Aazhimala Siva Temple
The Aazhimala Siva temple is situated in Trivandrum and 9 kilometres from Kovalam beach. In majestic glory, a 58-ft-tall statue of Lord Shiva as Gangadhareswara and seems to be touching the sky. With his windswept, tumultuous dreadlocks enclosing a triumphant Goddess Ganga, as he gazes towards the heavens. He is seated on a rock in a classic posture, one hand rests on his right thigh, while another holds aloft a Trishul (Trident). Another of his four hands holds the Damaru, while another hand is lost in his matted hair. Lord Shiva’s neck is adorned with the snake Vasuki and a necklace of Rudraksha beads. His wrists and arms are also adorned with rudraksha beads, and an anklet can be seen on his left ankle. The Azhimala temple is situated adjacent to the sea.
The Shiva Temple itself dates back to the 16th Century but skyrocketed to fame after the statue came to be. The statue was sculpted by P S Devadathan over six long years, the concrete statue, mounted on a rock at an altitude of 20 ft from the sea, invokes a magnificent grandeur and a sense of sacredness. The Azhimala native was handed over the mission by the temple priest.
The place has mythological connections. It is believed that this was the place where the Pandavas spent some time during their exile.
According to local legend, once Draupadi felt thirsty, there was only the salty seawater around. Bhimasena immediately made a hollow in a rock with his elbow, and a freshwater spring emerged, enabling Draupadi to quench her thirst.
The Aazhimala Siva Temple is so named, as it stands between the sea and huge rocks. Its original name is believed to have been Aazhimala Pulinkudi Sree Mahadeva Temple. The area was known as Pulinkudi in ancient times because of the presence of tigers in the vicinity.
The colossal statue of Shiva dwarfs the original temple, where ritualistic worship continues, and you can do your prayers & offer poojas.
Location
Mulloor
Main Deity
Lord Siva
Other Deities
Lord Ganesha & Lord Ayyappa
Festivals
Maha Sivarathri, 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.
Main Offerings
Vivedam Abhishekams, Archanas, Payasam vaikittu, Rudrabhishekam, Paal payasam, Thikala homam, Mrithyunjaya homam, Naagaroottu, Maha sudarshana homam.
How To Reach
By Air: Trivandrum International Airport is situated at 21.5KM from the temple.
By Rail: Trivandrum Central Railway Station is 21.4KM from the Temple.
By Road: Trivandrum KSRTC Bus Station is 21.7KM from the Temple.