- Shiva
Sree Mahadeva Temple
- Ottasekharamangalam,Kerala
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Overview
Sree Mahadevar Temple is located at Ottasekharamangalam is a village in Thiruvananthapuram district in the state of Kerala, India. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
About The Temple
Legend says that Sage Khara fetched four sila-lingas from the River Gandaki (in Nepal) and he consecrated three of them at Vaikom, Ettumanur and Kaduthuruthi. The remaining one was consecrated on the banks of Chittar near Neyyattinkara. In Malayalam Otta means an isolated one and Sekhara means collection. Since Khara installed the Ottasekharan [idol (of Lord Siva in the form of sila-linga) that was isolated from others], the place came to be known as Ottasekharamangalam. Sage Khara installed the idol at the last moments of the auspicious hour; the deity appeared in Roudra Bhava (fierce nature) and hence two idols - one of Lord Siva in Soumya Bhava (calm posture) and the other of Lord Vishnu to reduce the fierce attitude of the former. Thus the temple has three principal deities with equal importance.
About The Deity
Lord Siva (Mahadeva) in the form of Sivalinga is the principal deity. Shrine of Lord Siva in fierce posture is at the north end of the temple complex and Lord with calm posture at the south end. Lord Vishnu’s shrine is at the north of Siva shrines. Lord Sastha, Lord Ganapathy, Saptha Mathrukkal (Seven holy mothers – Brahmini, Maheswari, Kaumari, yshnavi, Varahi, Indrani, Chamunda) are the minor deities.
Legend and Stories
No historical records are there to indicate the origin of the temple. The construction of all the three sanctum sanctorum and overall renovation were done during the reign of Sri Mulam Thirunal Maharaja (1885–1924). In 1898 three flag masts were erected. This is the only temple in South Kerala having three flag masts. (The other two are Thiruvegappura and Chinakkathur temples in Palakkad District). In ancient period, the temple was owned and managed by the major Nair families of the region, but later it was transferred to the Travancore Devaswom Board.
Festivals
Annual festival of the temple is held in the month of Dhanu (December-January). Sivarathri, Ashtami Rohini, Vinayaka Chadurthi are also celebrated here apart from 41 days Mandala Pooja.
Poojas
Poojas (rites related to worship) are held three times a day.
Offering
Payasam and dhara are the main offerings.
How To Reach Mahadeva Temple, Ottasekharamangalam
Airport
Nearest Airport - Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (35 km).
Railways
Nearest Railway Station - Neyyattinkara (15 km) / Thiruvananthapuram (30 km).
Road
Ottasekharamangalam is situated 30 km south-east of Thiruvananthapuram in the Kattakkara -Neyyar Dam route and 15 km north to Neyyattinkara. Neyyattinkara is well connected to other major cities of the country via regular buses.
Temple Address
Mahadeva Temple,
Ottasekharamangalam, Perumkadavila Taluk,
Thiruvananthapuram District,
Kerala State,
Pincode – 695125.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- Salvation
- Wealth
- Relief from diseases
- Purchase of vehicles
- Gain Knowledge
Shlokas
Kailaasarana Shiva Chandramouli Phaneendra Maathaa Mukutee Zalaalee Kaarunya Sindhu Bhava Dukha Haaree Thujaveena Shambho Maja Kona Taaree
Meaning -Oh Lord Shiva who is seated on Mount Kailash, where the moon decorates his forehead and the king of serpents crown his head, who is merciful and removes delusion, You alone can protect me. I surrender to thee.
Aum Trayambakam Yajaamahey Sugandhim Pusti Vardhanam Urvaarukamiva Bandhanaath Mrutyor Muksheeya Maamritaat
Meaning -We worship the fragrant Lord Shiva, who has 3 eyes and who cultivates all beings. May He free me from death, for immortality, as even a cucumber is separated from its bond with the vine.
Timings
The temple is open from 6 A.M to 9 P.M