Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple - Kerala
Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple is located in Nilakkal, on the way to the famous Sabarimala Temple, in Pathanamthitta district. This temple is popular as the Sabarimala Idathaavalam or the halting place for the Sabarimala pilgrims.
Lord Shiva is the presiding deity of this temple who is believed to be in two moods, Ugramoorthy (fierce) and Mangala Pradayakan (auspicious) forms. It is believed that Lord Ayyappa got the blessings from his father Haran from Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple on his way to the forest to eradicate the demon. Hence, a lot of devotees visit the Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple during Sabarimala pilgrimage to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. Nilakkal Shiva Temple is placed in a beautiful landscape amidst dense green forest reserve and rubber plantations. And the holy river Pamba that flows through the northern part of Nilakkal makes the place more enchanting. This temple is under the administration of the Travancore Devaswom Board.
History
Nilakkal is typically a rural hilly area surrounded by a dense reserve forest and rubber plantations. Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple is believed to have been founded in the year 1946. It is also believed that Lord Ayyappa got the blessings from his father Haran from Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple on his way to the forest to eradicate the demon. Hence, Pilgrims seek the blessings of Lord Shiva from Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple on their way to Sannidhanam. The presiding deity, Lord Shiva of this temple is said to be in two moods, Ugramoorthy (fierce) and Mangala Pradayakan (auspicious) forms. It is also believed that Lord Shiva is showering his blessings to his son Lord Ayyappa to fight against all evil spirits and save the people.
Speciality
- Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple is known as the Sabarimala Idathaavalam. Sabarimala is situated 23 Km North-East to Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple. Hence, the pilgrims seek the blessings of Lord Shiva from this temple on their way to Sabarimala.
- Nilakkal forms the parking ground during the Sabarimala season where large vehicles are parked after dropping the pilgrims at Pamba which can accommodate more than 4000 vehicles.
- Nilakkal houses St. Thomas ecumenical church which is the first ecumenical church in the world. Hence, Nilakkal is also considered as a holy place by the Christian community in Kerala. It is believed that St. Thomas, an apostle of Jesus Christ visited this place and established a cross here in A.D. 54.
Festivals
- Sivaratri: Sivaratri is a major festival celebrated at the Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple, which is celebrated with Rudrabhishekam, singing of the ancient Vedic mantras and is accompanied with a ceremony of washing the Shiva Linga with milk, honey, curd, rose water, etc.
- Navratri: Navratri is a nine-day festival during which the Goddess is worshipped in different forms each day. After the nine-days of rituals and worship, the 10th day is celebrated as the Dussehra which is also known as Vijayadashami.
- Mahanavmi: The main ritual of Mahanavmi is the Kanya Puja during which nine young girls representing the nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped.
- Vinayaka Chaturthi: Vinayaka Chaturthi is also known as Ganesha Chaturthi is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesha. Laddus and sugary modaks are the special sweets that are distributed during this festival which are the favourite of Lord Ganesha. The main ritual of this festival is the Pranapratishhtha which involves chanting of mantras by the priest.
Timings
- 6 AM to 9 PM
Dress Code
Traditional wears are the most preferable attire while visiting the Nilakkal Temple.
Way To Reach
By Air - Cochin International Airport and Thiruvananthapuram International Airport are the nearest airports to Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple which are at a distance of 136 Km and 156 Km respectively. On reaching the airport, one can hire a cab or a bus to reach the temple.
By Rail - Chengannur Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple which is situated at a distance of 68 Km. On reaching the railway station, one can hire a cab or a bus to reach the temple.
By Road - K.S.R.T.C buses provide chain services from Pamba to Nilakkal at fair charges for the devotees during Sabarimala pilgrimage season. Transportation facility is comparatively less in this region. Private buses only run through nearby places like Angamoozhy and Thulappally.