Eraniel Marthandeswarar Mahadeva Temple, Kanyakumari

Address

Eraniel Marthandeswarar Mahadeva Temple Eraniel town, Kanyakumari District – 629802

Deity

Mahadeva

Introduction

Location:

• Situated in Eraniel Town, Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu.
• About 14 km west of Nagercoil, the temple is 1.5 km east of Eraniel Railway Station.

Temple Overview:

• The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, known as Marthandeeswarar.
• East-facing temple with two Prakarams.
• A large temple tank is present south of the temple.
• Marthandeeswarar Eraniel was an important place of worship for royalty, with the palace located opposite the temple.

Historical Significance:

• The temple and palace date back 1000 years.
• Cheran Perumal, a famous ruler of the Chera dynasty, is believed to have constructed the Eraniel palace and fort.
• Eraniel was once the capital of the Venad Dynasty.
• In the 18th century, Velu Thambi Dalawa started a rebellion from this palace against King Raja Balarama Varma.
• The palace was abandoned after the capital shifted to Padmanabhapuram during the reign of King Ravi Varma Kulashekhara.
• The Venad kings, Pandya, Chera, and Chola rulers all had connections to Eraniel.
• The ruins of the two-story palace consist of the Padippura, Poomukham, and Vasanta Mantapam.

Puranic Significance:

• The temple was built by King Vanchi Marthanda Varma.
• It is believed that the Hooded Valiyaru River blocked King Marthanda Varma’s way to Sivagiri Shiva Temple, leading him to build the Marthandeeswarar temple.
• The name Eraniel is a corruption of Hiranyasimhanalloor.

Beliefs:

• The temple is considered a place where devotees can overcome obstacles.
• It is believed to be particularly beneficial for those facing marriage delays or seeking blessings for children.
• Offerings of Venpongal, fruits, sandalwood, and Tiruneeru are made.

Festivals:

• Maha Shivaratri is celebrated on the 6th night of the dark Phalgun (February or March).
• Devotees observe fasts and night vigils to honor Lord Shiva.
• The day is considered spiritually significant, marking the convergence of the divine powers of Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti.
• Devotees chant “Om Namah Shivaya” and engage in religious penance to gain blessings.

1000 Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department (HR&CE)

Nearest Bus Station

Eraniel

Nearest Railway Station

Eraniel

Nearest Airport

Trivandrum

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