Ashtamichira Mahadeva Temple, Thrissur Dist., Kerala

Ashtamichira Mahadeva Temple

"What is History but a fable agreed upon" - Napolean

But then, just imagine living without those fabulous fables, lively legends, mysterious myths or our grandmother tales. Isn't it like sipping our morning tea only to know that it is horribly cold? At Ashtamichira, a humble village about 15km from Kodungallur, we were greeted with a similar feel - "There are probably no one who knows the history of this temple" - said the old attendant at the Ashtamichira Mahadeva Temple when asked about its origins. "The old people who knew the legends have passed away". But our quest was not over. Our eager enquiries with the friendly people of this modest village guided us into quite a bunch of information and a few legends too.

Situated very close to the Ashtamichira junction, the Mahadeva Temple here is believed to be one among the 108 Siva Temple of Kerala ("Kodumboor Ashtamikkovil Pattanakkadu Thashtayil " - from the 108 Shivalaya Nama Stotra). A very humble temple per se, its true feel is however punctured here and there in the form of big arch and contemporary flooring. But the vast water body (chira) just behind the temple gives it a very auspicious feel.

View from outside

Inside the chuttambalam there are two deities of Lord Shiva - one is swayambhoo in the form of Mrityunjayamoorthy called Thekkum Thevar and the other is Parvathi sametha Siva called the Naduvil Thevar. The Naduvil Thevar should be the one consecrated by Lord Parasurama. Ganapathi, Sastha and Bhadrakali are also worshiped inside the chuttambalam. The structure of the temple is a little different from others. The temple has two entrances to the chuttambalam. One sacrificial stone (Ballikallu) is placed outside the chuttambalam and another one is inside – in front of the Swayambhoo Siva. Outside, there is yet another sub-shrine of Lord Shiva in the form of Kirathamoorthy, called Vadakkum Thevar. There are sub shrines for Nagas and Lord Krishna as well. 

The main sanctum of Naduvil Thevar is two storied square structure - a simple design but with very old charm. The sanctum of Swayambhoo Lord Shiva is a circular structure (Vatta-sreekovil), but the railings and new paint gives it a modern impression. Lord Shiva here is facing East. The well inside has a very old feel. The modern granite floor of namaskara mandapam and tile flooring in few places is unfortunately compromising this temple’s modest appearance. This temple is managed by Cochin Devaswam Board.

Water body (Chira) behind the temple

After our prayers, the local people guided us to Achyuthan Maash (Master) to learn more about this place and temple. It was an unplanned meeting but a very pleasant one. Inside his simple home, built in Laurie Baker model, we sat surrounded by series of book-shelves listening to the retired Malayalam teacher Achyuthan Maash.

"The name Ashtamichira might have originated from the ‘Ashtamoorthy Chira’, Lord Shiva is known as Ashtamoorthy for he has eight forms. The temple also has eight deities which too could be the reason for this place name.” – he said and continued - “I will tell you about one of my experience. About 25 years back an Astamangalya Prasna was performed in this temple and it was decided to perform Astabandhakalasa of Swayambhoo Siva. The date and time was decided and all arrangements were on. It was during summer and the water body (chira) behind the temple was completely dry at that time. It was so dry that the bottom of water body was visible till the previous day of Astabandhakalasa. On the day of Astabandhakalasa, in the morning, when people came to temple, they found this water body is brimming with water. Yes. People can view it in a scientific or mystic way, but this is something which happened here.”

Summer bloom - on way to Ashtamichira

A very modest person he is, talking very calmly – we were not surprised to know he has won President’s Award and is working for Gandhi Peace Foundation. He shared whatever knowledge he has with respect to this temple and on various other topics in a masterly way. 

On Mahatma he has this to tell us - “If we have to point out someone as a role model to our children we have only Mahatma Gandhi. The way Gandhiji lead the life - the simplicity, tolerance, equanimous attitude towards all religions - all those aspects of his personality has a message for we all. As we know his life itself is his message."

We felt whatever Achyuthan Maash said about Gandhiji is reflecting in his personality as well.

At the end as we walked back after our meeting, we all were feeling fresh and refreshed - as like we have just finished our hot cup of morning tea.