Thiruvairanikulam Mahadeva Temple

Thiruvairanikulam Mahadeva Temple, located in Vellarappally near Kalady in Kerala’s Ernakulam district, is one of South India’s most spiritually significant Shiva-Parvathy temples. Kalady, the birthplace of Adi Shankara—the great philosopher of Advaita Vedanta—adds historical depth to this sacred destination. What makes the temple particularly unique is the rare architectural and spiritual configuration where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy are enshrined facing opposite directions. This symbolic alignment of deities beautifully represents the dual aspects of divine energy and balance.

A Temple of Unique Traditions and Rare Rituals

The temple’s most striking feature is that the sanctum of Goddess Parvathy opens to the public for just twelve days a year, during the famed Nadathurappu Mahotsavam, held around Thiruvathira day in the Malayalam month of Dhanu (mid-December to mid-January). Despite this limited access, daily worship and offerings continue year-round inside her sanctum, preserving the spiritual continuity.

Lord Shiva, the presiding deity, faces east and is the central figure of daily rituals, receiving four Naivedyam offerings each day. Goddess Parvathy, who faces west, receives one offering daily, prepared with added reverence. Notably, her idol, carved from wood, is anointed with turmeric paste instead of water, maintaining a unique and traditional form of worship.

The temple architecture and rituals reflect deep-rooted customs. The Namaskara Mandapam ceiling depicts epic Deva-Asura battles and celestial festivities, while the sanctum’s wooden carvings of mythical Vyali creatures add to the artistic grandeur. Nearby, Lord Nandikeshwara is also worshipped with daily offerings, further enriching the temple’s spiritual environment.

Visitor Information

The temple opens daily at 4:30 AM for Ushapooja and concludes its rituals with Athazhapooja at 7:30 PM. During special occasions such as Shivaratri and Pradosham, the temple performs five pooja sessions throughout the day. Worship timings vary significantly during the Nadathurappu Festival, so planning is advised.

Thiruvairanikulam is easily accessible from Kalady, which is well connected by road and rail. The temple’s serene setting, spiritual depth, and rare worship practices make it a must-visit for devotees seeking divine blessings, especially those praying for marital harmony, a blessing for which the deities here are especially revered.

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