Shivalayam Ottam 7 -Kalkulam Neelakandeswarar Temple, Kanyakumari

Address

Shivalayam Ottam 7 -Kalkulam Neelakandeswarar Temple, Chakala, Thuckalay, Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu 629175

Deity

Neelakandeswarar / Mahadevar. Amman: Ananthavalli.

Introduction

• Location:
  • Situated in Kalkulam, near Padmanabhapuram, in Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu.
  • The temple is part of the famous Shivalaya Ottam conducted during Shivaratri and is the seventh temple in the sequence.
  • Nearest Railway Station: Eraniel; Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram.
  • Located about 600 meters from Padmanabhapuram Palace and 4 km from Kumaracoil.

Temple Significance

• Presiding Deity: Neelakandeswarar / Mahadevar (Lord Shiva).
• Mother Deity: Ananthavalli.
• The temple is distinct in its architecture and rituals, differing from other Sivalayams in the region.
• It is believed to be 1000 years old and holds significant cultural and historical importance.
• The temple is notable for being a place of worship for the rulers of Kalkulam and was closely associated with the Tiruvidangur state.

Puranic Significance

• The temple is believed to have been built during the reign of Marthanda Varma.
• Thirumalai Nayakar, another prominent ruler, installed the Goddess in the shrine.
• Sage Vyakarapadhar is said to have worshipped Lord Shiva here.
• The temple’s proximity to Padmanabhapuram, the former capital of Travancore, signifies its importance as a sanctum of worship for the rulers of the region.

Special Features

• Unique Gopuram: This is the only temple among the twelve Shivalaya Ottam temples to feature a big gopuram (tower), adorned with sculpted figures.
• Exclusive Sanctum for Goddess: The temple also stands out as the only one in the Shivalaya Ottam series with an exclusive sanctum for the Goddess, Ananthavalli.
• The temple architecture is a blend of Tamil Nadu and Keralite styles, enhancing its cultural significance.
• A tank festival is celebrated annually in the temple’s large tank.
• The golden Kodimaram (flag post), stone mandapam, and the vast temple pond add to the beauty of the shrine, along with the intricate carvings in the temple.

Festivals

The temple celebrates several important festivals, including:

• Shivaratri
• Thiruvadirai
• Margazhi Festival
• Navaratri Utsavam
• Vijayadasami Theppam (boat festival)
• Panguni Uthiram Peruvizha
• Thirukalyanam (celestial wedding)

Century/Period/Age

1000 Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Padmanabhapuram

Nearest Railway Station

Eraniel

Nearest Airport

Thiruvananthapuram.

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