English: The Peruvanam Mahadeva temple is a 10th to 11th-century Hindu temples complex in Cherpu Kerala, with primary shrine dedicated to Shiva and an equally significant shrine dedicated to Vishnu. The complex is notable for being an early example of three storeyed (tritala) Hindu temple, for the circular plan of the northern sanctum, and for the historic Hindu artwork and murals. Additionally, the Peruvanam temple is also special as an early example "dual linga", with two interpretations – (1) one is Shiva and the other as Narayana (fusion of Shaivism and Vaishnavism, this is the more prevalent interpretation); (2) one is Shiva and the other as Parvati (Ardhanarisvara).

The Peruvanam temples complex is spread over 7 acres, with the shrines enclosed with an enclosure (called "mathilakam" in Hindu texts on temple architecture). The complex has two dvarashalas, of which the Koothambalam sits on a historic foundation and the Nalambalam is a restored unit. Inside the enclosures are shrines for Shiva, Ganesha, Parvati, Narayana, Dakshinamurthy, a maharishi and others – thus celebrating all major Hindu traditions.

The two major shrines are called Irattiyappan (Erattayappan) and Madattilappan – both face west. The Irattiyappan sits on a circular plan foundation of 47 feet diameter, is ekatala (one storeyed) and granite adhistana. The wall is of laterite blocks and connects to the shrine's mukhmandapam. Though the outer shape is a circular plan, the garbhagriya has a coaxial square plan. The Irattiyappan has impressive historic artwork and includes an early example of sophisticated murals. The Madattilappan shrine sits on the south side of the complex. This is the three storey shrine, one of three historic Hindu temples in Kerala with such a sophisticated architecture (the other two are in Uliyannoor and in Thiruvanchikulam Kodungallur).

The Madattilappan shrine is one of the better examples of the "Meru Mandhara Prasaada" in India found in Hindu Sanskrit texts on temple architecture. Both the ground floor and the middle floor feature pilasters and panjaras, but the ground level has tetragonal pilasters and the upper floor has octagonal cross section. The floor plan is classic square as in most Kerala Hindu temples. Wood is used for the third storey with projecting sukhanasa artwork.

The temple is also notable for its recitals and the Peruvanam Pooram festival (also called Peruvanam Pallivetta). This temple complex is mentioned in a 10th century Orakam inscription of Kothai Varman. The temple is also documented as one of those that were damaged and desecrated by Tipu Sultan's army, also as the chief temple of region that changed hands between the Zamorins and the Kochi Raja.