Thiruvairanikulam Mahadeva Temple

Getting there

• By air

  Cochin International Airport is at Nedumbassery in Ernakulam district, about 25 km northeast of Kochi city centre.

• By train

  Ernakulam district has 17 railway stations. Aluva is one of its major stations, along with Ernakulam Junction and Ernakulam Town.

• By road

  Marampilly, 8 km from both Aluva and Perumbavoor, has a bridge over the Periyar River to Vellarappilly, where the temple is.

Book and check

Official pages only. We do not sell darshan passes or tours.

• Book a vazhipad onlinethiruvairanikkulamtemple.org

Why devotees come here

Thiruvairanikulam Mahadeva Temple stands at Vellarappally, near Kalady in Ernakulam district, Kerala. Dedicated to Shiva and Parvathy, it is described as the most popular Shiva and Parvathy temple in South India and is famed for its unique rituals. Parvathy's sanctum opens only twelve days in a year.

The temple is famed for its unique rituals and traditions. Shiva is the chief deity and sits facing east, while Parvathy faces west from her own sanctum. Devotees believe that Shiva and Parvathy, who reside in the temple, grant the boon of marriage to those who pray here.

In front of the main sanctum stands a statue of Nandikeshwara. Vigneshwara faces east beside the shrine. The ceiling of the Namaskara Mandapam, the pavilion, shows scenes from the Deva and Asura battles, divine festivals and the nine planets.

Parvathy's sanctum is open for only twelve days in a year. The Nadathurappu Mahotsavam, which means opening of the temple, is held on Thiruvathira day in the Malayalam month of Dhanu, between mid-December and mid-January.

Festivals

• Thiruvathira day in the Malayalam month of Dhanu, mid-December to mid-JanuaryNadathurappu Mahotsavam

  Nadathurappu means opening of the temple. Parvathy's sanctum is open only for twelve days in a year.

Tips for your visit

• A Dakshinamurthy temple, consecrated in June 2022, stands on the southern side of this temple.
• Kalady, near the temple, is the birthplace of the philosopher Adi Sankara, who advocated Advaita Vedanta.

Questions people ask