhist Pagoda centuries ago. Before the 10th century AD, Buddhism and Jainism flourished in Kerala too and monks preferred to lead a secluded life in such rock-cut caves.

Legend has it that the cave temple was constructed by demons in one night. It says that Lord Siva and Anjaneya, presiding deities at the centuries’ old Mahadevar Temple at Kaviyur, interrupted the work and the demons had to flee for their lives.

Another legend says that the rock-cut structure was a dwelling place of the great Pandavas of Mahabharatha during their exile in the forests.

It is beyond doubt that a unique Dravidian culture and civilisation flourished in the area and extensive survey and excavation may lead to unearthing of a past culture and civilisation hitherto unknown to the modern world.

The Tourism Department has included Thrikkakkudy rock-cut temple in the district tourism map.

This giant rock situated on the verdant outskirts of Kaviyur village is a visual feast to the tourists.

Source: The Hindu, DT. July 10, 2013.