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Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple
- Nilakkal,Kerala
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Overview
Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple is a Hindu temple located in Nilakkal, in the eastern side of Pathanamthitta district in the Indian state of Kerala. The temple is located about 15 KM east of the river Pampa and is the oldest temple in this locality.
About The Temple
Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple is a well-known Lord Shiva temple situated at Nilakkal in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, India. The temple is an essential halting place or idathavalam for the thousands of devotees visiting Sabarimala Ayyappan Temple. Situated on the eastern side of Pattanamthitta, Nilakkal Shiva Temple is set in the middle of green forest and rubber plantations.
It is understood that Lord Ayyappa on his way to forest to destroy the demon Mahishi got the blessings from his father “Haran” at this temple. Pilgrims on their way to Sannidhanam seek the blessings from this Temple.
About The Deity
The temple is devoted to Lord Shiva. The divinity here is believed to be in dual dispositions, fierce “Ugramoorthy” and auspicious “Mangala Pradayakan”. It is also believed that Lord Siva showered his blessings to his son Lord Ayyappa to fight against all evil spirit. Like in any other Shiva temples, a number of oxen are sheltered in the temple grounds. Apart from Lord Mahadeva, the other two sub deities here are Lord Kannimoola Ganapathi and Nandi.
Pooja
Three Poojas are held here every day. The morning pooja is known Usha pooja, noon as Ucha pooja and the evening concludes with Deeparadhana.
Special Days
Special weekly days are Sunday, Monday and Friday.
Festivals
The 'Maha Shivaratri' held yearly is one of the famous festivals of the temple. Apart from Shivarathri, the temple celebrates its Thiruvutsavam every year in majestic style.
How to Reach Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple
Airport
Cochin International Airport is 136 km and Thiruvananthapuram international airport 156 km from the temple. There is also a heliport at Perunad, near Nilakkal, which operates at times of Sabarimala pilgrimage.
Railways
The nearest railway stations are Chengannur which is about 68 km and Thiruvalla which is 73 km.
Road
Mannarakulanji – Chalakayam route (SH 67) is the main highway. It passes through Nilakkal and Adoor. Vandiperiyar highway passes through Plappally which is 8 km west to Nilakkal. During Sabarimala pilgrimage, state-owned K.S.R.T.C buses provides chain services from Pamba to Nilakkal at fair charges for the devotees. Private busses ply through adjoining places like Angamoozhy and Thulappally. Transportation is comparatively less in this region.
Temple Address
Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple,
Nilakkal, Pathanamthitta District,
Kerala, India, Pincode – 689662.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- Longevity
- Knowledge
Shlokas
Kailaasarana Shiva Chandramouli Phaneendra Maathaa Mukutee Zalaalee Kaarunya Sindhu Bhava Dukha Haaree Thujaveena Shambho Maja Kona Taaree
Meaning -Oh Lord Shiva who is seated on Mount Kailash, where the moon decorates his forehead and the king of serpents crown his head, who is merciful and removes delusion, You alone can protect me. I surrender to thee.
Aum Trayambakam Yajaamahey Sugandhim Pusti Vardhanam Urvaarukamiva Bandhanaath Mrutyor Muksheeya Maamritaat
Meaning -We worship the fragrant Lord Shiva, who has 3 eyes and who cultivates all beings. May He free me from death, for immortality, as even a cucumber is separated from its bond with the vine.
Timings
The temple is open from 6AM to 9PM.