Mundayoor Siva Temple, Thrissur Dist., Kerala

It is yet another dense winter morning. Life around is yet to come out of its lazy slumber. In the twilight chill we are on our way, this time along the Thrissur-Kunnamkulam route. There is an unusually strong breeze around as we go through the narrow road diverting from the main highway. Slowly moving along, watching the old people walking past, looking around and asking for directions, we reach our first destination of the day – Mundayoor (Mundoor) Siva Temple.

Mundayoor, now known as Mundoor is a small, outlying village, around 12 km from Thrissur, in Puzhakkal Block, close to Peramangalam along Thrissur-Kunnamkulam-Kozhikode Route. Not long back, this Puzhakkal area was rich in paddy fields nourished by a river of same name. Natural to Kali Yuga(!), the vicious eye of human greed made a landfall and now this area is almost getting contaminated by real estate, automotive companies and a lot many constructions. Luckily we were able to spot few migratory birds in the Kole fields around. Also, in this area, in a 15 km circumference, we have five of the 108 Siva Temples (Mundoor, Avanoor, Velappaya, Muthuvara and Adaad).

Migratory Birds in the Kole Fields - Near Puzhakkal, Thrissur

Going back to the available history, Mundoor (Mundayoor, Mundatthikod) once had strategic sand forts built for military purposes by the Kochi rulers to stop the invasion of Kozhikode army. Some records state these forts were demolished around 1809. (Reference : 108 Sivakshetrangal, Kunjikuttan Ilayath, pg.18). This area had prominent Namboothiri Homes (Mana) such as Madathil Mundayoor, Mel Mundayoor, Keezh Mundayoor and Aattur Mundayoor. Mundayoor Temple was under the patronage of these families in those days.

As we reached, a big peepal tree and distant view of greenery greeted us on one side. Close by is the entrance gopuram to the temple, which looks renovated. On the left are the steps going down to the temple pond. Outside on the fence wall, in a corner, there is a hoarding with name of temple and stating this as one of the 108 Siva temples. 

Inside the gopuram, we see the outer temple structure, which is relatively simple and small. The balikallu is in the open, outside to the inner structure. We entered in through the western side. Inside area again is simple with a small sanctum and a humble namaskaara mandapam with a very ancient looking Nandi idol. There is a lamp lit for Lord Parasurama and a mirror representing Parvathi devi indicating their presence in the temple. In the corner Lord Ganesha is also consecrated, which is a small and gracious idol.

The main sanctum has two dwarapalakas, both looks to be renovated. Lord Siva idol, facing east, is small and in perfect proportion to the entire temple structure. There is a feeling of warmth around like being in a very humble, pleasant dwelling. The surrounding floor is granite paved. The ancient feel of the roof and the outer walls are compromised with the modern refurbishments. 

"There were mural paintings on the walls of inner sanctum long back. That was cleaned up long back." - tells the young priest, as he talks on nonchalantly. "Temple opens at 5 in the morning and will close at 9. Evening it is from 5:30 and will close by 7." In the book Sri. Kunjikuttan Ilayath, states the temple had two poojas. "We have only one pooja now. The authorities have told so and I am following that." Tantram is by Puliyanoor Mana. The temple is not under Devaswam board, and from our discussions it sounded like the current temple administration is not very keen or competent. 

Closely observing we find few miniature wood works around which gives us the glimpses of old richness. We were shown a stone alongside the entrance with epigraphs of some ancient era. This should be deciphered by its experts to read more about the history of this temple. The Lord of Mundayoor is believed to save the local people from the woes of the war. It is said once the temple had big festival starting from Sivarathri day going till Bharani day. Long back, the students going to Kadavaloor (for Veda learning), were provided lunch in this temple - (Reference : 108 Sivakshetrangal, Kunjikuttan Ilayath, pg.19). However now there is no festival in the temple, neither is there a flag mast. As per the priest, the Lord is said to be in Vayodhika Bhava, which is to be ascertained.

The outer compound has very ancient looking walls with Sastha and Bhagavathi sub-shrines. An unused old well is found in the compound. A big temple pond is close by from where we can view the distant paddy fields. However, unfortunately, the richness of the temple pond looks highly disturbed with plastic wastes, soap covers lying around. 

As we started back, we hear the shrieks of peacock from the distant fields. It is reverberating around, echoing the past richness of this land and imploring a change to its present apathy! We take a deep sigh - The Lord listens everything, the Lord sees everything!