Shivalayam Ottam 7 -Kalkulam Neelakandeswarar Temple, Kanyakumari

Address

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

Diety

Neelakandeswarar / Mahadevar. Amman: Ananthavalli.

Introduction

Neelakandeswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Kalkulam near Padmanabhapuram in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu. The temple is a part of the famed Shivalaya Ottam conducted during Shivaratri. It is the seventh temple in the run sequence. Presiding Deity is called as Neelakandeswarar / Mahadevar. Mother is called as Ananthavalli. In architecture as well as in rituals, the temple is different to the other Sivalayams in the area. The Temple is located at about 600 meters from Padmanabhapuram Palace, 4 Kms from Kumaracoil. Nearest Railway Station is located at Eraniel and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram.

Puranic Significance

The Temple is believed to be 1000 years old. This town was the capital of the erstwhile Tiruvidangur state. The kings who ruled from this town and the other kings like Thirumalai Nayakar have done lots of service to this temple. The shrine is believed to have been built during the rule of Marthanda Varma. Tirumala Nayakar installed the Goddess in the shrine. Situated very close to Padmanabhapuram, the erstwhile capital of Travancore, the temple is believed to have been a sanctum of worship for the rulers Kalkulam was among several in Thiruvananthapuram district. Sage Vyakarapadhar visited this place and worshipped Lord Shiva here.

Special Features

Presiding Deity is called as Neelakandeswarar / Mahadevar. Mother is called as Ananthavalli. This temple is the only temple in the twelve Shivalaya Ottam Temples where there is a big gopuram (tower). And also it is the only temple in the twelve where there is an exclusive Sanctum for Goddess. This temple is a mixture of both Tamilnadu and Keralite styles of temples. Every year, there is a tank festival in the temple tank. The huge gopuram has sculpted figures adorning it. The stone mandapam, various carvings in the shrine, the golden Kodimaram, the vast temple pond enhance the beauty of the shrine.