This is an ancient Lord Shiva temple situated in the heart of Kottayam city. The Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple attracts huge crowds due to its traditional Kerala architectural style and vibrant mural paintings. These depict the stories of Lord Shiva and the Dashavathara (ten avatars of Lord Vishnu). The temple houses a Koothambalam, the traditional temple theatre where performances of various cultural art and dance forms are held.

This temple is believed to be 500 years old, and records indicate that it was built by the King of Thekkumkoor (a princely state that existed before 1750 CE in the southern part of Kerala). The temple also includes an anakottil (elephant camp) and a Kodimaram (flag mast).