Sri Mammiyur Mahadeva Temple Guruvayur – 108 Shiva Temples of Kerala

 

Location

• Place: Mammiyur, Guruvayur, Thrissur District, Kerala
• Nearby Landmark: Just 650 meters from Sree Guruvayurappan Temple
• Access:
• 26 km from Thrissur Railway Station
• 79 km from Cochin
• 1 km from Guruvayur Railway Station

Deities & Subshrines

• Main Deity: Lord Shiva as Uma Maheswara (with Goddess Parvati on His left)
• Separate Shrine: Lord Vishnu
• Other Shrines:
• Lord Ganapathi
• Lord Subramanya Swamy (Murugan)
• Lord Ayyappa
• Goddess Kali
• Naga deities

Legendary History

• During the final phase of Dwaparayuga, after the deluge submerged Dwaraka, Lord Krishna handed over His idol to Guru (Brihaspathi) and Vayu (wind god).
• They descended on the banks of Rudratheertha, sanctified by Lord Shiva’s penance.
• Lord Shiva suggested consecration of the idol there and moved to a nearby site with Goddess Parvati.
• Thus:
• The consecrated site became Guruvayur (Lord Krishna’s abode).
• The site chosen by Lord Shiva became Mahimayur → Mammiyur.
• Tradition: Devotees visiting Guruvayur must also visit Mammiyur, symbolizing Shaiva–Vaishnava harmony.

Festivals

• Mahashivaratri – grand celebrations with special poojas and annadanam.
• Lord Vishnu Pratishta Day (Makaram month)
• Navratri
• Mandala Pooja
• Vinayaka Chaviti
• Ramayana month (Karkidakam)
• Ashtami Rohini (Krishna’s birthday)
• Onam & Vishu – special rituals and feasts.

Temple Oottupura (Free Feast)

• Regular Days: Mondays, Thursdays, Sundays.
• Festivals: Onam, Vishu, Shivaratri, Ashtami Rohini, Maharudra Yajna.
• Time: 11:00 am.

Temple Timings

• Morning:
• 4:00 am – Blowing of Conch
• 4:45 am – Temple opens, Nirmalyam, Oil abhishekam
• 5:00 am – Ganapathi Homam
• 6:45–7:45 am – Rig Veda Dhara (to Vishnu & Shiva)
• 8:00 am – Ushapooja, Naivedyam
• 10:00–11:00 am – Special homas (Maha Mrityunjaya, Karuka, Thila, Ayushya, Rahu, Naga, Rakshassu)
• 12:00–12:30 pm – Noon Pooja
• Evening:
• 4:45 pm – Temple reopens
• 6:00 pm – Deeparadhana, Arathi
• 6:30–7:00 pm – Uma Maheswara Pooja, Bhagavathy Seva, Dampathy Pooja
• 7:30–8:30 pm – Athazha Pooja (Night Pooja)
• 8:30 pm – Temple closes

Significance

• One of the 108 Shiva temples of Kerala.
• Essential pilgrimage stop after Guruvayur darshan.
• Symbol of Shaiva–Vaishnava unity.
• Believed to grant blessings of health, prosperity, marital harmony, and spiritual upliftment.

Getting Here

• By Road:
• The temple is located just 1 km from Guruvayur Railway Station and about 650 meters from Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple.
• Regular buses and autos connect Guruvayur with Thrissur (26 km) and Kochi (79 km).
• By Rail:
• Guruvayur Railway Station is the nearest, with local trains from Thrissur, Ernakulam, and Kozhikode.
• By Air:
• Cochin International Airport (~80 km away).
• Taxis and buses are available from the airport to Guruvayur.

Tips

• Temple Entry: Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple premises.
• Dress Code: Traditional attire is expected – men in dhoti, women in saree/salwar. Avoid western casuals.
• Best Time to Visit:
• Early mornings for peaceful darshan.
• Maha Shivaratri and Vishnu Pratishta Day are the most vibrant festivals.
• Annadanam (Free Feast): Served at the Oottupura on Mondays, Thursdays, Sundays, and during festivals (11:00 am).
• Nearby Temples:
• Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple (650 m) – tradition says devotees should visit Mammiyur after Guruvayur darshan.
• Crowds: Expect heavy turnout during Shivaratri, Onam, Vishu, and Ashtami Rohini. Plan accommodation in Guruvayur town.