Triprangode Siva Temple

Triprangode Siva Temple is a Hindu temple located at Triprangode, near Tirur, Malappuram district, Kerala. The ancient temple is situated 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) west of Tirunavaya railway station and 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) south of Tirur railway station. It is one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage centres in northern Kerala. Kokila Sandeśa of Uddanta Sanstrikal (15th century) mentions Triprangode among other major destinations in the region.

Inscriptions of the Later Chera ruler Goda Ravi Varma (10th century) were discovered from the Triprangode Siva Temple. Later, the region formed a part of the Kingdom of Tanur (Vettathunad), who were the vassals of the Zamorins of Calicut. The main army led by the Zamorin camped at Triprangode during the Thirunavaya Wars of the 14th century.

Long ago, there lived a sage called Mrikandu with his wife Marudvati. Both were devotees of Shiva (He is the Eternal Lord. He is the Ruler of time Mahakaleshvara the Originator of time (Mahakala) and Destroyer of time (Kalari) or Kalasamhara Murti). The couple were childless, and so decided to perform austerity rituals so they would be blessed with a child. Then one day, Shiva appeared before them, Shiva asked the couple if they desired an ordinary and mentally disabled son who would live a long life, or an exceptional son who would live a short life up until the age of sixteen. In due course, Marudvati gave birth to a boy and the child was named Markandeya. Markandeya was an exceptionally gifted child, and became an accomplished sage early in his childhood. He was especially devoted to Shiva, and had mastered the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra. As the boy was getting on to be sixteen, Rishi Mrikandu became sad. At the age of sixteen, his time on this earth will come to an end, and so Yama, came to take his life away. The boy, Markandeya was afraid, he then ran to Lord Mahavishnu (the preserver) but he was helpless and he directed him to Triprangottappan (Lord Shiva). On the way to Triprangode temple there was a huge banyan tree that stood by making difficulty to enter into the temple. At the time he reached there surprisingly the tree separated into two parts and then he could easily enter into temple. Markandeya hugged the Shiva Lingam and requested Lord Shiva to protect him from Yama. Yama threw his noose around the boy-sage; it encircled the Shiva Lingam too.

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