- Shiva
Sreekanteswaram Temple
- Thiruvananthapuram,Kerala
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Overview
The Pazhaya Sreekanteswaram Temple is located at Puthenchantha in Thiruvananthapuram. It is one of the ancient Shiva temples in Kerala. This temple existed even in 9th Century AD. This temple is the original space for Lord of new Sreekanteswaram Mahadeva Temple. The new temple is situated just outside the "North Fort" in Thiruvananthapuram.
About The Deity
Lord Siva and Lord Krishna (an avatar of Lord Vishnu) are the principal deities in the temple. The linga of Sreekanteswara (Siva) is believed to be on the samadhi of Sage Kanwa. Chettikulam is a pond nearby that was reclaimed decades ago, is referred to in Syanandura Purana Samuchaya and Anantapura Varnana as Kanvatirtha. This lends credence to the belief that Old Sreekanteswaram and Chettikulangara formed part of Kanwa Tapovana. The idol of Sri Krishna was installed later to reduce the ferocity of Shiva.
Legend and Stories
According to popular legend, there was an old sweeper-maid. She worked in the Pazhaya Sreekanteswaram Temple. She used to rest after work under the shade of a tree. She would keep the broom and the pot by her side. One day, when she tried to lift the pot, it did not move. She tried to break the pot with a stone. Suddenly, she found that the pot was bleeding. Lord Shiva gave darshan to the old lady in the form of the Swayambhu Shiva Lingam.
Festivals
The annual festival of Sreekanteswaram is the Thiruvathira Mahotsavam is held during the Malayalam month of Dhanu (March – April). This ten day festival starts with the hoisting of the temple flag called Thirukkodiyettu. Shivaratri is another major festival celebrated at the Temple on a large scale in the month of Kumbham. During Shivrathri, devotees circumambulate the temple 108 times chanting the mantras and stotras of Shiva. The deity is carried out in procession on silver Rishabhavahana at 3 AM.
Accessibility
The nearest long distance bus station is Trivandrum Central Bus Station, which is located opposite to Trivandrum Central Railway Station. The City Bus Station at East Fort is just 1 km from Sreekanteswaram Temple. The Trivandrum International Airport connects a number of cities in India and abroad. The airport is just 6 km away from the railway station and provides best possible services to the visitors. A number of national and international flights of several airlines ply from this airport.
Temple Address
Sreekanteswaram Temple
Fort Post Office
Trivandrum – 695023,
Kerala
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- Salvation
- Wealth
- Relief from diseases
- Purchase of vehicles
- Gain 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
Sreekanteswaram Temple opens daily from 4 AM to 12 PM and from 5 PM to 8.30 PM.