The Perunthatta Mahadeva Temple one of the legendary 108 Shivalayas of Kerala is situated at a distance of nearly half-a-kilometer to the south of the famous Sri Krishna temple of Guruvayur. This Shiva Kshetra too was once a great center of pilgrimage.The history of Perunthatta temple is shrouded in mystery. There is no known evidence of record indicating the date of construction or who constructed it. But the fact that it is mentioned in the ancient Tamil work Thirukovai as one of the Shivalayas visited by the Bhakthasiromony Sundaramoorthy Nayanar and his entourage is proof enough that this temple was already a flourishing center of pilgrimage in that distant past.
The Perunthatta temple has survived quite a few onslaughts by vandals over the centuries. Legend has it that the soldiers of Tippu Sulthan, who camped near the temple premises, once demolished this temple. It is believed that the Lord's wrath fell on the marauders in the form of mortal diseases. The penitent soldiers to appease The Lord by offering Him His favorite archana - Elaneer Abhishekam (pouring of tender coconut water over the idol).
The sultan and his men left the place only after making arrangements for regular abhishekam as a token of their thanks giving.Frequent plunders and loot reduced the temple assets to very pitiable state. The Zamorin Raja of Kozhikode, who was the Ooralan (Trustee) of the temple, too were not in a position to provide for the upkeep of the temple since their reign had come to an end in Malabar. Even for performing the daily poojas adnrites of the temple, the priest had to seek contributions from generous devotees. This miserable Plight was a matter of deep sorrow and great concern to the Bhakthas of Perunthattappan.
