Shivalayam Ottam 8 – Melancode Siva Temple (Sri Kala Kandar), Kanyakumari

Address

Shivalayam Ottam 8 – Melancode Siva Temple (Sri Kala Kandar), Thuckalay, Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu 629175

Deity

Kalakalar / Mahadevar.

Introduction

• Location: Melancode, Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, India.
• Presiding Deity: Lord Shiva, referred to as Kalakalar / Mahadevar.
• Historical Background: Believed to have been built in the 15th century.
• Significance: Part of the famed Shivalaya Ottam during Shivaratri; the eighth temple in the run sequence.
• Accessibility:
  • Located off the road leading to Kumara Kovil (Vellimalai) from the Nagercoil – Thiruvananthapuram highway.
  • Nearest Railway Station: Eraniel.
  • Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram.

Puranic Significance

• Markandeya’s Story:
  • The temple is linked to the legend of Markandeya, who was destined to die at the age of 16.
  • When Lord Yama came to take his life, Markandeya held on tightly to the Shiva lingam, causing it to slant as Yama tried to pull him away.
  • Lord Shiva intervened, breaking open the lingam to save Markandeya, leading to the slanted form of the Shiva Lingam in this temple, which has a semi-spherical shape at the top as if squeezed by Yama’s rope.
• Sage Vyakarapadhar: It is said that Sage Vyakarapadhar worshipped Lord Shiva at this temple.

Special Features

• Location: Situated by the ancient Puliyoor Fort and at the base of the Vellimalai hills, surrounded by lush paddy fields and green groves.
• Deity Description: The presiding deity, Kalakalar / Mahadevar, is a Swayambu Lingam, symbolizing its natural emergence.
• Link to Markandeya: The temple’s lingam is slanted to signify Markandeya’s story.
• Kundala Sastha: A significant figure known as Kundala Sastha is also worshipped here.
• Nearby Attractions: Close to Kumara Koil, where Lord Subramanya is said to have married Valli, and famous for the Yakshi temple, known across South Kerala.
• Unique Worship: This temple uniquely practices Vedi Vazhipadu (worship with crackers), although it is now becoming common in other temples as well.
• Size: The smallest of the twelve temples in the region.

Festivals

• Major Celebrations:
  • Shivalaya Ottam
  • Shivaratri
  • Thiruvadirai
  • Chittirai Kodiyetram Peruvizha

Century/Period/Age

15th century

Nearest Bus Station

Kumara Kovil

Nearest Railway Station

Eraniel

Nearest Airport

Thiruvananthapuram

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