Azhimala Shiva Temple, Thiruvananthapuram

Introduction to Azhimala Shiva Temple

Azhimala Shiva Temple has been attracting hordes of devotees and tourists for years. The temple is dedicated to Shiva. It lies on a hill overlooking the Arabian Ocean in Vizhinjam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. 'Aazhi' means 'sea', and 'Mala' means 'hill' in Malayalam. It rests on the right of the Arabian Sea on a slightly raised platform. Every Tuesday, devotees come here to seek the deity's blessings. The temple is at an elevation, providing a panoramic view of the sea. There is a separate sea-view area adjacent to the temple.

Legend of Azhimala Shiva Temple

The Azhimala Temple's legend dates back to the era of the Mahabharata. It is said that Azhimala was one of the hideouts of the Pandavas during their exile. The folklore explains that when Draupadi was thirsty, Bheema made a hole in a rock with his knees and thus created a freshwater stream to quench her thirst. Even now, the freshwater is flowing from one of the caves. The temple's original name was Azhimala Pulinkudi Sree Mahadeva Temple. It was called Pulinkudi because of the presence of cheetahs in that region.

The Architecture of Azhimala Shiva Temple

The Azhimala Shiva Temple was built in the 16th century. It is said to have been built during the Pandya dynasty. Jyothish Potti, a priest, initiated the building of a 58-ft height Gangadhareshwara sculpture in the temple. Tourists and devotees can admire the beautiful statue of Shiva. A 29-year-old artist, P.S Devadathan, built it using concrete for geographical reasons.

Shiva is seated on a rock in a classic posture. The statue depicts Gangadhareshwara holding the sacred Trishul (Trident) in the left hand and a Damru in the right. Another left-hand holds Devi Ganga flowing from the matted locks while the right rests on the thighs. Here Shiva looks at the sky angularly. The crescent moon adorns his crown. The statue is shown wearing tiger skin, rudraksha beads, and a serpent over his neck. The delicately carved nerves and muscles in his masculine figure are visible. Visitors can see his third eye in the middle of the forehead, symbolizing that Shiva is a "Trikaldarshi" (viewer of all three periods).

The statue is in the temple complex. On December 31, 2021, the statue was inaugurated. Devotees have to climb steeply to reach the temple. This is the biggest Shiva sculpture in Kerala state. The Pulinkudi Azhimala Shiva Temple Devaswom Trust commissioned the Shiva statue in the temple. A large meditation hall is built beneath the Gangadhareshwara statue.

The temple's architecture blends Dravidian and Kerala styles. It has a triangular-shaped roof, wooden carvings, and stone sculptures. The rectangular sanctum sanctorum contains a beautiful idol of Shiva in the form of Lingam.

The Azhimala Shiva Temple has a gopuram (tower) that features South Indian temple-style architecture. It contains intricate carvings of deities. It also has a Mandap (hall) with wooden pillars and a roof made of teak wood.

The beautiful architecture is the highlight of the temple. Intricate and detailed carvings adorn the temple pillars and walls. Devotees can worship several deities in the temple complex that has separate shrines. Shiva, Parvati, Ganesha, and Ayyappa have different shrines.

The Azhimala Shiva Temple has a tranquil pond (Theertham) called Sivaganga, where devotees can take a dip to cleanse themselves spiritually.

Festivals in the Azhimala Shiva Temple

Naranga Vilakku is an important festival of Azhimala Shiva Temple. It is usually celebrated in January – February. Thousands of devotees light lamps made of oil-filled lemons and oranges on the seashore in the evening. Maha Shivaratri, Navaratri, and Thiruvathira are the other festivals celebrated grandly in the Azhimala Shiva Temple.

Benefits of Worshipping at Azhimala Shiva Temple

Devotees believe that worshipping Shiva can remove impediments and negative energies from their lives. Praying at Azhimala Shiva Temple brings positive energy and success into one's life. When worshipping Shiva wholeheartedly, he blesses with Salvation (Moksha).