The mystic rock cut temple of Kaviyoor

 A quick drive through the MC road and the Changanassery bypass would take you to the beginning point of the Changanassery-Kaviyoor road. 

A drive through this road would take you till the Kaviyoor junction. From this junction, the road splits to two. One leads to the famed Kaviyoor mahadeva temple while the other leads you to the Kaviyoor rock cut cave temple. 

Situated in a scenic backdrop, the Kaviyoor cave temple is maintained by the archaeological department of India and is an excellent candidate for the exhibition of ancient rock carving architecture, once lost from our culture. 

The road to the area is well paved with colorful interlocks and a spacious parking space exists, protected by a tamarind tree from the top. 

A steep flight of stairs took me to the entrance of the small structure which remains ill maintained but still beautiful.

A huge rock called Kaniyanpara towers the temple and the view from the top is amazing even though reaching the top is risky.

 

The temple is carved on to the southern face of the rock and boasts of elaborately designed sculptures of Dwarapalakas and a Shiva linga inside. There is also a small pond beside the temple guarded by a poisonous Cheru tree.

Many believe that this was intended to be the actual site of the Mahadeva temple, but fearing for the loss of reputation of the current temple, this one was ignored. 

I would recommend a visit here for all history buffs and hiking enthusiasts. 

Kerala has many such adorable secrets waiting to be revealed. I take it as my quest to unravel those left ignored. I will see you guys in the next unraveling.....


Till then,

Adios.................


Thejus R

Comments

  1. Unknown9 November 2020 at 12:52

    Adios 🥳

    ReplyDelete
  2. Unknown1 February 2021 at 09:57

    Nice writing😇..I have visited this place long back..I dont think anyone is even aware of the history around us. Indian history education lies just in our books and students are least concerned about the beauty and importance of historical monuments in India..😪.Keep writing❣️

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thejus R19 March 2021 at 01:19

      Thanks a lot!!!! I am a stickler for South Indian historical monuments..Its a shame that there only quite a few of these in Kerala..The temples of Thanjavur, Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram have always fascinated me through pictures..I hope to visit them one day..They are all truly architectural wonders..

      Delete

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