Mammiyoor Mahadeva Temple

The devaswom links the temple to the legend of Guruvayur itself. At the end of the Dvapara Yuga, the story goes, Dwaraka sank in a great flood. Brihaspati, guru of the gods, and Vayu, the wind god, were given the idol that Krishna had worshipped there and told to install it at a fitting place on earth. They came to the banks of a lake called Rudratheertha, where Shiva had long been doing penance. Shiva asked them to install the idol there and moved himself to the other side of the lake.

The place where Guru and Vayu installed the idol became Guruvayur. According to tradition, the spot Shiva chose for himself and Parvati was called Mahimayur, from mahima ('glory'), in praise of his willingness to give up his own seat. Over time the name was shortened to Mammiyur. The temple pond on the north side is still called Rudratheertham.

The devaswom notes several ritual links with Guruvayur. Devotees inside the Guruvayur temple traditionally turn north-west towards Mammiyur at the Bhagavathi shrine to pay respects to Shiva. The two temples share the same hereditary tantri family, the Puzhakkara Chennas Mana, and many of the poojas at Mammiyur follow the Guruvayur pattern. Vishnu is given equal importance with Shiva in the temple's rituals.

The devaswom states that only Hindus may enter the temple. Shirts, vests, pyjamas, lungis and footwear are not permitted inside the nalambalam (inner cloister), and cameras and mobile phones may not be taken inside. Newly married couples should not enter the nalambalam immediately after the wedding. Offerings should be booked only at the official counters or online. The devaswom publishes its pooja timings and lists of offerings; confirm current timings and rules with the Mammiyur Devaswom before visiting.

Timings and arrangements change with seasons and festivals. Confirm current details with Malabar Devaswom Board (Mammiyur Devaswom) (official website) before travelling. Last reviewed 1 November 2026.