The Cheranalloor Mahadeva Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on the banks of the Periyar River in Kalady, Ernakulam District, Kerala, India. This temple is considered one of the significant shrines in the Cochin Kingdom. According to folklore, the idol of Shiva was installed by the sage Parashurama during the Treta Yuga. The temple is also part of the 108 Shiva temples in Kerala.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is enshrined in the main sanctum sanctorum facing east. The main shrine, designed in a circular shape, showcases the beauty of Kerala-Dravidian architectural style. Additionally, the eastern porch features a square-shaped structure known as the namaskara mandapom.
The size of the nalambalam is impressive, and the adjacent thidappalli has been rebuilt. The Cheranalloor Temple is a masterpiece of architectural craftsmanship, showcasing a rare collection of intricate designs and features.
In ancient times, the Cheranalloor Mahadeva Temple possessed extensive land holdings and received approximately 24 tons of paddy annually, cultivated on about 24,000 hectares of land.