Nilakkal Sree Mahadeva Temple

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 dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the important "idathavalam" or halting place for the Sabarimala pilgrims. The shrine is administrated by Travancore Devaswom Board. During Sabarimala pilgrimage, lots of devotees visits the temple and probably on these days Nilakkal will be crowded by a large number of devotees.[1]

Nilakkal Sree Mahadeva Temple
നിലയ്ക്കൽ ശ്രീ മഹാദേവ ക്ഷേത്രം
Temple arch gate with Shiva statue
Religion
AffiliationHinduism
DistrictPathanamthitta
DeityShiva
FestivalsMaha Shivaratri, Thiruvutsavam
Governing bodyTravancore Devaswom Board
Location
LocationNilakkal
StateKerala
CountryIndia
Location within Kerala
Geographic coordinates9°22′49.43″N 76°52′59.6″E
Architecture
TypeTraditional Kerala style
Completed1960
Elevation330 m (1,083 ft)
Website

Location

It is located just 1 km from the main highway leading to Sabarimala temple. The shrine is surrounded by thick forests and rubber plantations. [2]

Worship

Lord Shiva is the principal deity. The pratishta is believed to be in two moods, Ugramoorthy (fierce) and Mangala pradayakan (auspicious). A common belief is that Lord Shiva is showering his blessings to his son Lord Ayyappa to fight against all evil spirits while throwing all anger to the evils. As in many Shiva shrines, a number of oxen are protected in the temple premises.[3]

Subordinate deities

There is only two Upa Prathishtas (sub deities) here, Lord Kannimoola Ganapathi and Nandi.

Poojas

Three Poojas are held here every day. The morning section includes Usha pooja, noon section with Ucha pooja and the desk section concludes with Deeparadhana. Special weekly days are Sunday, Monday and Friday.[4]

Festivals

The 'Maha Shivaratri' held annually is one of the noted festivals of the temple. Besides Shivarathri, the temple celebrates its Thiruvutsavam every year in grand style. At times of Sabarimala pilgrimage, devotees from various states visits the temple for welfare and sake.

See also

References
  1. "Lord Shiva Temples of Pattanamthitta District". shaivam.org. 11 October 2016.
  2. Mathew, Biju (11 October 2016). Pilgrimage to temple heritage. p. 121.
  3. "Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple, Perunad". www.myoksha.com. 30 October 2016.
  4. "Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple". www.sabarimalaaccomodation.com. Retrieved 11 October 2016.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.