Anjumurthy Temple, Anikode – A Sacred Haven on the Banks of Nila

Anjumurthy (Anchu Moorthy) Temple, located in the peaceful village of Anikode near Palakkad, Kerala, is a 1,100-year-old Hindu shrine. Set beside the Nila (Bharathapuzha) river, it is known for its rare worship of five main deities and its importance as a site for ancestral rituals.

The Five Deities (Anchu Moorthis)

The temple derives its name from the five main deities worshipped here, each housed in separate sanctums and given equal importance

Maha Ganapathy (Ganesha): The central shrine faces west, with the idol’s face slightly turned as if listening to devotees’ prayers. The deity is depicted with a snake around the waist, symbolizing the removal of obstacles.

Mahadeva Shiva: Facing east, worshipped as Uma Maheswaran (Shiva with Parvati), the Shiva Linga is in the form of Banalinga. Devotees can offer water directly from the temple well, and the presence of Parvati and Ganga is symbolically represented beside Shiva.

Maha Tripura Sundari: The goddess, a fusion of Parvati, Lakshmi, and Saraswati, stands facing east, holding a lotus. Turmeric is a significant offering.

Maha Vishnu: The idol faces west, carved from Anjana Shila, holding the conch, chakra, mace, and lotus. Tulsi garlands and special pujas are common offerings.

Swami Ayyappa: Facing west in Padmasana posture, Ayyappa holds a vessel of Amrit, with offerings including honey and sesame lamps.

Rituals and Sacred Practices

The temple is especially renowned as a site for performing Shraddha and Pitru Tharpana (ancestral rites), drawing devotees from across Kerala. Major rituals include:

Karkidaka Vavu Bali (July–August): A significant day for ancestral offerings.

Pitru Yagnam (October–November): Another important period for rites dedicated to ancestors.

Daily rituals for Shraddham and Pitru Tarmanam are performed between 5:30 AM and 10:00 AM, with arrangements and guidance provided by the temple priests.

Heritage and Revival

The temple remained in ruins for over 75 years until it was restored in 2008 by devotees led by Shri Syam Chaitanya. Today, it also houses a Vedic learning center, Sandeepany Sadhanalaya, which teaches traditional knowledge to young students.

Visiting Information

Morning Darshan: 5:30 AM – 10:00 AM

Evening Darshan: 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM

The temple is about 10 km from Palakkad town, easily accessible for pilgrims and visitors.

Anjumurthy Temple in Anikode reflects Kerala’s rich spiritual heritage, combining ancient rituals, community service, and traditional architecture. With its rare five-deity worship, riverside location, and importance in ancestral rites, it remains a valued pilgrimage spot for devotees and heritage lovers.

Citations:

1. https://lovelysights.com/anikode-anjumoorthy-temple-ideal-place-for-shardha/

2. https://anchumurthytemple.com/about.html

3. https://www.hindu-blog.com/2022/07/anikode-anchu-moorthy-temple-five.html