Vizhinjam Shiva Temple, Kerala

Address

Vizhinjam Shiva Temple Vizhinjam Kovalam, Kerala

Diety

Shiva

Introduction

Vizhinjam is a region located in the city of Thiruvanathapuram, the capital of the state of Kerala in India. It is located 16km south west from the city centre and 17km south of Trivandrum International Airport along NH66. Adani Ports. The historical temples here, which date back to the Chola dynasty, are in a dilapidated condition with creepers covering major portions of these age-old structures. This shiva temple is completely dilapidated condition.

Puranic Significance

Though the Devaswom Board authorities had taken an initiative a few years ago to clean these temples in Thiruvananthapuram district, nothing constructive ensued. The archaeology department too came forward to preserve these temples, which come under the Veganoor subgroup of the Devaswom Board, but its effort was also in vain. It is believed that these places of worship are part of the 54 temples that were built here during the Chola dynasty. One temple has Lord Shiva as the main deity, and another’s chief deity is Lord Vishnu. Historical records show that poojas were performed at these temples, and the hearsay is that religious rituals were stopped as the shrines became ‘impure’. The local residents are of the opinion that either the Devaswom Board or the Archaeology Department should take concrete steps to preserve the temple