THIRUVAIRANIKKULAM MAHADEVA TEMPLE
The Thiruvairanikkulam Mahadeva temple is a renowned Hindu temple which is situated in the Vallarappally village of Ernakulam district of Kerala. The supreme deities of Thiruvairanikkulam temple are the lord Shiva and goddess Parvati. The temple consists of unique architectural features as per the Kerala tradition and vibrant culture of festivals.
The supreme deities’ idols have a unique significance in this temple. The idol of lord Shiva is depicted in a seated meditative posture and it faces to the east. The idol symbolizes the lord Shiva’s role in the creation of everything and as the cosmic dancer. Parvati is the better half of the lord Shiva, so the idol of the goddess Parvati is kept beside the idol of the lord Shiva.
The idol of the goddess Parvati faces to the direction of the west and it is made up of wood and adorned with turmeric powder. It represents her protective and nurturing towards nature. The idol of the lord Nandhikesha, the vehicle of lord Shiva is placed in front of the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) and it is believed that he is the guardian of the temple.
The idols of lord Vignesha, goddess Sridevi, goddess Kali, lord dharmasastha, and lord Vishnu are also present in this temple.
History of Thiruvairanikkulam Mahadeva Temple
The Thiruvairanikkulam temple has a steep and unique history based on Hindu epics and mythology. The history of Thiruvairanikkulam temple is related to the Akavoor. Akavoor Mana was a prominent Brahmin family in that region and it is believed that this family played an important role in the origin and development of this temple.
Akavoor Chathan was the servant in the Akavoor Mana. He has great dedication and loyalty towards the Akavoor family. One of his major duties was to take the head priest of the mana to the Thiruvairanikkulam temple. As the years passed, the head priest became sick and he faced so much difficulty in visiting the temple.
One day when Chathan and the priest were rowing across the river to the temple, suddenly they faced a destructive storm. The priest prayed to lord shiva for their protection. Lord Shiva appeared in front of him and calmed the storm and the lord promised him that he wouldn’t leave that place and the divine presence would be there forever.
Major Festivals and Offering of Thiruvairanikkulam Mahadeva Temple
The Thiruvairanikkulam Mahadeva temple is renowned for its vibrant religious as well as cultural festivals. People across the world visit the temple and become a part of its festivals too.
Nadathurappu festival is the most prominent festival which is celebrated in Thiruvairanikkulam temple. It is a unique festival that is conducted on the occasion of the opening of the sanctum sanctorum of goddess Parvati. The sree kovil of goddess Parvati will be closed for most of the days in a year.
It will be opened only for a specific period of 12 days. The Nadathurappu festival is conducted in the Malayalam month of Dhanu(December-January). The sanctum sanctorum will open on the thiruvathira nakshatra of the month Dhanu. During the festival season, there will be a massive flow of devotees from various places to the temple. The nadathurappu mahotsavam also includes music, dance, and other cultural performances.
Mahashivaratri is another major festival of Thiruvairanikkulam temple and it will be celebrated in the month of maagha (February). On this day continuous poojas and Prayers will conducted throughout the night. This festival symbolises the unity of shiva and shakthi, goddess Parvati.
Pradosha vratham is a unique fasting ritual that is dedicated to the lord shiva. It is believed that prayers for the lord shiva will have more power and strength during the time of pradosha and it can bring health, wealth, and prosperity for his devotees.
Annual temple festivals are conducted every year. This utsavam brings the entire community and people from different places. The celebration includes the participation of various religions and also includes various cultural and religious activities.
Location and nearby places Thiruvairanikkulam Mahadeva Temple
The Thiruvairanikkulam Mahadeva temple which is dedicated to lord Shiva and goddess Parvati is located in the vellarappally village of Kalady in Ernakulam district of Kerala.
Kalady is the place that is known as the birthplace of the great Hindu philosopher Adi Sankaracharya. It is an important pilgrimage site in Kerala. kalady is situated near the Thiruvairanikkulam temple and the nearest railway station is kalady railway station.
Aluva Shiva temple is also another major pilgrimage site of Kerala and it is located about 10km away from the temple.
Perumbavoor, angamaly, Ernakulam, Trippunithura, etc are the other famous cities nearer to the Thiruvairanikkulam temple.
