Valiyasala (Kanthalloor) Mahadeva Temple – Kerala

Address

Valiyasala (Kanthalloor) Mahadeva Temple – Valiasala, Valiyasalai, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695036

Deity

Shiva

Introduction

• Location: Valiyasala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
• Deities: Dedicated primarily to Lord Shiva, with shrines for Brahma and Vishnu.
• Historical Significance: Once a prominent center of knowledge, comparable to ancient institutions like Takshasila and Nalanda.
• Management: Managed by the Travancore Devaswom Board.

Puranic Significance

• Age: One of the oldest temples in Kerala, over 1000 years old; historical evidence suggests construction before 1045 CE.
• Size: Second largest temple in Trivandrum after Padmanabhaswamy Temple, located within a 4.5-acre compound.
• Architecture:
  • Brahma and Shiva have a Vatta Sreekovil (circular sanctum).
  • No pujas are offered to Brahma, and his shrine is the smallest, located centrally.
  • The two-storied Vishnu shrine features intricate granite carvings.
• Sculptures: Depictions of Devasura Yudham, Palazhi Madhanam, and various forms of Krishna, as well as Sage Narada playing the Thamburu.
• Upa Devatas: Includes Sri Krishna, Bhoothathan, Murugan, Sastha, Devi, Ganapati, and Vishkasenan.
• Balikkal: The shrine contains 56 balikkal.

Origin Story

• The temple was founded following a bloody war between the Chola king and the Chera and Pandya kings, resulting in numerous deaths.
• The widows performed sati, and an ember emerged from the pyre, transforming into a Shivling, leading to the consecration of murtis of Brahma and Vishnu to pacify Shiva.

Special Features

• Absence of Nandi: There is no Nandi in front of the temple. It is believed that Nandi left due to dissatisfaction with the priests’ handling of daily rituals.
• Nandi’s Location: Nandi was later found by Shiva in Thaliyal village and allowed to stay at Thaliyil Shiva Temple. Shiva offers food to Nandi during the annual Arattu celebration.
• Shanku Varayan Snake Sculpture: A unique sculpture of a snake atop the sopana mandapam of the Vishnu temple, believed to have been created by a powerful Siddha. The snake is tied with an iron chain; it is said that if the chain breaks, the area will be filled with poisonous snakes again.

Festivals

• Major Festivals Celebrated:
  • Chitra Poornima (April-May)
  • Vaikasi Visakam (May-June)
  • Aadi Pooram (July-August)
  • Vinayaka Chaturthi (August-September)
  • Navarathri (September-October)
  • Maha Shivrathri (February-March)

Century/Period/Age

1000 Years old

Managed By

Travancore Devaswom Board.

Nearest Bus Station

Valiyasala

Nearest Railway Station

Udumalaippettai

Nearest Airport

Thiruvananthapuram

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