Anandavalleeswaram Sri Mahadeva Temple
Anandavalleeswaram Sri Mahadevar Temple in Kollam city is one of the ancient Hindu temples in Kerala. Lord Siva and Goddess Anandavally are the main deities of the temple. Lord Shiva of this temple is called as Ananda Swaroopan and Devi Parvathy is called as Swayamvara Parvathy (Anandavally). According to folklore, sage Parashurama has installed the idol of Lord Shiva. The temple is a part of the 108 famous Shiva temples in Kerala.
The main Sanctum Sanctorum of Anandavalleeswaram Sri Mahadevar temple is 1200 years old and it constructed in Teak wood. This is the only Hindu temple in India which has the deities of Sree Krishnan, Maha Vishnu, Bhoomi Devi and Lakshmi Devi consecrated as idols under a single structure (Sanctum sanctorum). t is one of the three Mahadeva temples of Kollam city is mentioned in 108 Shivalaya Sothram. The second temple in the 108 Shivalaya Sothram is Kollam Rameswaram Mahadeva Temple and the third temple is Thrikkadavoor Mahadeva Temple. it is believed that both the deities are said to be in a happy state and hence the temple name Anandavalleeswaram (Anandam in Malayalam means 'Joy'). Initially the temple had only Lord Shiva as the deity and Devi Parvati was consecrated later in the form of Anandavally. Even though Devi Parvati's garbhagriha (Sanctum Sanctorum) is the immediate one to the entrance, one is supposed to enter the temple only through the door which lead to the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Shiva.
Location
Ara Nagar
Main Deity
Lord Siva & Goddess Parvathy
Other Deities
Ganapathy, Murugan, Sree Krishnan, Hanuman Swamy, Swamy Ayyappan, Maha Vishnu, Lakshmi Devi, Bhoomi Devi & Naga Devathas
Festivals
Maha Sivarathri, The annual festival is celebrated for ten-days in the month of March–April (Malayalam month: Meenam).
Main Offerings
Abhishekam, Ganapathy Homam, Mrithyunjaya Homam, Ashtotharchana, Muzhukappu, Pushpamjali.
How To Reach
By Air: Trivandrum International Airport is situated at 68.2KM from the temple.
By Rail: Kollam Railway Station is 2.8KM from the Temple.
By Road: Kollam KSRTC Bus Station is 1.5KM from the Temple.