Mararikulam Sree Mahadeva Temple — Attraction in Kerala

Mararikulam Sree Mahadeva temple is a century old important temple situated at Alleppey district in between Alleppey and Cherthala, 15 kms from Alappuzha. The name of place Mararikulam originated from the word Mararikkalam, which means place of enemy of Kamadeva.

Mararikulam Sree Mahadeva Temple is a very powerful temple where self originated idols of Goddess Parvathi and Lord Parameswara sits face to face. Maheswara is in a Marari Bhavan and Parvathi in a Swayamvara Bhavan. This temple has acquired an important position amongst the Shiva temples in Kerala and a rare phenomenon of Arattu (bathing) of Lord is done in the Arabian sea here. Along with these two main deities, sculptures of Navagraha, Dhanwanthari, Subramanya, Sastha and Yakshi are also installed in the temple. Also there is a sculpture of Nandi in the mandapam. The belief about the temple is that Sree Mahadeva who is sad after the departure of his wife Sathi devi, lies in a stage of deep meditation and Sree Parvathi sits here in Swayamvarabhava, wishing to get married to Sree Mahadeva. Sree Mahadeva is worshipped by devotees here in three different bhaavas, namely Marari who is Samhaara Moorthy, Dakshina Moorthy, the Aadi guru who is in meditation and Saamba Shivan, where Maheshwaran and Sree Parvathy are together.

The major events at the temple include Neivilakku Lakshadeepam (August-Septemper), Brahmakalasham Ezhunallipu (August-September) and Shivaraathri Vilaku (March). Special pooja's performed here are Swayamvara pooja and Thalicharthu as the goddess is Swayamvara Parvathy who helps to remove the hurdles in marriage. Saisyam Mahanivedhyam, Aayiramkudam (1000 pots), Ksheeradhara (milk bath), Mruthyunjaya pushpanjali, Navgraha Pooja, Palpayasam etc. are also done with due importance according to the wishes of devotees. Maha Sivarathri, Thiruvathira, Ashtami Rohini and Navarathri are the major festivals in this famous temple.

The best time to visit is during the months of October to February. Mararikulam Sree Mahadeva temple can be visited during timings 8:00...

The legend goes as follows…..

Mararikulam Sree Mahadeva temple is the most important and ancient Shiva temple ,which has its origin dating back to centuries of years. The temple lies about 1 KM west from the NH 47,and is about 14KM from Alleppey.The temple has to its account a lot of specialities which are unseen in any other temple .This is also the only temple where Sree Mahadeva and Parvathi Devi sit facing each other as in swayambhoo .Arattu ceremony in relation to the temple festival being held at the Arabian Sea.

The belief about the temple is as follows .Sree Mahadeva who is sad after the departure of his wife Sathi devi, lies in a stage of deep meditation and Sree Parvathi sits here in Swayamvarabhava, wishing to get Sree Mahadeva as her husband

The incident which is the base for the history of the temple is described in detail in Maha Shiva Purana.Sathidevi, the wife of Lord Shiva, sacrifices her life by jumping herself into the Yaagagni, after her father Dhaksha Prajapathi insult her husband at the Dhaksha Yagam .On hearing the news , Bhadrakali and Veerabhadra arises out of Shiva’s Thirujada and killed Dhaksha .

Shiva, who is in deep grief after the loss of his wife , moves to the Himalayas and engage himself in deep meditation . Sathi devi rebirth as Parvathi , the daughter of Himavan comes to Shiva daily and worshiped him.

At this time , Tharakasura has over thrown Devendra from his kingdom ,and takes over the control of Devalokam .They therefore engage Kamadeva to induce romance in Shiva . Thus Kamadeva reaches Himalaya to induce romance in Sree Mahadeva , and disturbed his meditation . Sree Mahadeva who gets annoyed at Kamadeva , kill him by opening his third eye .It is believed that Sree Mahadeva resides here in this bhava as MARARI and Devi resides in SWAYAMVARA PARVATHI , wishing to marry Sree Mahadeva .Both Idols are self originated (Swayambhu),in Mahamuni’s Ashramam.

The name of place Mararikulam originated from the word MARARIKKALAM ,which means place of enemy...

The centuries-old Mararikulam Srimahadeva Temple is one of the oldest and most famous Shiva temples in Central Kerala. As the only temple in India where Sri Mahadev and Sriparvati Devi face each other as Swayambhu, one of the rare temples in the ocean, and as a temple with Navagraha deity in front of Thirusannidhi, this devasthanam deserves special distinction.

The temple is located on the border of Ambalapuzha-Chertala taluks and Mararikulam North-South gram panchayats in Alappuzha district. The main deities of the temple are Lord Shiva who is in a state of extreme state after killing Maran (Kamadeva) and Goddess Parvati who is doing penance to get Lord. Besides, the temple also has sub-deities like Ganapati, Ayyappan, Subrahmanya, Lord Vishnu, Navagrahas, Naga Gods, Brahmarakshas and Yakshi. This is the only temple in Kerala where Shiva and Parvati reside facing each other and as Swayambhu. Shiva faces east and Parvati faces west. Both have masts. The place name Mararikulam itself is believed to be associated with the temple (Marari-Maran's nemesis/enemy, Lord Shiva). The main event of the temple is the flag hoisting festival in the month of Kumbh, when the flag is hoisted on the black Ashtami, followed by a palliveta on the day of Shivratri and concluded with an Aarat on the day of Amavasin.

The Thiruvutsavam is preceded by Dravyakalasabhishekam and Panchalakshapanchakshara chanting. Ezhunnellips, grand ezhunnellips on the Rishabha Vahanapuram, fairs and temple art forms are held on the occasion of Tiruvutsavam.

Tantrimukhya Tantrikacharya Brahmashree Monat Krishnan Namboothiri Pad is the chief karmika for Shiva Bhagava temple ceremonies after killing Maran (Kamadeva).

This is one of the rare temples that are located in the ocean. This is the famous Patuthol Pazhur Mana Vaka Uran temple near Piravath in...