Mahadevar Temple

The Mahadevar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva in Kerala, India. The Erattakulangara Sri Mahadeva Temple is well known for its ancient history and divinity. It is believed that there were two ponds in front of the temple which later merged to form the present temple pond. The temple that was situated in the shore of two ponds was named as Erattakulangara temple meaning the temple on the shore of two ponds. Some believe that the two ponds were on the northern and southern side of the temple and that the pond on the northern side was eventually filled. Though the written evidence about the origins and history of Erattakulangara Sri Mahadeva Temple is unavailable, we present here the legend that has been passed through traditional word of mouth tales. The vahanam of Lord Shiva is where this ancient temple is situated was under the then king, Maharaja of Chembakasseri. The deity of the temple is the Shiva that was kept and worshipped at the Brahmin family Chomaala Illam situated at the east nada of the temple. The deity is the Kiratha moorthy which contains the concept of divine unison of Lord Shiva and Parvathy in form of kattalan and kattalathy. The shivalingam in this temple is unique in the fact that above the three lines that represent goddess parvathy, there is a circle in the shape of a lamp. This temple embodies the concept of Uma Maheshwari and young women come from even distant places after taking vratham to obtain the blessings of Lord Shiva. As this temple embodies the concept of Umamaheshvara, on Mondays women take vratham and come to this temple to seek the blessings of Erattakulangarayappan. Along with the concept of Mrithyunjayan, there is also the concept of Bali Devan. On the Karkkidakavavu day, people come here, do the Pithrubali and pray for the Moksha of their forefathers.