Pazhaya Sreekanteswaram Shree Mahadeva Temple — Attraction in Kerala

Sreekanteswaram is a place in Thiruvananthapuram city (Trivandrum), India. The place is known for the Siva temple, from which the name was derived. Pazhaya Sreekanteswaram Temple is the original abode of the Lord of new Sreekanteswaram Mahadeva Temple. Author of Sabdatharavali, Sreekanteswaram Padmanabha Pillai hails from this place Sreekanteswaram  is a busy residential area in the Thiruvananthapuram city and is bordered by Pazhavangadi on the east, Fort on the south and Kaithamukku on the west. The place is located around 1 km from East Fort and 2 km from Statue Junction. The Sreekanteswaram Park and the Sreekanteswaram Siva temple are the major landmarks.The legend is that an old woman sweeper of Pazhaya Sreekanteswaram temple distinguished the Swyambhoo (self manifested) Shiva Linga idol while she was resting at this place. She got 'Darshan' (vision) of Lord Shiva at the spot at the temple site.

Goddess Parvati Devi's (Lord Shiva's consort) is also presence in this temple even though there is no shrine for her. The deity is called Gowri Shankara in this belief.

Many devotees attend the Nirmalya Darshan (which is witnessing the deity with the decoration of previous night when the temple reopens at 4 AM) and Mrithyunjaya Homam, which are believed to be benevolent for the devotees.

The annual festival lasts for ten days and will be celebrated in the Malayalam month Dhanu (Dec-Jan). The Aarattu will be on ThiruvathiraStar day which is considered as the birthday of Lord Shiva. Shivarathri festival is also celebrated in a grand manner. Anointing the idol of Lord Shiva with pure ghee throughout the day is performed on that day.Sreekanteswaram Mahadeva Temple is a Hindu temple situated in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram in the Indian state of Kerala. This temple is more than 700 years old. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is within 3 km of the Central Railway Station, bus station, East Fort and Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple.

An older temple of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu has a name similar to this one at Puthanchantha, Thiruvananthapuram.That temple is known as Pazhaya Sreekanteswaram Temple.

Sreekanteswaram Mahadeva Temple is administered by Travancore...

This temple is one of the oldest Shiva shrines in Thiruvananthapuram. It dates back to at least the 9th century and is believed to be the original home of the deity now worshipped in the newer Sreekanteswaram Temple .

The style is traditionally Kerala, with simple laterite walls and sloping tiled roofs. A sacred pond nearby, linked to ancient legends, adds to the sense of history here . Inside, Shiva is worshipped as a self-manifested lingam, and other deities include Krishna, Ganapati, Ayyappa, Nagaraja, Murugan, and Hanuman .

A key legend tells of a temple sweeper who discovered the lingam after her pot started “bleeding” when she tried to lift it. That vision led to the shrine’s establishment and its recognition as the spot where the deity revealed itself .

The temple attracts special crowds during festivals like Thiruvathira and Maha Shivaratri. The rituals, processions, and chanting create a vibrant spiritual atmosphere . It’s managed by the Travancore Devaswom Board and follows traditional rituals and daily poojas .

The temple is open early morning until midday and reopens in the evening . Visitors often spend around 45 minutes to an hour here, enough time to offer prayers, walk by the pond, and spend moments soaking in the ancient ambience.

Parking is available nearby, though space may be limited. Dress code is traditional—men are expected to remove shirts inside the sanctum .

This temple offers a rare window into the early faith traditions of the city. With its quiet charm, old stone structures, deep-rooted legends, and serene pond, it stands as a meaningful and slightly hidden spiritual site in...

I recently visited Pazhaya Sreekanteswaram Sri Mahadev Temple on MG Road, Trivandrum, and was deeply moved by its serene atmosphere and rich history.

🌳 Ambience & Architecture Nestled just off the bustling North Fort Road, the temple offers a tranquil oasis surrounded by lush trees. Dating back to the 9th century, it's a beautiful example of traditional Kerala temple architecture interwoven with subtle Dravidian influences Inside, you’ll find an impressively crafted swayambhu Shiva linga, believed to have been installed by Parashurama, and a separate shrine for Lord Krishna to pacify Shiva’s intensity.

⏰ Practical Details The temple opens early (around 4 AM) until noon, then reopens in the evening until about 8:30 PM . It's easy to access—just a short 1–2 km from Trivandrum Central railway and KSRTC bus stands Entry is free, and there’s basic parking nearby.

✨ Spiritual & Cultural Experience I had the opportunity to attend a puja and felt the devotion and sincerity in the rituals. The sacred pond on the grounds adds to the spiritual ambience. I visited outside festival times, but I can imagine how vibrant it gets during Maha Shivaratri and the ten‑day Thiruvathira Mahotsavam.

👍 Final Thoughts Whether you're a local seeking quiet meditation or a traveler fascinated by Kerala’s temple heritage, this “old Sreekanteswaram” is a hidden gem worth visiting. It offers calm, architectural beauty, and a genuine spiritual atmosphere—all right in the city center. Would highly recommend dropping by early morning for the...