Aazhimala Shiva Temple, Kovalam Overview

Azhimala Siva Temple, located near the Poovar-Vizhinjam road in Thiruvananthapuram, is home to the tallest Shiva statue in Kerala. This temple is believed to date back to the 8th century AD and was constructed during the Pandya dynasty. It is also regarded as a significant center of Shaivism, a sect of Hinduism that venerates Lord Shiva as the supreme deity.

The statue of Azhimala Siva Temple, known as the Gangadhareshwara Statue or Aazhimala Siva Statue, stands 52 feet high and was sculpted by P.S. Devadathan. It was commissioned by the Pulinkudi Azhimala Shiva Temple Devaswom Trust and was completed and dedicated to the public on December 31, 2021, after six years of construction. This statue depicts Lord Shiva holding the goddess Ganga in his locks, and its intricate details and 3D structure make it a must-see for nature lovers and pilgrims alike.

In addition to the temple and statue, Azhimala is also known for its location on a hilltop encircled by dense forests, which offers an awe-inspiring panoramic view of the sea and nearby villages. The temple is also surrounded by a serene pond known as 'Sivaganga,' which adds to the peaceful atmosphere of the location. The temple's sanctum sanctorum features magnificent carvings and paintings depicting scenes from Hindu religious stories.

Must Know Before You Visit Aazhimala Shiva Temple

Note :

June to September isn't the best time to visit the temple due to heavy rainfall.
The annual festival of the temple is held between January and February, and it is a significant event that attracts a large number of devotees.
Visitors are required to dress modestly and avoid wearing revealing clothes. It is also mandatory to remove footwear before entering the temple premises.
Spitting and touching plants is not allowed inside temple.
Photography is allowed in the temple, but visitors should confirm with the temple authorities before clicking pictures of the deities.

Aazhimala Shiva Temple Highlights

1. Lord Shiva Sculpture

The Azhimala Shiva Temple is renowned for its mesmerizing sculpture of Lord Shiva, which stands on a rock at an altitude of 20 ft. from the sea. The statue, which took almost six years to complete, de (Read More)picts Lord Shiva in his chaturbhuj avatar holding a Trishul and a damru, with another left hand releasing Devi Ganga from his hair strands while the right hand rests on his thighs. The third eye on his forehead symbolizes Lord Shiva's ability to see all three periods - past, present, and future. The statue is also adorned with tiger skin, rudraksha beads, and a serpent over his neck, with a crescent moon placed on his crown, representing his incarnation as Chandrashekhara. The sculpture is a testament to the skill and dedication of its creator, P.S Devadathan, and is admired by thousands of devotees who visit the temple every year.

2. Historical Sculpture Chamber

The Azhimala Shiva Temple is not only a place of worship, but also a treasure trove of history and art. The grand chamber spanning over 3,500 square feet, adorned with intricate sculptures is one of i (Read More)ts unique highlights that depict the temple's rich past. The chamber's cave-like structure and the 27 steps leading to it add to the charm of this architectural marvel. The Dhyana Mandapa inside provides a tranquil atmosphere for meditation and reflection, while the sculptures on the chamber walls take visitors on a journey through time.

3. Azhimala Beach

Nestled just a stone's throw away from the Azhimala Shiva Temple lies the mesmerizing Azhimala Beach. With its captivating natural beauty and tranquil ambiance, this beach is a must-visit for anyone s (Read More)eeking relaxation and leisure. The azure sea invites visitors to take a refreshing dip, while the sandy shore is ideal for leisurely strolls. The beach's scenic surroundings of verdant greenery and rocky cliffs also offers a picturesque backdrop for capturing some incredible sunset views.

4. Naranga Vilakku Festival

Naranga Vilakku is one of the main festivals of the Aazhimala Shiva Temple that is celebrated annually between the months of January and February. During this festival, thousands of devotees come toge (Read More)ther to offer the "Naranga Vilakku," a lemon with an oil lamp lit atop. The highlight of the festival is the evening celebrations where hundreds of lighted lamps on the seashore create a mesmerizing and enchanting atmosphere that is pure delight to the eyes.

5. Maha Shivratri Festival

The Mahashivratri festival is a grand celebration of Aazhimala Shiva Temple that takes place with great fervor and enthusiasm in February or March. This occasion is celebrated with great pomp and show (Read More), where the temple is beautifully decorated with vibrant lights and colorful decorations. Thousands of devotees come together during this auspicious night to offer their prayers and seek blessings from Lord Shiva.

Read More on Aazhimala Shiva Temple

Why is Azhimala Shiva Temple famous?

Azhimala Shiva Temple is famous for its mesmerizing location that lies amidst the sea and colossal rocks, offering an enchanting view of the Arabian Sea. Additionally, the temple holds an annual festival between January and February which is a significant event attracting thousands of devotees to come together and offer "Naranga Vilakku". Besides its religious significance, the temple's detailed architecture, delicate carvings, and captivating history also lure many visitors and devotees, making it a beloved tourist spot.

What is the history of Azhimala Shiva Temple?

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to have mythological connections with the Pandavas. According to local beliefs, this was the place where the Pandavas, the five brothers from the Indian epic Mahabharata, spent some time during their exile.

Legend has it that once when Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, felt thirsty, there was only salty sea water around. Bhimsen, one of the Pandavas, immediately made a hollow in a rock with his elbow, and a spring of sweet water gushed out, helping Draupadi to quench her thirst.

The Azhimala Shiva Temple is so named because it is situated between the sea and huge rocks. It is believed that its original name was Azhimala Pulinkudi Sri Mahadeva Temple. The area was known as Pulinakudi in ancient times due to the presence of tigers in the vicinity. The temple has undergone several renovations and expansions over the centuries, and today it is considered one of the important temples in the region.

How to reach Azhimala Shiva Temple?

Azhimala Shiva Temple is situated on the Poovar to Vizhinjam road, which is well connected through road networks. You can easily reach this temple by hiring a cab or taxi. Additionally, one can use KSRTC bus service that frequently ply over the Poovar to Vizhinjam road from Trivandrum city, providing convenient transportation to the temple and nearby regions.

Best time to visit Azhimala Shiva Temple

The best time to visit Azhimala Shiva Temple is during the winter months of November to February, as the weather is pleasant and suitable for temple visits. Additionally, the temple can get crowded during festivals, such as Maha Shivratri, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm in the month of February/March. During this occasion, the shrine is beautifully decorated with dazzling lights and colorful decorations, and thousands of devotees visit this temple to seek blessings from Lord Shiva by offering prayers.

It is believed that Tuesdays are auspicious for visiting Lord Shiva temples, and many devotees prefer to visit the Azhimala Shiva Temple on this day. Also, early morning is considered the best time for worship at the temple, as the atmosphere is calm and peaceful.

What is the dress code for the temple?

When visiting the Azhimala Shiva Temple, it is important to adhere to the dress code and other regulations of the temple. For men, a shirt and trousers are recommended, along with either a dhoti or pyjamas and an upper cloth. Women are encouraged to wear a saree or a half-saree with a blouse, chudidar, or pyjamas with kurtas. It is important to note that certain clothing items such as shorts, miniskirts, sleeveless tops, low-waisted jeans, and short length t-shirts are not permitted inside the temple premises. By following the appropriate dress code, visitors can show their respect for the temple and ensure a comfortable and hassle-free experience.

Are there any special pujas performed at the temple?

Yes, several special poojas are conducted at the Aazhimala Shiva Temple. The priests perform Vivedam Abhishekams and Archanas on a daily basis. The temple conducts four main poojas which include Pradosham Pooja, Udayaastamaya Pooja, Uma Maheshwari Pooja, and Divasa Pooja. The Pradosham pooja is conducted twice a month to get rid of one's sins. The Udayasthama Pooja is conducted during the period between sunrise to sunset. The Uma Mahershwari pooja is conducted for the long and happy life of married couples. The Divasa pooja is conducted throughout the day for cleansing the body and purifying the souls of Mahadeva devotees.

Other poojas conducted at the temple are Shanghabhishekam, Vahana pooja, Chooroonu, Vidhyarambham, Thali pooja, Thulabharam, Payasam vaikittu, Rudrabhishekam, Paal payasam, Thikala homam, Mrithyunjaya homam, Naagaroottu, Maha sudarshana homam, and Mandala Chirappu Pooja. The cost of these poojas ranges from Rs. 5 to Rs. 5000 depending on the type of pooja.

Are there any food and accommodation facilities near the temple?

Certainly! You can find a few options for food and accommodation near the Azhimala Shiva Temple. There are a handful of small restaurants and eateries in the vicinity that serve traditional South Indian vegetarian food. Additionally, there are some guesthouses and hotels available near the temple that provide basic accommodation options for devotees and visitors. Popular options include Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort, Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra, Soma Manaltheeram Ayurveda Beach Village, among others. Visitors can also explore more options in the nearby town of Kovalam, which is around 7 km away from the temple.

Tips

The temple is located close to the sea, and visitors should be prepared for humid and hot weather conditions.
Azhimala Beach is another popular spot to explore, located just a short walk away from the temple.
A variety of food stalls and restaurants are available near the beach, offering local delicacies as well as international cuisine.
There are a variety of accommodation options available, ranging from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts for staying nearby the temple.
Respect the customs and traditions followed by the temple and its devotees.
Carry extra pair of clothes if you are planning to indulge in beach activities.
Carry sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and water bottles as the weather in Azhimala can be hot and humid.
The rock and sand beaches at Azhimala are stunning but caution must be taken as the rocks can be slippery.