File:009242022 Kaviyur Mahadeva Temple Kerala 004.jpg

English: The Kaviyoor Mahadevar temple is a 10th-century Hindu temple complex notable for its circular plan vimana with square-plan sanctum inside. It faces east and is dedicated to Shiva. It is also notable for double pradakshina-patha (two concentric circumambulation passages) and intricate Hindu artwork on wood.

The adhisthana is of original granite, one which has two inscriptions – one on the kumuda and another on the kapota architectural element. These mention gifts on two dates – Kali 4051 (950 CE) and Kali 4052 (951). The inscriptions imply that this Kaviyur Shiva temple was in existence by mid 10th century. On top of the granite is wooden structure that was restored and rebuilt in the 19th-century.

The Kaviyoor Siva temple has four openings on the outer circular section of the vimana, as in the sarvatobhadra type temple described in Hindu Sanskrit manuscripts for temple architecture. The concentric layers and the radiating floor plan of this temple make this an impressive structure. The temple also includes a temple water tank, and another circular plan shrine for Vishnu.