Guruvayur Chowalloor Shiva Temple, Kerala

Address

Guruvayur Chowalloor Shiva Temple, Kandanassery P.O., Guruvayur, Thrissur, Kerala – 680 102 Phone: +91 4885 238 166

Deity

Shiva Amman: Parvati

Introduction

• The Chowalloor Shiva Temple is located in Chowalloor, near Guruvayur, in the Thrissur District of Kerala, India.
• It is situated close to Guruvayur, a well-known pilgrimage destination famous for its Sri Krishna Temple, attracting devotees from all over India.
• The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, a principal deity in Hinduism revered as the god of destruction and transformation.

Puranic Significance

• The Chowalloor Shiva Temple is recognized as one of the 108 Shiva Temples established by Lord Parasurama, an avatar of Lord Vishnu.
• These temples, spread across Kerala, hold significant religious importance in the region.
• The mythological account of Lord Parasurama’s creation of the land and the installation of 108 Shiva Temples reflects his deep devotion to Lord Shiva and the divine connection with the land of Kerala.
• The Thrissur Vadakkunnathan Temple is considered the first temple created by Lord Parasurama, highlighting its historical and religious significance.

Beliefs

• The Pattum Thaliyum Charthal offering to Parvathy is performed to grant marital bliss for the unmarried and to improve marital relationships.

Special Features

• Orientation and Size: The temple faces west and covers an area of about 4 acres. It lacks towers on the temple walls or a flag mast.
• Main Deity: The presiding deity is Lord Shiva, represented by a Shiva Lingam approximately 10 feet tall, which cannot be seen from outside the sanctum. The Lingam faces west.
• Consort: Goddess Parvathy, the consort of Lord Shiva, is housed in the sanctum facing east.
• Sanctum: The sanctum is round and consists of two tiers.

Other Deities

• A shrine of Subrahmanya Swamy is located on the north-west side, facing east.
• A shrine dedicated to the Navagrahas (nine celestial deities) is in the northeast corner.
• Stone idols of Saptha Matrikas, made of Krishnasila, are present within the temple premises.
• Shrines for Ganesha, Ayyappan, and Anjaneya can also be found on the temple grounds.

Festivals

• Daily Poojas: The temple conducts three daily poojas for Lord Shiva, essential for maintaining the spiritual and cultural traditions.
• Religious Practices: The temple likely follows traditional rituals and festivals integral to worshiping Lord Shiva.
• Major festivals include:
  • A 12-day festival in the month of Ohanu.
  • Shivaratri.
  • Ashtami Rohini.

Century/Period/Age

1000 Years old

Managed By

Malabar Dewasom Board.

Nearest Bus Station

Guruvayur

Nearest Railway Station

Guruvayur Station

Nearest Airport

Cochin

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