Kattilmadam Temple Thrithala
A 9th-century Jain temple showcasing unique Dravidian architecture with Chola & Pandya influences, famed for its unfinished rock-cut structure and loc...
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Kattilmadam Temple Thrithala
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 9th-century Jain temple showcasing unique Dravidian architecture with Chola & Pandya influences, famed for its unfinished rock-cut structure and local legends.
"A historical marvel in disrepair, Kattilmadam Temple captivates with its unique architecture and intriguing legends."
🚗 Easy Access by Bus
Take a bus from Palakkad to Kattilmadom stop; the temple is a short walk away. :bus:
📸 Capture the Details
Focus on the intricate carvings and unique architectural elements for stunning photos. :camera:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rock-Cut Architecture
A stunning monolithic structure showcasing Dravidian style with Chola and Pandya influences. Intricate carvings adorn the pyramidal granite edifice.
Alpa-Vimana
The distinctive dome-like granite structure, an example of early Pallava and Pandya temple construction styles, is a key feature.
Mythical Construction
Legend says goblins built this unfinished temple overnight. The unique construction story adds a layer of intrigue to the site.
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Architectural Marvel
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Easy Access by Bus
Take a bus from Palakkad to Kattilmadom stop; the temple is a short walk away. :bus:
📸 Capture the Details
Focus on the intricate carvings and unique architectural elements for stunning photos. :camera:
⏳ Allow Time for Reflection
Appreciate the historical significance and unfinished beauty of this ancient Jain monument. :pray:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The terrain around the temple is uneven, so comfortable footwear is recommended. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Easy Access by Bus
Take a bus from Palakkad to Kattilmadom stop; the temple is a short walk away. :bus:
📸 Capture the Details
Focus on the intricate carvings and unique architectural elements for stunning photos. :camera:
⏳ Allow Time for Reflection
Appreciate the historical significance and unfinished beauty of this ancient Jain monument. :pray:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The terrain around the temple is uneven, so comfortable footwear is recommended. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kattilmadam Temple is a historically significant 9th-century Jain monument praised for its unique Dravidian architecture with Chola and Pandya influences, and its intriguing unfinished construction. However, visitors consistently note its dilapidated state and lack of preservation efforts by the ASI, which detracts from its potential. Despite its condition, the site offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient craftsmanship and local legends.
"KattilMadam Temple, a 9th-century Jain shrine protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, is located in the Palakkad district of Kerala, India. The temple showcases Dravidian architecture with Chola and Pandya influences and features an alpa-vimana. The rock cut temple showcases an excellent architectural marvel.
Key Features
- Architecture: Dravidian style with Chola and Pandya influences.
- Temple Structure: Alpa-vimana.
- Location: Situated on the Pattambi Guruvayur Road.
Condition
Unfortunately, the temple is currently in a state of disrepair, with neglect and deprivation evident in its maintenance. Its proximity to the roadside has likely contributed to its deterioration.
Accessibility
- Nearest Bus Station: Koottanad
- Nearest Railway Station: Pattambi
- Nearest Airport: Kozhikode International Airport
Overall, Kattil Madam Temple is a historically significant site that deserves better care and attention to preserve its beauty and cultural importance."
Sharoon
"A Jain temple, decades old, is located near the Pattambi-Guruvayoor roadside under the Kerala State Archaeology Department, but they don't have any interest in preserving it. In my childhood, I heard some stories about it. It was said to have been built as the upper part of the Sreekovil of a temple by Bhuta Ganas, but they stopped the work when morning approached."
ChaThan
"Kattil Madom Temple
Take Guruvayur bus from Palakkad and get down at Kattilmadom stop and walk 100 meters from the bus stop.
The Kattil Madom Temple, a domed structure made of granite slabs, on the Pattambi-Guruvayoor road is a Buddhist or a Jain monument believed to date back to the 9th or 10th century. The architecture is of Dravidian style with Chola and Pandya influences. It is located on Perumbilavu-Nilambur Rd, Nagalassery, Kerala 679533
There remains a myth still woven around the construction of Kaithali temple. The myth holds that Pattambi kaithali temple was built by goblins or Bhooothathans. It is a monolithic structure. its really an unfinished construction. The legend runs like this.
Kattilmadom is a pyramidal structure with a rectangular base. The upper part of the temple or the dome like granite structure is embellished with enormous ornamental works such as kudus or chaitya windows niches and thoranas arches.
The rectangular base of kattil madam is significant in the sense that Kattilmadom was the first archeological artifact that revealed the influence of earliest Pallava and Pandya styles in temple construction.
Niches with carved images, pillars and pilasters are decorated with ornamental works. Kudus or Chaithya windows and pavilions are excellence in craftsmanship. The structural similarities between kattil madam and earliest Jainbastis of south Canara suggest that kattil madam should have been a Jain Basti.
The temple is protected by Archaeological Survey of India. This place is famous for excellent Ayurvedic treatments.
Distance (From Palakkad): 38 Kms
Trip Duration (Including Travel): 2 Hours
Transportation Options: Cab / Bus
Write up compiled by Viswas Menon
Photos by Viswas Menon
(c) Viswas Menon"
Viswas K.P Menon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a bus from Palakkad towards Guruvayur and get down at the Kattilmadom stop. The temple is about a 100-meter walk from the bus stop. Alternatively, a cab can be hired for a more direct journey.
The nearest railway station is Pattambi. From Pattambi, you can take a bus or a taxi to reach the temple.
Yes, the temple is situated on the Pattambi-Guruvayoor Road (also referred to as Perumbilavu-Nilambur Rd), making it accessible by bus and private vehicles.
The nearest airport is Kozhikode International Airport (CCJ), which is approximately 70-80 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the temple.
The journey from Palakkad town to Kattilmadam Temple typically takes around 38 Kms and can take about 1 to 1.5 hours by bus or car, depending on traffic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
As a protected monument, there is typically no entry fee for visitors to Kattilmadam Temple. However, it's always good to check for any local regulations upon arrival.
The temple is generally open to visitors during daylight hours. Since it's an open-air monument, there are no strict official timings, but it's best to visit when there is sufficient light for exploration.
No, advance booking is not required as there is no admission fee. You can visit the temple at your convenience during daylight hours.
Kattilmadam Temple is primarily an ancient monument and a protected archaeological site. While it was historically a Jain temple, it is not actively used for daily worship in the same way as a functioning temple.
While protected by the ASI, many visitors and locals have noted that the temple is in a state of disrepair and could benefit from more active preservation efforts.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The temple exhibits a unique Dravidian architectural style with influences from the Chola and Pandya dynasties. It is known for its rock-cut structure and an alpa-vimana.
It's a monolithic structure, believed to be unfinished. Legends suggest it was built by goblins (Bhooothathans) overnight. The earliest Pallava and Pandya styles are evident in its construction.
Official guided tours are not commonly advertised. However, you can explore the site independently and appreciate its historical and architectural elements. Local guides might be available informally.
Wear comfortable shoes as the ground can be uneven. Take your time to observe the intricate carvings, the pyramidal structure, and the surrounding area.
Yes, the unique architecture and historical ambiance make it a great spot for photography. Focus on the details of the carvings and the overall structure.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are limited dining options directly at the temple site. It's advisable to have your meals before or after your visit in nearby towns like Pattambi or Koottanad, which offer more choices.
Yes, you can find authentic Kerala cuisine in the towns surrounding the temple. Look for local eateries or restaurants serving traditional dishes.
No, there are no food or drink facilities available at the Kattilmadam Temple site itself. It's recommended to carry water, especially during warmer months.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the full structure from a distance to show its scale, and get close-ups of the intricate carvings on the granite slabs and the alpa-vimana. The surrounding greenery can also add to the aesthetic.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, it's always wise to be respectful of the site and avoid using flash photography on delicate carvings if any are present.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful shadows and highlight the textures of the granite structure. Avoid midday sun for softer lighting.
Drone usage is often restricted at historical and archaeological sites. It's best to check with local authorities or the ASI for any regulations regarding drone photography before flying.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is useful for capturing both wide shots and details. A wide-angle lens can be great for the overall structure, and a macro lens can highlight the carvings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Visiting during cooler parts of the day will make the experience more comfortable for younger visitors. The temple's unfinished nature can also spark discussions about history, architecture, and the passage of time. It's a chance to introduce children to ancient Indian heritage in a tangible, albeit somewhat neglected, setting.
🏛️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
While the current state of preservation is a concern, the temple's architectural significance remains undeniable. It's an excellent location for photography, allowing you to capture the details of its unique design. Consider researching the Jain architectural elements that scholars have identified, adding another layer of appreciation to your visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enigmatic Architecture of Kattilmadam Temple
The architectural details suggest it might have been a Jain temple, possibly a Jain Basti, due to structural similarities with early Jain temples in South Canara. The presence of niches with carved images, decorated pillars, and pilasters further emphasizes the artistic skill of its creators. The temple's design is significant as it revealed the influence of the earliest Pallava and Pandya styles in temple construction, making it a crucial site for understanding the evolution of South Indian temple architecture.
Despite its historical and architectural importance, the temple is unfortunately in a state of disrepair. Visitors often lament the lack of maintenance and preservation efforts by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The roadside location has likely contributed to its deterioration. However, the sheer ingenuity and artistry embedded in its construction continue to captivate visitors, offering a glimpse into a rich, albeit neglected, past.
Legends and History of Kattilmadam Temple
A popular myth surrounding the temple is that it was built by goblins or 'Bhooothathans' overnight. According to the legend, they stopped their work when morning approached, leaving the temple incomplete. This tale adds a mystical dimension to the site, contributing to its allure for visitors. The structure itself, a monolithic granite edifice, fuels these stories due to its seemingly impossible construction for the era.
While the ASI protects the monument, many visitors express disappointment over its current condition, noting a lack of active preservation. This neglect contrasts sharply with the temple's historical significance as one of the earliest structures showcasing Pallava and Pandya architectural styles. The temple's story is thus a blend of ancient architectural evolution and enduring local folklore, making it a compelling, albeit melancholic, destination.
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