Cave Temple Kottukal

The main deity, Lord Ganapathy is placed in between the two square rooms of this rock-cut temple. Lord Shiva is also placed at this temple in the form of a Shiva Lingam. Other sub-deities  are Hanuman and Nandikeswara. There is a Mandapam in front of  one of the square rooms of Kottukal Kal Thrikkovil Cave Temple. Since the rock cut cave houses three deities Lord Shiva, Lord Ganapathy and Lord Hanuman, the name "Thrikkovil '' emerges. The rare association of Shiva Lingam, Nandhi and Anjaneya is seen only in Kottukkal and nowhere else in India such a combination exists. Each visitor of the temple shall wonder the skill of the artisans who made this temple from a large single piece of rock. The well in the temple premises never dries up even during extreme drought.

 Historians believe that the temple was built in the 7th century AD when 'Nedila Paranthaka Nedumchadayan' ruled Chadayamangalam. It seems the rock is brought from somewhere, most probably from Chadayamangalam where Jadayu Para is situated. The temple was taken over by the state archaeology department in 1966. It is now situated in the center of a large extent of paddy fields which comes as a surprise as ancient temples are often seen amongst lush forest. However as there isn’t much information available on the temple, one can only wonder. From a distance this architectural wonder gives the impression of a sleeping elephant. Daily rituals are done under Travancore Devaswom Board. The calmness and tranquility of the area attracts the travelers,
Getting there
Nearest railway station: Kollam Junction, about 47 km
Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport, about 60 km
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