Thiruvancheri Kavu Explained

Thiruvancheri kavu is located near Kuthuparamba, Kannur district,Kerala. It is a site of ancient worship where Shakteya rituals are performed. The temple is notable for its integration of Shakta and Shaiva traditions. It is one of the 13 Shakteya Temples in Kerala related to Kashmir Shaivism^[1] .^{[2] [3]} Kingdom of Kottayam rebuilt the temple 200 years ago after finding the destroyed remains. The deity is the family goddess of Pazhassi Raja of Kingdom of Kottayam.^{[4] [5]}

Temple Architecture and Deities

Thiruvanjeri Kavu is designed according to the traditional Kerala temple architecture known as Rurujith Vidhanam.^{[6] [7]} The temple complex houses two sanctum sanctorum where deities Bhadrakali, Saptha Mathrukkal, Ganapathy, and Virabhadra are enshrined facing the sanctum sanctorum of Shiva. Additionally, there is a separate sanctum for Kshetrapalaka, revered as Kalabhairava, and believed to be nurtured by Devi.

Notes and References

1. Web site: Kashmir Tantrism . shaivism.net . 18 May 2024.
2. Web site: Text of the Vice-President's address during Rajanaka Puraskar ceremony held at KTDC Samudra, Kovalam Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala . Press Information Bureau Government of India . 18 May 2024.
3. Web site: A Journey through 13 Abodes of Rurujit Kali . indica.today . 18 May 2024.
4. Web site: Sri Thiruvanchery Kaavu. Tripadvisor.com . 18 May 2024.
5. Web site: Vice President emphasizes the need to explore and rediscover our traditional knowledge systems .
6. Web site: The Yāmala-tantras with special reference to the worship of Rurujit. Lecture given during the Sree Vidya-Tanthrika-Upasaka Sangamam 2015. Organised by Sree Vidya Prathishtanam, Kodungallur, Kerala on 13-12-2015 . Academia.edu . 18 May 2024 . Sarma . S. a. S. .
7. Web site: Kerala Temple Architecture . templenet.com . 18 May 2024.