Kottukkal Cave Temple, also referred to as Kaltrikkovil in Malayalam, is a remarkable example of rock-cut architecture, dating back to the 6th to 8th centuries CE. Located in the village of Kottukkal, near Anchal in the Kollam district of Kerala, India, this temple showcases the intricate craftsmanship of its time.
The name Kottukkal, derived from "Kothiya Kallu" meaning "carved rock," refers to the rock-cut shrine itself. The temple features two caves of differing sizes, both oriented to the east, with a sculpture of the main deity, Ganapathy, situated between them. The smaller cave houses an idol of Hanuman, while the larger cave contains a monolithic Nandi.
According to local traditions, the large rock was brought to the area by incarnations of Shiva, including Nandi. Additionally, a nearby smaller rock known as 'Chummaadu Para' is believed to serve as a support for relieving pain.
Historians trace the origin of the Kottukkal Cave Temple back to the 7th century AD, during the reign of Nedila Paranthaka Nedumchadayan, who ruled Chadayamangalam, a nearby area. It is believed that he was responsible for the construction of this rock-cut temple.