Chenkal Maheswaram Sri Sivaparvathi Temple-(Wolrd’s Tallest Shiva Lingam)- Kerala

Address

Chenkal Maheswaram Sri Sivaparvathi Temple- (Wolrd’s Tallest Shiva Lingam)- Udiyankulangara Vlathankara Rd, Chenkal, Kerala 695132

Deity

Shiva Amman: Parvati

Introduction

• Location: Maheswaram, 26 km from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, South India.
• Significance: Home to the tallest Shiva Lingam in the world, standing at 111.2 feet. It holds the record in the India Book of Records, surpassing the 108-feet Shiva Lingam at Kotilingeshwara Temple, Karnataka.
• Construction: Began in 2012 and took six years to complete. The Lingam is equivalent in height to a 10-story building.

Puranic Significance:

• Deity: The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, represented by the towering Shiva Lingam known as Mahalingam.
• Legend: The Lingam is believed to be a divine structure with holy elements mixed into its construction, including water, sand, and soil from sacred sites such as Kashi, Gangotri, and Kailash.
• Unique Features:
  • Meditation Halls: Inside the Lingam, there are six meditation halls representing the six chakras. Devotees meditate in these halls, which are uniquely designed to help focus on different aspects of spiritual growth.
  • Prayer Hall: The bottom level features a large Shiva Lingam for personal worship. Devotees progress through the meditation halls to reach the top, representing Kailasam, where they can worship the deity in a serene environment.
  • Carvings and Structure: The path to the top of the Lingam is spiral-shaped and surrounded by cave-like structures with carvings of monks and meditation scenes.

Beliefs:

• Worship Practices:
  • Jyothirlingams: The temple allows worship of all 12 Jyothirlingams of Lord Shiva, believed to remove misfortunes and illnesses.
  • Ganesha Forms: The temple features 32 different forms of Lord Ganesha, each representing various aspects of overcoming obstacles and bringing fortune.
• Spiritual Experience: Devotees believe that worshipping at this temple helps eradicate life’s obstacles and provides a unique spiritual experience due to its distinctive structure and offerings.

Special Features:

• Tallest Shiva Lingam: The 111.2-feet tall Shiva Lingam is the tallest in the world.
• Eight Floors: The Lingam has eight floors, with the six floors representing the six chakras, and the top floors housing meditation and prayer spaces.
• Spiritual Practices: The temple offers a rare experience of worshiping both the 12 Jyothirlingams and the 32 forms of Lord Ganesha in one place.
• Unique Structure: The structure’s design includes meditation halls and sacred spaces for a comprehensive spiritual journey.

Festivals:

• Mahashivrathri
• Durga Puja

Century/Period/Age

5000 Years old

Managed By

Malabar Devaswom Board.

Nearest Bus Station

Chenkal

Nearest Railway Station

Thiruvananthapuram

Nearest Airport

Thiruvananthapuram

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