Aluva Mahadeva Temple

Overview

Aluva is situated on the bank River Periyar. It is about 21 kilometres from Ernakulam. The Mahadeva Temple is located about kilometer from the Marthanda Varma Bridge in NH-47. River Periyar splits into two near the Aluva Railway Bridge. After it is split, one part is called Mangalappuzha. The temple is located on the bank, between the Mangalppuzha and River Periyar. The temple has a Shivalinga that is not enshrined in a Sreekovil. The Swayambhoo Shivalinga is installed by Lord Parasurama and was worshipped by Lord Sree Rama. It is seen to rise out of the banks of the river.

About the Temple

There is no permanent structure on the banks. A temporary structure around the granite enclosure of the Siva linga is placed using wooden poles with a wooden door in front and at the back. A thatched roof is placed during the non rainy seasons. The idol is submerged during monsoon. For this sake, a representative idol or thidambu is placed temporarily, comprising the transferred powers of the idol.

Legend and Stories

There are numerous legends related with this temple. In the wake of introducing the Lingam, Parasurama constructed a temple here, however was wrecked by surge. Lord Shiva disclosed to him that no temple structure will exist at that place since He doesn't need a temple structure for ensuring the Lingam. As per another legend, the Bhuthaganas of Lord Shiva worshipped the Lingam consistently and chose to develop a temple there. Yet, Lord Shiva disclosed to them that they should finish the temple in a solitary night. Bhuthaganas concurred and began the development. At the point when the establishment was finished, Lord Vishnu came there, camouflaged as a chicken and crowed to delude the Bhuthaganas. The Bhuthaganas, expecting that day break had drawn nearer, left the work unfinished. Sri Rama, amid his look for Sitha, performed tharpana for Jadayu here. Another legend is related with Vilwamangalam Swamiyar. One day he went by this place and understood the nearness of Lord Shiva and distinguished the Shiva Linga introduced by Parasurama. He began worshipping the Linga and Lord Mahadeva showed up infront of him and instructed him to begin poojas there. Pottayil Ilayathu, Thottathil Nambiar and Idamana Nampoothiri made legitimate courses of action for Shiva Pooja and Vilwamngalam began the pooja. Be that as it may, there were no vessels to offer Nivedyam. So Vilwamangalam utilized a Kavungin Pala (aracanut leaf) to offer Nivedyam. Indeed, even today the nivedyam is offered in Kavungin Pala and is called Palanivedyam. This temple is called Bala Kshetram. Though unfinished in nature, this temple has withstood numerous surges and still stands as a riddle to the designers, in regards to its establishment and structure.

Pooja

A nivedya-pooja is performed in the morning daily. During the period from 1st of Makaram (Middle of January) to 1st of Medam (middle of April) daily two poojas are done first in the morning and the second in evening. Nivedya Pooja is held daily at 7 am.

Festivals

Apart from Sivarathri five important festivals are celebrated. They are Makara-vilakku in January, Sivarathri-vilakku in February, Kodipurathu-vilakku and Uthra-vilakku in March/April and Vishu-vilakku in April.

Prasad and Offering

The important offerings are ksheeradhara (milk), jaladhara (water), aayiram kudam, koovala mala, paal payasam and pushanjali. While reinstalling the rituals, Vilwamangalam Swami had instructed to offer the nivedyam on a pala (swathe of arecanut tree), which is still continued.

Darsan Dresscode

Traditonal Kerala dress, which includes dhoti for men and saree for women.

How To Reach Aluva

The Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport located about 14 km from Aluva. Aluva railway station is located in the city which is second largest railway station in Cochin city. Aluva is easily accessed by road as it is located near Cochin.

Temple Address

Aluva Mahadeva Temple,
SH 16, Periyar Nagar,
Aluva, Ernakulam District, Kerala.