The Chengannur Mahadeva Temple, also known as the Bhagavathy Temple, is a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated in the town of Chengannur in Kerala, South India. It is one of Kerala’s major Shiva temples, alongside Ettumanoor Mahadevar Temple, Kaduthuruthy Mahadeva Temple, Vaikom Temple, Ernakulam Shiva Temple, and Vadakkunnathan Temple.
The temple is also regarded as a significant Bhadrakali shrine in Kerala. It uniquely celebrates a rare festival called Thripputhu (Malayalam: തൃപ്പൂത്ത്), honoring the menstruation of the deity Bhadrakali. During this festival, the temple remains closed for three days, marking the deity’s symbolic menstrual cycle.
Situated in the heart of Chengannur, near the Pamba River, this temple is central to the town, which is one of Kerala’s 32 traditional Namputiri towns. Lord Mahadeva (Shiva) is revered as the town’s divine protector. The main deity, represented as a Shiva lingam, faces east, while his consort, Bhadrakali, stands behind, facing west.
Visitors enter through a traditional Kerala-style temple tower and pass a golden flagstaff, both aligned with the central shrine. Surrounding the main temple in the second precinct are shrines dedicated to Shasta and Nilagriva, while an image of Ganesha is placed in the first precinct.