Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple

Introduction to the Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple

The Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple is an ancient Shiva temple located in Nilakkal, on the way to Sabarimala, on the eastern side of Pathanamthitta district, Kerala. It is one of the important halting places for Sabarimala pilgrims. The Travancore Devaswom Board maintains the Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple. It is nestled amidst green forests and rubber plantations.

Legend of the Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple

It is believed that Ayyappa, on his way to the forest to destroy the demon, got blessings from his father, Haran, from the Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple. There is a common belief that Shiva blesses his son Ayyappa to fight against all evil spirits.

History of the Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple

The area leading towards the temple was called Poonkavanam (Garden) of Ayyappa. A cross was found near the temple on March 24, 1983. So, Christians attempted to build a church on the way to the Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple.

The media published that St. Thomas, a disciple of Jesus Christ, had planted the garden. So, Christians started visiting the spot. Soon, the temple road got the name St. Thomas Road. Christians started calling the Nilakkal hill St. Thomas Mount.

On May 19, within a month after the discovery of the cross, the Kerala government granted one hectare of land to build a Church in Nilakkal. Thousands of believers and organizations opposed the government's decision. Eventually, the planters of the garden shifted the cross to a new location.

The Architecture of the Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple

The Pandya kings are said to have built the Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple. They used to stay in the Nilakkal forest while hunting. Over time, the temple was ruined, and many portions were damaged. Visitors can see the ruins even now.

The Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple features the typical Kerala style of architecture. There is an arch containing the statue of Shiva with the upper half portion at the temple's entrance. The Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple covers a small area and is maintained neatly.

Kannimoola Ganapati and Nandi are Upa Devatas (sub-deities) here. Devotees first break coconuts in the Kannimoola Ganapati shrine before worshipping the main deity. Mahadeva, a form of Shiva, is the presiding deity who is believed to be in two moods: Ugramoorthy (fierce) and Mangala Pradayaka (auspicious). The presiding deity graces from a two-tiered round sanctum (Vatta Sreekovil) as a Shiva lingam. The Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple protects many oxen on the premises.

Three Poojas are performed every day in the Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple. Usha Pooja at dawn, Uccha Pooja at noon, and Athazha Pooja after dusk are the main three Poojas of the temple. There are special Poojas on Sunday, Monday, and Friday.

Festivals in the Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple

The Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple celebrates Maha Shivratri grandly every year. Annual Thiruvutsavam attracts hordes of devotees to the temple to worship the deity. Navratri, Vinayaka Chaturthi, and other Hindu festivals are also celebrated.