- Shiva
Valiyasala Mahadeva Temple / Kanthaloor Mahadeva Temple
- Valiyasala,Kerala
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Overview
The Valiyasala Mahadeva Temple (also Called Kanthaloor Mahadeva Temple ) is a Hindu shrine situated at the town of Valiyasala, in the Thiruvananthapuram District of Kerala, India.
About The Deity
The presiding deity of this temple is Lord Shiva who graces here from the main sanctum. There are two other prominent shrines dedicated to Lord Rudra Siva (also called Brahma Siva) and Lord Maha Vishnu. Few people believe that Lord Brahma Siva here is Lord Brahma Himself. The Upadevas (Sub deities) of this temple include Lord Ganapathy, Lord Sastha, Lord Subramanya, Lord Sri Krishna and Goddess Durga.
Legend and Stories
During the olden days, the temple was popularly referred as the Kanthalloor Mahadeva temple. The temple was known to support the popular Kanthalloor Sala, whose activities were closely associated with this temple. The Kanthalloor Sala was in fact considered on par with the rewnowned Nalanda and Takshasila universities that attracted scholars from all over the country. The official records of the much revered Anantha Padmanabhaswamy temple at Thiruvananthapuram informs us that this Padasala (Centre for learning) at Kanthalloor dates back to the 7th century AD. Thee place also finds mention in a Chola inscriptions from 985 A.D. One particular inscription of Rajendra Chola says that the temple existed even before 1045 AD. A 7th century AD text from the Anathapuri varnanam also talks about this temple and Padasala at Kanthalloor. The earliest known record about the Kanthalloor Sala is the Parthivapuram Pattayam (a historical record) issued during 866 A.D. From the above information, we can conclude that this ancient temple existed prior to 7th century A.D.
The temple complex encompasses large halls made of rock slabs and pillars, which were once used as the classrooms of the Kanthalloor Sala. It is also widely believe that the temple indeed was used as a place of gathering by the Ettuveettil Pillamar to conspire against the crown Prince of Travancore, Sri Marthanda Varmam Maharaja. However, Sri Marthanda Varma renovated the temple in 1749 A.D after ascending the throne. Women were forbidden to enter into the temple in ancient times but presently such restrictions do not exist. The temple is controlled and managed by the Travancore Devaswom Board.
Festivals
The annual temple festival takes place for about 10 days and is celebrated in the month of Kumbha (February-March) every year.
How To Reach Valiyasala Mahadeva Temple, Valiyasalai
Airport
The Nearest Airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport which is about 6 kms away from the temple.
Railways
The closet located Railhead is the Thiruvananthapuram railway station.
Road
Regular buses to Thiruvananthapuram are available from many major cities of the country.
Temple Address
Valiyasala Mahadeva Temple / Kanthaloor Mahadeva Temple,
Valiyasalai, Thiruvananthapuram District,
Kerala State, Pincode - 695036.
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