Kottukal Cave Temple

Kottukkal Cave Temple, also known as Kaltrikkovil in Malayalam, is an existing example of rock cut architecture, built between 6th and 8th centuries CE. It is situated in the village of Kottukkal, near Anchal, Kollam district, Kerala, India. The name Kottukkal is a reference to rock cut shrine.

A rare entity among the temple architecture of Kerala, cave temples is few and arouse great curiosity. The one at Ittiva at Chadayamangalam in Kollam district is one such temple, virtually carved out from a gigantic piece of rock, lying in the middle of a paddy field. From a distance this architectural wonder gives the impression of a sleeping elephant.

This rock cut temple represents the vibes of an ancient culture and also the traditional artistic excellence prevalent at that time. The temple known as Kottukal Kal Thrikovil Cave Temple has two square rooms with the main deity of Lord Ganapathy in between. The other deities include Lord Siva in the form of Siva Lingam, Hanuman and Nandikeswara. A Mandapam (roof) in front of one of the rooms stands testimony to the skill of those who build this temple from a single piece of rock. The temple premise also has a well that never dries up.

A Heritage site. One cannot even widely guess how ancient this site might be. A must visit temple of the Mahadev.

A Temple carved in rock which is 2000 year old as per local community. There are no reliable evidences on who built it while some historians believe Nedila Paranthaka Nedumchadayan. It seems the rock is brought from somewhere, most probably from Chadayamangalam where Jadayu Para is situated.

Kottukkal Cave Temple is a Temple Carved inside a rock. It is situated at kottukkal in kollam district, here you can feel a peaceful atmosphere.

Visiting the Kottukal Cave Temple was a transformative experience that I'll cherish forever. Nestled amidst lush greenery, this hidden gem exudes tranquility. The intricate rock-cut architecture, adorned with ancient carvings, is a testament to the craftsmanship of yesteryears. As I ventured through the winding passages, a sense of reverence enveloped me. The sanctum housing the deity felt like a sanctum of peace. The chants and incense created an ethereal atmosphere, heightening the spiritual connection. The panoramic view from the temple's entrance is breathtaking – a perfect blend of nature and divinity. Whether you seek solace, historical marvels, or a glimpse into local culture, Kottukal Cave Temple is a must-visit. A place where time stands still, allowing you to absorb the serenity and wonder of a bygone era.

Kottukkal Cave Temple, also known as Kaltrikkovil in Malayalam, is an existing example of rock cut architecture , built between 6th and 8th centuries CE. It is situated in the village of kottukkal near jatayu earth centre , The name Kottukkal (which means Kothiya Kallu- carved rock) is a reference to rock cut shrine. There are two caves of unequal size, both facing the east with the sculpture of the main deity Ganesh in between. Lord Shiva is also a deity in the temple in the form of a siva lingam

Most visiting the area have seen the temple of goodwill.

The Kottukkal Cave Temple is a beautiful and serene rock-cut shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated on the Thiruvananthapuram-Kottayam MC Road, Kotthukkal village. The name Kottukal refers to Kothiya Kallu or carved rock. The temple is also known as Kaltrikkovil in Malayalam language. This temple has two caves, the bigger of which is enshrined by Nandi Bull and the smaller one with Lord Hanuman. In between these caves one can see the idol of Lord Ganapathy. The temple is an excellent example of rock cut architecture that prevailed between the 6th and 8th centuries CE, and is looked at with awe by architecture students as well as pious devotees alike.

It is less known cave temple. Small one in middle of paddy fields.

Old Shiva temple,

This temple is situated in Kottukal village in Anchal , Kollam District. Believed to be constructed between 6th and 8th century AD.

This temple is made by cutting one big natural rock present in this place. Here Lord Siva , Ganapathi and Hanuman are worshiped.

Daily pooja are conducted there. From Kollam town this temple is around 30 plus km drive. The place where this is situated is in a village and is very less crowded.

Morning the temple will be open till around 10 am only and evening it will be open around 5.00 PM to 7.00 PM on normal days. Currently this is projected by Archaeological department and some renovation activities are in progress.

Small cave temple and local tourist attraction.

Beautiful and natural temple.

One of the earliest ancient heritages of Kerala is its exquisite rock cut temples that even as of date, stand as a testament to this beautiful state’s exceptional cultural and architectural legacy. The most famous of these cave temples is the ‘Kottukal Cave Temple’ located in Kollam district of Kerala. Built between 6th and 8th century, the temple is one of its kind and gives the illusion of a sleeping elephant when seen from a distance. A living example of the traditional architectural excellence prevalent in bygone times, the temple amalgamates two chambers of different sizes carved out from a single gigantic rock and enshrines the deities of Lord Ganapathy, Hanuman, Nandi Bull and Lord Shiva in the form of Shivlinga.

Kottukkal cave temple, also known as Kaltrikkovil in Malayalam, is an existing example of rock cut architecture, built between 6th and 8th centuries CE. It is situated in the village of Kottukkal, near Anchal, Kollam district, Kerala, India. The name Kothukkal (which means Kothiya Kallu- carved rock) is a reference to rock cut shrine. There are two caves of unequal size, both facing the east with the sculpture of the main deity Ganapathy in between.The smaller cave has an idol of Hanuman and the larger one has a monolithic Nandi (bull) in it.Lord Shiva is also a deity in the temple in the form of a Shiva Ling.

According to local traditions, the big rock was brought to the area by the incarnations of Shiva including Nandi to the area, and another small rock near to it called 'chummaadu para' is believed to be the support to relieve the pain when the bigger hard rock kept in head. Historians read its origin back to the 7th century AD when 'Nedila Paranthaka Nedumchadayan' who ruled Chadayamangalam the nearby place, made the rock cut temple. It is now situated in the centre of a large extent of paddy fields and daily rituals are done under Travancore Devaswom Board. The calmness and tranquility of the area attracts the travellers, and one can reach the spot travelling 45 kilometers from Kollam.

Ancient cabe temple situated in between aayoor and chadayamangalam,5kilomeeters from MC road and a must go place for historians.
Very ancient rock cave in the middle of paddy land and there are two caves ,two caves are supposed as two Sree kovil the main idol is Lord Siva
The Kottakkal cave temple is a protected monument

Very ancient temple..single rock in center ...but never go in summer time..i cant even stand on the floor very very hot..11am it was closed..car parking available..google map route is correct..dont know how cave came there..it full of rubber trees surrounding...

Kottukkal cave temple, also known as Kaltrikkovil in Malayalam, is an existing example of rock cut architecture, built between 6th and 8th centuries CE. It is situated in the village of Kotthukkal, near Anchal, Kollam district, Kerala, India

Nice pilgrimation temple. Lord Shiva temple.
Nice cave temple.

Idols of Lord Nandikeshwara (the vehicle of Lord Shiva in Hindu mythology) and a Hanuman idol (resembling the Nandikeswara-Vanara fight in the epic Ramayana) are seen in the caves. The structure, believed to be built between eight and ninth centuries, was took over by the state archaeology department in 1966.