Sri Dakshinamurthy Temple at Thiruvanchikulam is located near Kodungallur in Thrissur district, Kerala, close to the ancient Chera capital Vanchi.
Sri Dakshinamurthy is worshipped within the ancient Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple complex and is revered here in a rare east-facing form.
This sacred place is considered one of the oldest Shaiva worship centres in Kerala, with a long spiritual history connected to sages, scholars, and saints. The temple is known for its peaceful surroundings and strong Guru tattva, making it an important pilgrimage centre for seekers of wisdom and knowledge.
The presiding deity is Lord Shiva, worshipped as Sri Dakshinamurthy, the Adi Guru and the ultimate source of divine knowledge. A unique and rare feature of this temple is that Sri Dakshinamurthy is believed to be facing the East, unlike the usual south-facing form seen in almost all Shiva temples. This east-facing Guru form symbolises the spreading of knowledge to the entire world and blessing devotees with clarity, wisdom, and right guidance.
The temple is built in the traditional Kerala architectural style, using granite stone with a copper-plated roof. The structure includes beautifully carved wooden elements, ancient stone lamps, and a serene inner prakara. The Dakshinamurthy shrine holds a special place within the temple complex and is revered for its powerful spiritual vibrations, suitable for meditation and silent prayer.
Thiruvanchikulam was once part of ancient Vanchi, the capital of the Chera dynasty, which was a great patron of Shaivism. References to this region are found in Tamil Sangam literature, highlighting its importance as both a political and spiritual centre. Over the centuries, the temple has been continuously worshipped, preserving its ancient traditions and Guru-oriented spiritual practices.
According to the Sthalapurana, the four Kumaras – Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatana, and Sanatkumara, sons of Lord Brahma, were in search of supreme spiritual knowledge that could free them from ignorance and illusion. They approached Lord Shiva, who manifested here as Sri Dakshinamurthy, seated under the sacred banyan tree. Instead of teaching through words, the Lord imparted Jnana through silence (Mauna Upadesa), revealing the highest truth directly into their hearts.
It is believed that the Lord chose to face the East at Thiruvanchikulam to bless not only sages but also householders and common devotees, allowing divine wisdom to flow freely into the world. Sages performed intense penance at this sacred spot, and the land itself became a powerful centre of learning, contemplation, and spiritual awakening.
The temple is highly revered for education, wisdom, the removal of Guru dosha, and spiritual clarity. Students, teachers, researchers, and spiritual aspirants visit this temple seeking the blessings of the Adi Guru. Thursdays (Guruvaram) are considered extremely auspicious for worship.
The major festival celebrated here is Maha Shivaratri, observed with special abhishekams, night-long prayers, and chanting of Vedic hymns.
Other important observances include Pradosham, Guru Peyarchi days, and monthly Shivaratri. Devotees offer bilva leaves, sandalwood paste, yellow flowers, and ghee lamps, believing that sincere prayers here bring right guidance, success in education, and peace of mind.
