Mazhuvannur Maha Siva Kshethram

It is believed that the name Mazhuvannur is derived from three Malayalam words "Mazhu"(Axe), "Vanna"(Come), "Oor"(Place).Which means the place where axe had fallen.

Lord Siva appeared to Banasura after his hard tapas. Banasura asked Lord Siva to stand as a guard to his Kingdom. Then Lord Siva and Parvathi stood as guard to his Kotta. Usha, daughter of Banasura is in affection with Anirudhan, the son of Lord Sreekrishna. One day Anirudhan reached the Banasura Kotta to meet Usha. There started a big fight between Anirudhan and Banasur. Ultimately Anirudhan was captured and sentenced. Lord Krishna known to this and started a war to Banasur. But as Lord Siva was something of a slave to Banasur, he was forced to fight Lord Krishna. Lord Siva used "Sivajwaram" and Lord Krishna resisted with "Vishnujwaram". During this war between the deitees, no victory was claimed over and Lord Siva thrown his axe against Lord Krishna from the banasura hills. The axe was believed to have fallen in Mazhuvannur. And Parasurama is believed to have done the foundation to the temple

Daily pooja was being carried out in this temple from days immemorial and the same still continues. During festival times like Onam, Vishu, Aaayudha pooja etc. special poojas are carried out. During sabarimala season daily evening pooja is carried out. Lot of devotees from near and far attend such functions. In Sabari mala season Bhajana and special prayers ae carried out. Recently the temple committee has started giving "Annadanam" on First Sunday of each calendar month, which is being attended by mass.

The temple which was built with bricks and wood in ancient times was renovated recently. The temple had "Naalu Kettu " in very ancient times, but it got damaged by the passage of time, the remains of which are still visible there. Presently the temple is under Malabar Dewaswom Board. Recently lot of activities are being undertaken by the temple committee to make the temple a grand one. Initiatives are being done to protect the temple property, plant trees in temple land and to make a grand name borad in the main road.

The main temple complex, Lord Ayyappan tree based structure, Temple pond, Temple land known as Banglow Kunnu, Naaga Kaav, Temple land and idol at Puthusseri.

Banasura Hills are near this temple and offers a picturesque view.Banasura Sagar Dam, one of the biggest Earth dam in Asia is constructed recently and it attracts lot of tourists.

Nearest railway station is calicut. The temple is situated 10 Kilometers south-west of Mananthavady. From Tharuvana it is one kilometer away, and transport is available round the clock. Famous temples like Thirunelli temple and Valliyoorkavu temple can be reached from here with in one hour time.

• Images of Temple
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  Mazhuvannur Temple
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  Side view of the Temple

• Temples of Kerala
• Wayanad
• Mananthavady

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