Aazhimala Siva Temple

Aazhimala Siva Temple, Trivandrum Overview

Aazhimala Siva Temple in Kazhivoor has been attracting a throng of ardent Shiva devotees as well as fascinated tourists for decades now. 'Aazhi' translates to Sea and 'Mala' means Hill- and the temple has been named so because it rests right on the golden shore of the Arabian sea on a slightly elevated platform. The Aazhimala Siva Temple, as the name suggests, is devoted to the great Lord Shiva. Since Tuesday is considered to be an auspicious day by Shiva's devotees, every Tuesday, hoards of the lord's disciples come to seek his blessings at this temple.

The annual festival of the temple is held between January and February where thousands of devotees come together to offer the 'Naranga Vilakku' which is essentially an oil lamp that is lit on a lemon. Witnessing hundreds of oil lamps on the seashore being lit in harmony will make you think that the sparkling night stars have fallen to the ground! Since the Aazhimala Siva Temple is located on an elevated pitch, the temple provides a panoramic and simply astounding view of the mesmerizingly rhythmic waves of the Arabian Sea and the endless golden shore of the remarkable Aazhimala Beach.

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Sunrise and Sunset at the Aazhimala Beach

The Aazhimala Siva Temple has gained attention over the last many years not only because of its boundless religious importance but also because of its magnificent backdrop. The Aazhimala Beach has beautifully adorned the background of this temple with its seamless turquoise waters and its glistening golden shore. Since the temple rests right on the shore of the marvellous Aazhimala Beach, one should take the time to go around the coastline and explore the beach- especially during sunrise and sunset.

The view of the giant ball of fire slowly sinking into the horizon and making the entire skyline blush in the shades of deep magenta is one that you do not want to miss. The spiritual calm of the Aazhimala Siva Temple coupled with the hypnotising beauty of the sunset will fool you into thinking that you have slipped into paradise! This beach is considered to be one of the best rocky beaches of Kerala, so be sure to spare some time after the poojas and offerings at the temple to sit on the rocks and enjoy the impeccable beauty of nature.

Aazhimala Siva Temple Pooja Timings

Udayasthamaya Pooja: Udayasthamaya literally translates to sunrise to sunset. This festival is awaited by the locals and the passionate Shiva devotees for months. The celebration goes on for the entire day and is divided into three poojas- Usha Pooja, Ucha Pooja and Athaza Pooja. The entire area is illuminated with oil lamps and twinkling lamps which is an absolute delight look at.
Cost: INR 5001

Pradhosham Pooja: The Pradosham Pooja is essentially a pooja conducted to attain freedom from one's sins. This pooja is conducted approximately 1.5 hours before sunset, the twilight period; this is because Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are believed to be in their best moods during this period. The Pradoshamas are conducted twice a month- 13th day after the New Moon and after the Full Moon.
They say that the Pradosham Pooja is most effective at the Aazhimala Siva Temple, and this is because Nandi, Shiva's own guardian deity, was sent on earth at this temple to conduct this sin cleansing process. A proper Abhishekam is performed with milk (gives a long life), ghee (gives Moksha) and Sandalwood (gives Goddess Lakshmi's generous grace) and is performed between 4:30 PM and 6:00 PM.
Cost: INR 3001

Uma Maheshwari Pooja: Uma Maheshwari pooja is conducted by the priests for couples who pray for a long and happy married life. Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva are considered the best pair- Shiv and Shakti. This pooja has the power to resolve any differences that a couple may be facing in their married lives forever and must be conducted at least once a year by them.
Cost: INR 1501

Divasa Pooja: Divasa Poojas are conducted at the Aazhimala Siva Temple with and without Muzhukappu. This pooja is conducted throughout the day and is performed for the general well being of the devotee. This pooja creates positive vibrations inside the devotee and ensures a soul and body cleanse, such that the devotee is found at his best mental, physical and emotional health.
Cost (with Muzhukappu): INR 2001
Cost (without Muzhukappu): INR 1501

There are many other simple poojas, nivedams abhishekams and archanas conducted at the Aazhimala Siva Temple by experienced and educated priests on a daily basis. These costs of these poojas range between INR 5 and INR 1500.

Best Time To Visit Aazhimala Siva Temple

The Aazhimala Siva Temple enjoys a beautiful view of the sunrise and sunset, so the best time to visit would be during dawn and dusk.

How To Reach Aazhimala Siva Temple

The Aazhimala Siva Temple is closely tucked between Trivandrum and Kovalam. The closest railhead to the temple is the Trivandrum Central Railway Station at a distance of approximately 20 kms. There are cabs and autos lined up right outside the station that will take you directly to the temple in under 40 mins and at affordable costs.

Buses that start at the East Fort bus stand and going towards Thampanoor or Poovar all stop at Aazhimala Bus Stop, which is barely 100 meters away from the temple.