Triprangode Shiva Kshetram, Malappuram

Triprangode Shiva Kshetram 
Malappuram, Kerala

Triprangode Shiva Temple is located at Tirur, which is one among the 108 Shiva Temples of Kerala. Paramashiva is Swayambhu here and is worshipped as Kalasamhara Murti means who gave death to Yama. 

Sthala Puranam says that, there lived a Rishi named Mrikandu and his wife Marudvati. Both were Devotees of Paramashiva. They were childless and decided to worship Paramashiva. Pleased by their devotion Paramshiva appeared before them and asked if they desired an ordinary son who would live a long life, or an exceptional son who would live until the age of 16. Couple chose the latter. Thus Markandeya was born. Markandeya learned Mrithyunjaya Mantra and at 16 years of age nearly became a sage. 

As the boy was nearing age of 16, his parents became very sad, and thus Markandeya understood everything. He ran to Thinunavaya Navamukhunda Kshetram, but a voice came and told him to seek shelter at Triprangode Mahadeva. 

Markandeya reached Triprangode and embraced Shivalingam holding tightly and prayed to Paramshiva. Yamadeva came and threw his Kaalapasham to take Markandeya. But the pasham surrounded Shivalingam too. Mahadeva appeared from the Shivalingam and was angered with Yama's deeds. Paramashiva took his trishul and destroyed Yama, but later revived as requested by devas. Thus Markandeya was granted wish that he will be always 16 year old. Paramashiva washed his trishul at Kshetra Kulam which is considered very sacred. People suffering with various illness worship Paramashiva here. 

Om Nama Shivaya