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Kattilmadam Temple Thrithala

4.1
·249 reviews·Nagalassery, India

A 9th-century Jain temple showcasing unique Dravidian architecture with Chola & Pandya influences, famed for its unfinished rock-cut structure and loc...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Cooler months

Pleasant weather for exploration

CrowdLow
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KAtaragama

Kattilmadam Temple Thrithala

Best Time

Cooler months

Pleasant weather for exploration

CrowdLow
Highlights

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.

4.1
(249 reviews)

"A historical marvel in disrepair, Kattilmadam Temple captivates with its unique architecture and intriguing legends."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Easy Access by Bus

Take a bus from Palakkad to Kattilmadom stop; the temple is a short walk away. 🚌

📸 Capture the Details

Focus on the intricate carvings and unique architectural elements for stunning photos. 📷

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.1 · 249 reviews

Type

Place of Worship

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Rock-Cut Architecture

Rock-Cut Architecture

A stunning monolithic structure showcasing Dravidian style with Chola and Pandya influences. Intricate carvings adorn the pyramidal granite edifice.

Alpa-Vimana

Alpa-Vimana

The distinctive dome-like granite structure, an example of early Pallava and Pandya temple construction styles, is a key feature.

Mythical Construction

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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Preservation Concerns

This 9th-century Jain temple, a protected monument, suffers from neglect. Visitors note its dilapidated state and lack of upkeep, urging for better preservation efforts to protect its historical significance and architectural beauty.

Architectural Marvel

Marvel at the unique Dravidian architecture with Chola and Pandya influences. The rock-cut structure, featuring an alpa-vimana and intricate carvings, offers a glimpse into ancient craftsmanship, though its unfinished nature adds to its mystique.

Best Times

When
Cooler months
Why
Pleasant weather for exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Early mornings
Why
Avoid midday heat
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

കട്ടില്‍മാടം - ഉത്തരമില്ലാത്ത കടങ്കഥ!! Kattil Madam Temple is a dilapidated shrine in the Palakkad district in Kerala, India. It is thought to be a Jain temple built around the ninth or tenth centuries AD and is situated on the Pattambi Guruvayur road. The architecture is of Dravidian style with Chola and Pandya influences.The temple features an alpa-vimana. The temple is protected by the Archae...
koomankavu
6K likes • 84.7K views

🚗 Easy Access by Bus

Take a bus from Palakkad to Kattilmadom stop; the temple is a short walk away. 🚌

📸 Capture the Details

Focus on the intricate carvings and unique architectural elements for stunning photos. 📷

⏳ Allow Time for Reflection

Appreciate the historical significance and unfinished beauty of this ancient Jain monument. 🙏

👟 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. 🚌

📸 Capture the Details

Focus on the intricate carvings and unique architectural elements for stunning photos. 📷

⏳ Allow Time for Reflection

Appreciate the historical significance and unfinished beauty of this ancient Jain monument. 🙏

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The terrain around the temple is uneven, so comfortable footwear is recommended. :athletic_shoe:

What Travellers Say

4.1
(249 reviews)

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

Unique rock-cut architecture
Historical significance
Intriguing legends

What People Dislike

Dilapidated condition
Lack of maintenance
Neglect by ASI

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. Reddit

The nearest railway station is Pattambi. From Pattambi, you can take a bus or a taxi to reach the temple. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

No, advance booking is not required as there is no admission fee. You can visit the temple at your convenience during daylight hours. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. TikTokReddit

🎫 🏛️ 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. TikTokReddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Wear comfortable shoes as the ground can be uneven. Take your time to observe the intricate carvings, the pyramidal structure, and the surrounding area. Reddit

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. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

Yes, you can find authentic Kerala cuisine in the towns surrounding the temple. Look for local eateries or restaurants serving traditional dishes. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. TikTok

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. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful shadows and highlight the textures of the granite structure. Avoid midday sun for softer lighting. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

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