wallpaper gallery: Siva Temples

Showing posts with label Siva Temples. Show all posts

Friday, July 8, 2011

Velloorkunnam Mahadevar Temple

Velloorkunnam Mahadevar Temple northside of moovattupuzha river ( near bridge ) and western side of MC Road in the town, on a small hill. Other deities are Ganapathy, Sreekrishnan, Sasthavu and Nagaraja. Festival Sivarathri, Bathing ghat provided for the devotees, and camping site for Sabarimala Pilgrims.
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Thirparappu Mahadevar Temple

Thrupparappu Mahadeva Temple of 5th century, near the waterfall of kodayar river with sparkling waters. this place is an attractive picnic spot with enchanting landscape. The idol of siva is supposed to be in fierce form as Veerabhadra, Ambal, Ganapathi, Ambadi Krishna, Muruga are the other images here, 20 kms northeast of Thakkalai and 25 kms to Nagerkovil. for stay the above two places are convenient. from kuzhitharai 14 kms southeast ( a good camping site).
Temples of Kerala | Hindu Pilgrimage Places | Prayer Centers / Temples | Hindu Pilgrim Centers | Religious destinations | Hindu Festivals | Rock Cut Temples of Kerala | Kerala Pilgrimage centers | Pilgrimage destinations | Kerala pilgrim centres | Kerala Hindu pilgrimage tour packages

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Appaattu Temple (lord Siva and Vishnu)

A temple very near to Ramamangalam temple.Close to the shore of ramamangalam river......
Lord Vishnu and Siva are the Devas.It was under the management of Kottaram Brahmin family.And now under a comittee by NSS Karayogam Ramamangalam.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Kodungallur: Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple Religious Destination Thrissur Kerala

Located at Kodungallur, about 30-km from Thrissur. The temple is of many centuries standing and is located in a peaceful setting.The saint Sundarmoorthy Nayanar and Cheraman Perumal (both were close-friends) worshipped Lord Shiva leading to eternal bliss. They reached Kailas (the abode of Shiva) by riding on a 1000-tusked white elephant by Nayanar and on a blue horse by Perumal. Both of them have shrines in the temple. This event was taken place on Swati day in the month of Karkidakam (July/August) and special Poojas are performed in these shrines.There is yet another story winding the temple. Umamaheshwara once appeared in this place where Vasuki (serpent God and holy Nagas (serpents)) stood guard. The Lingam here is said to have been self-incarnated. It is of 4-inch length, 12 inch diameter and in semi-circle form. There is water around as synonymous to Ganga.The majestic gateway is decorated wiith carvings of elephants, gods and goddesses.Only the left side of the entrance there is a stone carving of Shiva and Parvathi as right and left respectively. Inside the enclosure there is a porch with carvings dedicated to the characters of the great Hindu epic of Ramayana. The inner santum houses a plain stone lingam.There is a scar mark on left side on the top of the head. This marking is attributed to a story. When Shiva and Parvathi appeared before Arjuna in the form of Kiratha and Kirathu (hunter and huntress) Arjuna hit on the forehead of Kiratha which caused the mark. This was due to mistaken identity.A Brahmin had taken away Vasuki who stood guard to Umamaheshwara (Uma and Maheshwara – Parvathi and Shiva) in a palm-leaf umbrella to his Mana (home) for worship with the blessings of Umamaheshwara. This Brahmin family later became rich and their Mana famed as Pampummekkatt (serving of snake) Mana. This Mana is about 6-km east of Mahadeva temple. It is very famous for serpent Gods. People from all over Kerala and beyond visit here for the solution of problems connected with serpents.The main festival in Mahadeva temple is Shivarathri day in the month of Kumbam (February/March).
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Vadakkumnathan Temple, Thrissur (Trichur) Religious Destination Thrissur Kerala

A very big temple in 10 acres, said to have been built by Parasurama, the legend creator of Kerala. Here the deity is Shiva. The famous ‘Thrissur Pooram’, fathered by Shaktan Tampuran, is celebrated in the precincts of the temple. To facilitate the Pooram he cleared teak forests of 54 acres around the temple. The temple is enclosed by 15 ft massive walls. The Gopurams, four, in carved wood and stone positioned in four directions around the temple. Bali (sacrifice)stones in brass seen everywhere. The ground is dotted with stone reliefs of prostrating men. The deities of Ayyappa and Rama, as ancillaries, are in comradeship with giant old trees. The Adi Sankaracharya is also accommodated. The exquisitely carved wood beautifies the shrines and Koothambalam (temple theater). The idols of Shiva positioned all around the main altar. The deity Shiva is in the form of a big ‘mahalingam’. Here the main offering is ghee. The devotees brought ghee pours on the ‘lingam’ The years’ offerings has concealed the lingam. At present the devotees can see only a mound of ghee. As a miracle, the ghee does not melt or emit any smell, though in summer the temperature rises upto 35 degree C. It is said, part of the ghee is more than 1000 years old. The ghee will not be removed. If and when any portion of the mount is collapsed, the same will be sold. If a collapse is taken place, it is believed as a sign of some evil about to happen in Thrissur. Seven years back there was a partial collapse of ghee prior to the Pooram and during the Pooram a fireworks accident snatched the life of three. The Kerala’s own art form, Chakyarkoothu, is staged here very often. For this there is a specifically thatched roof structure.

Thiruvalathoor Shiva Temple Palakkad, Palghat Kerala

This Shiva Temple is in southern part of Palakkad. The temple has conical roof and whitewashed walls replete with oil lamps. The woodwork and stone sculpture of the temple, it is said, were completed in a period of just one night. They are worth seeing. The main festival celebrated in the temple are Mahashivratri and Kartikpoornima. The temple is open from 6 am to 12 pm and then from 5 pm to 7.30 pm.

Monday, July 4, 2011

Kozhikode Sreekandeswara Temple Kozhikode Kerala

Installed by the great spiritual leader Sree Narayana Guru, Sree Kanteshwara Temple is located in the southwest corner of the Kozhikode stadium at a distance of 1.5 km from the railway station. Devoted to Lord Shiva, this temple also known as Puthiyambalam has a Shiva Lingam in the Dhakshinamoorthi Sankalpa as the main deity. Lord Subramanian, Sree Ganapathi, Sree Dharma Shastha, Maha Vishnu, Bhagavathi and Navagraha are the upadevathas (other deities) here. It is believed that centuries earlier a temple named Nalliswara Kshetram, had existed at the exact place where the Sree Kanteswara Temple is now situated.

Maha Ganapathi Homam and Sree Bhoodha Bali are conducted on every 1st and 15th of the Malayalam Calendar. Besides these, many other offerings and rituals like Shodashabhishekam, Udayasthamana Pooja etc are also held here.

Tali temple, Kozhikode | Kozhikode Mananchira Kerala. Dedicated to Lord Shiva

It is the largest and the most important temple in the city. It is situated 1.5km east of Mananchira. It was built in the 14th century. The Tali Temple is a fine example of the total integration that can exist between wood and laterite, which is a remarkable feature of the Kerala style of architecture.Temple Renowned for the 'Revathi Pattathanam', an annual competition of academic skills, Thali temple is situated 1.5km east of Mananchira. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this 14th century temple built by Zamorin Swamy Thirumulpad of Kozhikode kingdom is a fine example of the total integration that can exist between wood and laterite, which is a remarkable feature of the Kerala style architecture. Mukhamandapam, i.e the square sanctorum with a high laterite wall and wide and open temple pond are the peculiarities of the temple.The eight day long annual festival of the temple is celebrated in the month of April/ May. The gala ends with the holy bath ritual known as 'Aarattu'. Devotees throng the temple especially during festival season.

Mannur Temple (Siva Temple) Kozhikode Kerala

Modelled like the Siva Temple at Tiruvannur, this exquisitely carved Gajaprathista styled laterite structure is more than two centuries old. It is believed that Sree Parashuraman starts his Siva Linga prathista at Tiruvannur and completes it here every noon. The noon pujas here are therefore considered very special. The annual Sivaratri festival is celebrated in a big way.

This temple is 12 km away from Kozhikode. The exquisitely carved Gajaprathista styled laterite structure is more than two centuries old. It is believed that Sree Parashuraman starts his Siva Linga prathista at Tiruvannur and completes it here every noon. The noon pujas here are therefore considered very special.Located 12 km away from Kozhikode at Kadalundi village, Sri Mannur Maha Shiva Kshethram or Mannar Temple is one of the 108 renowned temples in Kerala, believed to be built by the great sage Parashurama. Although no sturdy evidence is available, scholars say that this temple is more than 1000 years of old. Certain inscriptions on the wall of the temple date back to 400 years. The exquisitely carved Gajaprathista (elephant) styled laterite structure is more than two centuries old.

The sanctum sanctorum facing west is constructed at two levels with intricate architectural calculations. The foundation is made of granite and the red laterite stone walls are beautifully carved. Here Lord shiva is depicted as Aghoramurthy, i.e the angry form of Shiva after the Dakshayaga. Sreeparvathi, Dakshinamurthy and Vigneswara are the upadevathas (other deities) in the temple. The temple complex also consists of Mahavishnu temple, Chuttambalam, Sastha temple and Karinkali Kavu.

It is believed that Sree Parashurama starts his Siva Linga prathista at Tiruvannur and completes it here every noon. Hence the noon pujas here are considered very special. Shivarathri and Thiruvathira are the major festivals celebrated here. The temple was administrated by the two families of Perumparambil and Manezhi Illoms and was later handed over to the Hindu Religious Charitable Endowment Department.

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Thrikkanad Thrayambakeswara Temple Kasaragod Kerala

Devoted to Lord Shiva, Trikkanad temple popularly known as Dhakshina Kashi is located on the shores of Arabian sea, about 1km from Bekal. It is one of the most important Shiva temple and the only one in the district which faces to the west. It is the sacred place blessed by the presence of great sages and swamis. The temple is known for its various customs and rituals performed for the well - being of the souls of the dead. On the new moon days, thousands of devotees flock to this temple to pay homage to their forefathers (pithrutharpanam) with idols made from gold and silver. They perform rituals and take a dip in the sea.

The annual temple festival that lasts for one week is held in the month of March- April. The festival starts with the Kodiyettam (flag hoisting). The festival celebrations include performances of Theyyam and Thitambu Nritham, a ritual art form of North Kerala more than 700 years old. It is mainly performed by Namboothiris of this part of Kerala. Ashtami Villakku and Pallivetta are the two rituals associated with the festival. Pallivetta or the hunting expedition of the Lord takes place on the last day of the festival. This hunt is symbolic of the destruction of Kama (desire), Krodha (anger) and other such evils that plague us in our life. Thousand of devotees from all over the district attend the festival.

It is a unique temple where unlike in other temples, Shiveli is done thrice a day. (Shiveli is a ritual in which its believed that Lord Himself comes out of the temple to see whether His Boothaganams are satisfied with the Pooja offered;). Another interesting aspect is that this is one of those very rare temples with its face to the west.

Adoor Mahalingeshwara Temple Kasaragod Kerala

This temple is anchored on the south bank of the Payaswani River. The surrounding is blessed with lovely forests. The deity is Shiva.The sanctum sanctorum of the temple is of rare nature – in the form of three stepped Gaja Prishta (elephant butt). With an inner round, an outer round and a palace ground this temple carries a distinction among the temples in Kerala.

The structure of the temple beholds five vital elements – interior space, inner portion, middle portion, outer portion and courtesy, the indispensable factors with Kerala temple architecture. Mahalingeshwara temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is located in the scenic village of Adoor, 45 kms east of Kasargod. This 13th century temple on the southern bank of river Payaswini is believed to have been founded by Arjuna, the mythical Pandava archer. Legend has it that it is at Adoor where 'Kiratha Yudham', the battle between Lord Siva and Arjuna took place. The walls of the temple is adorned with colourful paintings of Ganapati and Sashta and the roofs are exquisitely carved with the scenes from holy scripts. The transliterated inscription of Sanskrit in Kannada script in the temple shows that it is someway related to the Western Chalukya King Kirthivarman II of 745-755 AD.

The annual Jatra or festival of the temple starts with Dhwaja Arohanam (hoisting of the temple flag) on the 27th of Kumbham (February, March) and concludes with the Avabhritha Snanam (holy dip) in the water of the Payaswini on the fourth of Meenam (April) every year.

Thrikkanad Shiva Temple Pandiyan Kallu, Kasaragod Kerala

This is a famous temple on the seashore situated near the Bekal fort. This temple is dedicated to lord siva, which is also known as dhakshina kashi. Pandyan Kallu is a rock rising in the sea about 2 km from trikkannad. It is an ideal place for adventurous swimmers. It has the legend that ship of one of the pandya king who attacked the trikkannad temple was converted into a rock by lord siva. Palakkunnu Bhagavathi kshethram is situated one km north of trikkannad. This is famous for annual bharani festival, which attracts thousands of devotees every year.

Tulur vanam:This is also known as Kekulom or the eastern place. This place near Panathur temple is sacred to kshethrapalan and bhagavathy. The eight-day annual festival, which is celebrated here at this place, attracts large crowd from all over the district as well as from Coorg.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple Pathanamthitta Kerala

It is five kms. away from Plappally on the Pamba-Pathanamthitta road. An old temple dedicated to Lord Siva is situated here.

Monday, June 27, 2011

Chengannur Mahadeva Temple Pathanamthitta Kerala

In addition to the deity of Shiva, the deity of Parvathy, wife of Shiva is also installed here. Both are in same sanctum. The legend is that Parvathy had menstruated while visiting Chengannur and the goddess here is in her teenage with pavada (skirt) as attire. The devotees believe that touching her pavada fulfills the dreams. The devotees strain to touch the pavada during Tripoothe Arattu festival when the deity is taken out for arattu (bathing), the only occasion available to touch the pavada. Chengannur where this temple is situated is accredited with three temples out of five constructed by Pandavas. Chengannur is 5 km south of Thiruvalla

Kaviyoor Mahadevar Temple Pathanamthitta Kerala

The Kaviyoor Mahadeva Temple is situated here in Kaviyur. This is a 1000 year old temple which has a unique style of architecture and is one of the oldest of the Mahadeva temples in Kerala. The temple is commonly known as Thrikkaviyoor Mahadeva Temple.

The temple is believed to be constructed in the 10th century. Perfect round Sreekovil with Sandhara style and its peculiar basment are unique to the temple.There are two inscriptions on the basement of the main sanctum dated 950 & 951 AD.

The annual 10 day long temple festival is 'Thiruvutsavam' and this starts on Thiruvathira day in the Malayalam month of Dhanu (December-January). Utsavabali, seva, pallivetta are the main rituals performed during the festival. A Hanuman Temple is also located in the temple complex of Kaviyoor Temple. This is one of the famous major temples of Travancore Devaswam Board under Thiruvalla group of temples.

Kottiyur Siva Temple Festival, Hindu Pilgrim festival Kerala

Annual festival at Kottiyur
Venue: Kottiyur, Kannur district.
An important pilgrim centre of north Kerala, the shrine dedicated to Lord Siva is often describe as the ‘Varanasi of the South’. There are two temples at Kottiyur - Akkara Kottiyur and Ikkara Kottiyur - both in the deep forests. The annual festival commences with Neyyattam on the Swathi day of the Malayalam month Edavam (May-June) and ends with Thirukalasattu, after 28 days.
A sword from the Muthirikavu Temple in Tavinal village is brought to Ikkara Kottiyur marking the beginning of the festival. It is believed that this sword was the one with which the mythical character Dakshan was hacked to death and is today an object of daily worship at the Muthirikavu Temple. The festival is akin to the yaga (a grand ritual) performed by Dakshan.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Kannur.
Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode, about 93 km from Kannur town.

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Thrikkariyoor Mahadeva Temple

entrance of thrukkariyur mahadeva temple

Thrikkariyoor Mahadeva Temple prominence to Sankaranarayana, east of Perumbavoor, 2 kms north west of Kothamangalam. 10 days festival in Meenam.

Friday, June 24, 2011

kizhur shiva temple Iritty Kannur Kerala

This temple is in keezhur where thousands of people offer their prayers to Lord Siva.

Kottiyur Siva Temple Kerala

Two ancient Shiva temples, Akkare Kottiyoor and Ikkare Kottiyoor are located in the dense forests on the opposite shores of River Bavali in Kottiyoor, 60km from Kannur. Diety in Akkare Kottiyoor temple is the 'swayambhoo lingam' (self-created idol of Lord Shiva). The idol is kept on the ground ('Manithara') formed by a small heap of stones. Thousands of devotees visit this temple during the Vaisakha festival celebrated in the month of May-June every year that lasts for 27 days. Akkare Kottiyoor temple remains open only on these festival days. The 'abhishekam' (offering) here is with milk, ghee (clarified butter) and karikku vellam (tender coconut water). Pilgrims to the temple, before trekking to the holy hills, take a bath in the River Bavali, which is considered to be divine. Daily worship is held at Ikkare Kottiyoor temple. An interesting feature is that this temple remains closed during the 27 day long festival in Akkare Kottiyoor temple.

Taliparamba Rajarajeswara temple Kerala

This shrine is situated at Thaliparambu, 23-km away from Kannur town, on NH 17. The deity is Shiva.In no other temples in Kerala Shiva is known as Rajarajeswara. The devotees call the Lord here in some pet names also – Perumthrikovilappan, Perumchellurappan, and Thampuran Perumthrikovilappan.The deity Shiva here in the form of Jyothirlingam is three time more powerful in divinity than any other Shiva temples. The legend for this extra ordinary phenomenon is of interesting read.

While the Sage Parasuraman who is the incarnation of Vishnu visited the shrine it was in bad shape. The pained Sage researched on the cause. At this stage Sage Narada appeared and explained the core reason for the pathetic condition of the temple. Sage Sankara and his company were churning the disk of the Sun so as to minimize the impact of heat. The dust formed from grinding was mixed with Amrith, the divine nectar for immortality. From the mix they shaped up three shining Shivalingams (Jyothirlingams) and presented them to Lord Brahma. After a long while, Brahma entrusted the same to Parvathi, the wife of Shiva. Parvathi, in turn, gave them to three Kings, one for each. Out of the three kings, Maandatha was of Thretha Yugam, while the other two Muchukundan and Shathasoman were of Dwapara Yugam. Thretha Yugam and Dwapara Yugam are of two different ancient periods according to Hindu mythology.The idols were given by Parvathi on a specific condition that they should not be installed at places where no death of any lived object has taken place nor the body of any dead object has fallen.The long search landed Maandatha at a small obscure place where a Thalika (a metal dish-plate) can be accommodated. Maandatha put the Shivalingam in a plate and installed. The place thereafter came to be known as Thaliparambu. The idol, after some time, disappeared and the place became vacant. The place however became shining and divine.The King Muchkundan who was in search of a place befitting to the nomenclature prescribed by Parvathi landed at the spot, after failing to locate a place, where Maandatha had installed the Jyothirlingam and installed the Jyothirlingam in his custody at the spot. This too vanished after some time. But the place became doubly shining and doubly divine.The third King Shathasoman who received the third Jyothirlingam from Parvathi also landed at the very spot where two installations were done in search of a suitable spot fitting to the module prescribed by Parvathi. He too selected the very spot as he could not locate any other place and installed the idol in his custody. This idol started sinking into the earth. The perturbed King immediately started praying to Sage Agasthya. Responding to the prayers, the Sage appeared and the King narrated the event. The Sage lighted a ghee-lamp and prostrated 12 times before the idol and half-way on the 13th prostration the idol stood firm on the ground. The sacred spot thus became three-fold divine and there-fold shining. The devotees started pouring in.Sage Narada narrated the event to Sage Parasurama who constructed a temple there.Sage Agasthya appeared in the temple premises and made Abhishekam (ceremonial washing) on the idol. The Sage also lighted a ghee-lamp which flares non-stop all these years. The ghee required for the lamp gets as offering from the devotees.The sanctum sanctorum is two-tiered and shaped rectangular. It has four doors, one at each side. Parvathi is seated on the west side of the sanctum sanctorum. The door of Parvathi’s shrine is kept closed always.Before visiting Rajarajeswara temple a devotee is required to visit and worship Lord Krishna in Vasudevapuram temple. This temple is located on the southern bank of the big temple pond of Rajarajeswara temple. This is a custom and tradition. Again, before worshipping Rajarajeswara a devotee is required to worship Sree Bhoothanatha (Kumbodharan) at his shrine.Rajarajeswara and the deities of Trichambaram (Lord Krishna) and Kanhirangad (Sree Vaidyanatha) are inter-connected and administered by a single authority, Thaliparambu-Trichambaram-Kanhirangad Devasom.