Temples Of Kerala

Anandavalleeswaram Sri Mahadeva Temple located in Kollam city is one of the ancient temples in Kerala, said to have been installed by Sage Parashurama. The temple is also considered one of the 108 famous Shiva temples in Kerala.

Lord Shiva and Goddess Anandavally are the main deities of the temple. The sreekovil [sanctum sanctorum] is unique since it is the only Hindu shrine in India which has the idols of Sree Krishna, Lord Vishnu, Bhoomi Devi [Goddess Earth] and Lakshmi Devi consecrated and installed under a single roof.

The Anandavalleeswaram Mahadeva Temple festival commences with the traditional Thrikodiyettu [hoisting of the pennant] and continues for ten days. This takes place every year during the months of March and April. As part of the annual festival, there are other rituals including Pallivetta, Arattu, Arattu Ethirelpu, Ezhunallathu, Kazhcha Sribali, Kettukazhcha and other cultural programmes comprising dance, dramas, music and pyrotechnic display.

Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Kollam, about 2.5 kms away
Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 68 kms away