The Thodikkulam Shiva temple is located about 2 km from Kannavam near Thalasserry in the Kannur district of North Kerala. The Shiva temple at Kannur is also known for its mural paintings. These mural paintings have been attracting a large number of art lovers from all over the world. At the temple, there are nearly 150 mural paintings, on an area of 700 sq ft. drawn on the four walls of the sanctum sanctorum. The Thodikkulam Shiva Temple, believed to have been constructed 2000 years ago, has its sanctum sanctorum constructed in two-storeys and is rectangular in shape.

Based on Shaivic and Vaishnavic (myths related to Lord Siva and Lord Vishnu respectively) themes, the mural paintings portray the rural life from the 16th to 18th centuries. These are depicted along with scenes like Rugmini Swayamvaram (Vaishnavic) and Ravana vadham from the epics. These murals reveal the skill and perfection of the artistes of that period. In these times mural painting followed certain standards in the choice of color, proportions, methods etc. It is interesting to note that only natural pigments were used in the making of murals. The commonly used colors in the murals of Kerala are saffron-red, green, red, saffron-yellow, blue, white, black, yellow and golden yellow.