Cheriazheekal temple, also known as the ‘twin temple’, is located at Karunagappally, a scenic coastal town surrounded by lush green fields, coconut groves and the azure waters of the Arabian sea. The temple, in Kollam district, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, transports the visitors to a bygone era.

Legend of the idol
Steeped in folklore and legends,  the temple has been fully cast in stone with intricate carvings, following an extensive eight-year-long long renovation project undertaken by the authorities at a cost of Rs 15 crore. A temple is fully cast in stone after a long time in Kerala.

Lord Shiva is the principal deity in Cheriazheekal temple. The shrine is also unique in its dedication to Lord Shiva and Vishnu, reflecting the harmonious blend of Shaivism and Vaishnavism in Kerala's spiritual landscape. 

A Shivling,  is worshipped in one Sreekovil. The other sanctum has a standing idol of Lord Vishnu.

Local people believe that a sage installed the Sivalingam at Cheriazheekal which he brought from the Ganges. The temple is also known as Kashi Vishwanatha temple, because the same sage is believed to have installed the Shivalingam at Kashi Vishwanath Temple, South India’s most popular pilgrim centre, and its architecture resembles the Kashi shrine.

Another legend popular among the local people is that there was already an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu before the Shivling was installed.  Local people trace the history of the temple to 2000 years.

Today it is a temple for both Shiva and Vishnu.  The 10-day Maha Sivarathri festival as well as the Sree Krishna Jayanthi is celebrated with great pomp and splendour at the temple. 

Temple Festival
The temple's annual festival, known as "Cheriazheekkal Utsavam," is a grand celebration that attracts thousands of devotees from far and wide. The festival is marked by vibrant processions, traditional music and dance, pujas and rituals. One of the most awaited events is the "Aarattu" ceremony, where the idols of Shiva and Vishnu are taken in a majestic procession for a ritual bath, symbolizing purification and renewal.

Daily rituals
Cheriazheekkal Temple is steeped in traditions that have been passed down through generations. The daily rituals, including the "Abhishekam" (ritual bathing of the deities), "Alankaram" (decorating the idols), and "Aarti" (light offering), are performed with great devotion and precision. These rituals create an atmosphere of divine presence and spiritual energy, drawing devotees into a deeper connection with the deities.

Visiting the shrine 
Nestled between Ashtamudi Lake on the East and the Arabian sea on the west, Cheriazheekkal Temple is easily accessible from Karunagappally town, located just 7 kilometers away.

The nearest railway station is Karunagappally, and Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is approximately 100 kilometers away.  You will enjoy the scenic beauty of the Ashtamudi Lake, the serene backwaters, and the rich, vibrant greenery along the way.

The nearby beach offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea with golden sands and lush greenery along the coastline.The beach, calm and less crowded, closeby, and the adjoining estuary adds to the natural beauty of the area, making it a perfect destination for those searching for a peaceful retreat. The beach is easy to access from the temple, making it a convenient spot to enjoy the beach.

There are fishing villages in the area where one can see traditional fishing practices. The people are very friendly and easygoing that visitors can explore the local culture and lifestyle of the community.

Cheriazheekkal Temple, with its serene atmosphere, rich tapestry of legends and divine presence, is a beacon of faith and devotion. It stands as a testament to Kerala's enduring spiritual heritage,  a merger of Vaishnavism and Shaivism as reflected in the worship of Shiva and Vishnu in the same temple. The divine place is open to visitors throughout the year, offering a serene and spiritually enriching experience to all who seek its blessings.