Valiyasala (Kanthalloor) Mahadeva Temple - Kerala

Address

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

Diety

Shiva

Introduction

Kanthalloor Mahadeva Temple located at Valiyasala in Thiruvananthapuram is dedicated to Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu. The main deity in the shrine is Shiva. Valiyasala Mahadeva temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, once known as Kanthalloor Mahadeva temple. The temple was once a famous supporting center of knowledge and wisdom, roughly on par with ancient centers of learning such as Takshasila and Nalanda. This famous temple is being managed by the Travancore Devaswom Board.

Puranic Significance

Valiyasala Mahadeva Temple is one of the oldest temples in Kerala and is located inside 4.5 acre compound. It is more than 1000 years old and there is historical evidence which proves that the temple was built before 1045 CE. This is the second biggest temple in Trivandrum after the Padmanabhaswamy temple. Brahma and Shiva have Vatta Sreekovil or circular sanctum sanctorum. No pujas are offered to Brahma. The shrine of Brahma is without a kodimaram or flag post Brahma’s shrine is the smallest, but sits in the center. On either side are the shrines of Vishnu and Shiva. The two storied Vishnu shrine is noted for its intricate carvings in granite. Devasura Yudham, Palazhi Madhanam (Churning of ocean) and other important incidents from Puranas can be seen here. Various forms of Krishna and Sage Narada playing Thamburu are magnificent sculptures. Goddess Narayani in lasya bhava and Goddess Devi in Lalithambika bhava are also part of the sculptures. The Upa Devatas worshipped in the temple are Sri Krishna, Bhoothathan, Murugan, Sastha, Devi, Ganapati and Vishkasenan. There are 56 balikkal in the shrine. Story of Origin of Valiyasala Mahadeva Valiyasala Mahadeva Temple is said to have been founded as the result of a rather violent and bloody war between the Chola king and his opponents, the Chera and Pandya kings. All the kings and thousands of soldiers perished in the battle. The widows performed sati – jumping into the pyre of their husbands. Emerging from the ire on the pyre was a blazing ember that transformed into a Shivling. In order to pacify the ferocious form Shiva, which appeared from the flames, murtis of Brahma and Vishnu were consecrated nearby.

Special Features

No Nandi In Front Of Valiyasala Mahadeva There is a pavilion in front of Shiva but the usual Nandi is missing. It is said that Nandi walked away from the temple as he was unhappy and angry at the shoddy manner in which the temple priests were conducting the daily pujas in the temple. It must be noted that the pavilion facing Brahma has a Nandi. Shiva went in search of Nandi and found him sitting at Thaliyal village on the banks of Karamana River. Shiva and Parvati appeared before Nandi and allowed him to stay at Thaliyil Shiva Temple. For his courage and independent stand, Shiva offered him food here. Even today during the annual Arattu of Valiyasala Mahadeva temple, Shiva stops at Thaliyil Shiva temple to offer food to Nandi. He then proceeds along with Vishnu and Brahma to have Arattu in the Thaliyal temple pond… Shanku Varayan Snake Sculpture There is a unique sculpture atop the sopana mandapam of Vishnu temple. It is a Shanku Varayan Snake sculpted out of single rock and it is tied using iron chain. The belief is that the place was earlier full of snakes and it was impossible to even walk during day time. A powerful Siddha captured the power of the snakes and transformed it into the sculpture. The belief is that the day the chain breaks, the area will once again become filled with poisonous snakes. The greatness of this sculpture is that it is carved out of a single stone – the snake and the chain.

Festivals

Chitra Poornima in April-May; Vaikasi Visakam in May-June; Aadi Pooram in July-August; Vinayaka Chathurthi in August-September; Navarathri in September-October; Maha Shivrathri in February-March are the festivals celebrated in the temple.