Dating back to the 8th century, the rock-cut Shiva temple at Kaviyoor near Thiruvalla in Pathanamthitta district is of great archaeological significance, and is one of the oldest cave temples in Kerala. The temple structure bears close resemblance to the Pallava style of architecture and the stone engravings here are among the earliest specimens of stone sculpture in the state. Besides devotees, many historians, scholars, research students and travellers visit the temple, which is under the Travancore Devaswom Board.