Kaviyoor is a small village, and was one of the ancient 64 Brahmin settlements of Kerala. It is located on the western bank of the river Manimala in the taluk of Thiruvalla in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, India.

An ancient rock cut temple “Kaviyoor Thrikkakkudi Cave Temple” is located here, carved on a huge rock and the carved rooms and sculptures are well preserved. This Cave Temple is of historical importance and is preserved as a monument by the Archaeological Department.

The temple has a verandah with a sculpture of Lord Ganapathi carved into the wall and inner sanctum containing a tall shivalinga, all carved out of one huge rock. It bears close resemblance to the Pallava style of architecture. The engravings here are among the earliest specimens of stone sculptures in Kerala. Enshrined in a square cave is the main deity of the shrine, Lord Shiva, represented in the ‘ Shivalinga’ which is about three feet high and carved out of rock.

The shrine also has idols of Ganapathy, Maharshi and Dwarapalakas. It was constructed during the rule of the Pallava dynasty who reigned over South India from 608 to 850 AD.

Source:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaviyoor

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