Edathavalam

Kaduthuruthy Temple

The Kaduthuruthy Mahadeva temple is one of the most prominent Shiva temples in central Kerala. Alongside the main deity Lord Shiva, Vaikkathappan and Ettumanoor Appan are also worshipped here at this temple. The Kaduthuruthy temple is one among the few temples that have been given prominence in Unnuneeli Sandhesham that was written back in the 14 th century. Extensive facilities and arrangements are available for Sabarimala pilgrims here at the temple. There is a spacious hall for rest and also with washrooms, toilets and drinking water. Annadhaanam is also provided to the devotees as well as parking facilities near the temple gopuram. There is even a Help Desk set up here by the Department of Health to support the pilgrims.

Ettumanoor Temple

Believed to have been constructed by the legendary Parasurama, the Ettumanoor Shiva Temple is one among the famous 108 Shiva temples of Kerala. Although the west-facing temple has Lord Shiva in his roudra [angry] form as the main deity here, pujas are held here for three of his different forms. While in the morning it is held for Lord Shiva’s Aghora Moorthi [in his ascetic form], in the afternoon it is held for his Sharabha Moorthy [in his fierce form] and in the evening for his Arthanareeshwara form [combined with his consort, Goddess Parvathy]. Goddess Parvathy is believed to be in the eastern side of the sanctum sanctorum which is never opened.

It is widely accepted that Aadishankara penned his work the Soundaryalehari here at the Ettumanoor temple. The Ettumanoor temple festival that offers a glimpse of the Ezhara Ponnana (meaning seven-and-a-half golden elephants) is very famous and draws visitors and travellers alike from far and near. Another unique feature of the temple is the kedavilakku or eternal lamp that was lit in the year 1540 and remains so to this day. The ancient wall murals found at the temple add to its alluring charm. Among these exquisite paintings, those of Nataraja and of Lord Vishnu depicted in anandhashayanam [in a meditative trance on the coils of Anantha, the divine serpent] are considered invaluable assets to the legacy of wall paintings in the history of India.

The Ettumanoor temple is one among the most important places of worship of the Sabarimala pilgrims during the Mandalakaalam. Facilities for virtual queue bookings, modern amenitiesincluding washrooms, drinking water, medical assistance, ambulances and all other facilities are provided for here. Under the aegis of the Devaswom Board, every day Annadhaanam is provided for Ayyappa devotees throughout the Malayalam month of Vrishchikam.

Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple

Considered prominent among the “Divya Desams” or the 108 important temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple is located in the village of Aranmula in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. A place of immense cultural and religious significance, the distinctive Kerala-style architecture graces the temple with its elaborate woodwork and intricate details.

 The sanctum sanctorum houses the deity, Lord Parthasarathy, in a standing posture, with a discus (chakra) in one hand and a conch (shankha) in the other.

The temple has attained a legendary status for its unique traditions and rituals. The annual Aranmula Boat Race, a cultural and sporting spectacle visited by tourists from all parts of the world, is closely associated with the temple festivities.

The Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple maintains close associations with the famed Aranmula Kannadi, a unique metal mirror crafted using traditional techniques. It is believed that viewing the deity through this mirror brings in prosperity and good fortunes.

Vaikom Mahadeva Temple

The Vaikom Mahadeva temple located in Kottayam district is one of the most famous Shiva temples in Kerala. Devotees address the deity as Vaikkathappan. The temple is among the sacred 108 shiva temples. It is an important halt en route to the Sabarimala pilgrimage. Here Lord Shiva is seen facing the east and His consort Parvathy Devi is seen facing the west. They are the maindeities of the temple. The sanctum sanctorum of Goddess Parvathy is never opened here. The Vaikom temple houses one of the biggest Shiva Linga idol in Kerala. Lord Shiva is worshipped in three forms here. In the morning it is the Dakshinamoorthy, in the afternoon as Kiraatha Moorthy and in the evening as Rajarajeshwaran. Every night after the athazhapooja [the final worship of the day], the priest opens the eastern gate, steps outside with a lamp and enquires if there’s anyone who seeks food. During the Mandalakaalam at Sabarimala in the Malayalam month of Vrishchikam,Vaikathashtami the annual temple at Vaikom takes place. Situated in an eight-acre compound, this temple is believed to be one among the biggest temples in the state.

For more visit Kerala Govt's Sabarimala facilities page