Aluva Shiva Temple | History, Accommodation & Timings

Aluva had located on the banks of the Periyar River. It is 21 km from Ernakulam. The Mahadeva Aluva Shiva Temple had located on NH-47, about a kilometre from Marthanda Varma Bridge. The Periyar River split into two near the Aluva Railway Bridge. After it splits, one part is called Mangalappuja. Aluva Shiva Temple timings are from 05:00 am to 08:00 pm.

About the Aluva Shiva Temple

The Temple had situated on the banks between Mangalpuja and Periyar rivers. This Temple has a Shiva Lingam, which is not enshrined in Srikovil. Swayambhu Shivalinga was installed by Parasurama and worshipped by Sri Rama. It appears to rise from the river bank.

There is no permanent structure on the shore. A temporary structure had been placed around the granite enclosure of the Shivalingam with a front and back wooden door using wooden pillars. 

Aluva Shiva Temple

A thatched roof keeps during the non-monsoon season. The idol gets submerged during monsoons. For this, a representative idol or tambu keeps, which carries the transferred powers of the idol.

Legend and Stories of Aluva Shiva Temple

There are many legends related to this Temple. Following the introduction of the linga, Parasurama built a temple here, but a flood destroyed it. Lord Shiva revealed to him that there would be no temple construction at that place as there was any need for temple construction confirming the Linga. 

According to another legend, Shiva’s Bhutaganas consistently worshipped the Linga and chose to develop a temple there. However, Lord Shiva told them they should complete the Temple in a solitary night. 

Bhutaganas agreed and started development. By the time the installation was complete, Vishnu had arrived disguised as a chicken and croaked to deceive the demons. 

Hoping that the break of the day was near, the demons left the work unfinished. Amid his quest for Sita, Lord Rama offered tarpanam to Jadayu here. 

Another legend is related to Vilvamangalam Swamiyar. One day he went to this place and realized the proximity of Lord Shiva and recognized the Shivalinga installed by Parasurama. He started worshipping the linga, and Mahadeva appeared before him and ordered him to start worshipping there. 

Pottail Ilayathu, Thottathil Nambiar and Idamana Nampoothiri took legal steps for Shiva Puja and started Vilvangalam Puja. As it is, there are no characters to report. So Vilvamangalam used kavungin milk (areca nut leaf) to deliver the message. 

Indeed, even today, Nivedya had offered in Kavungin Pala, known as Palanivedyam. This Temple had called Bala Kshetra. Although unfinished, the Temple has withstood many tides and remains a puzzle to designers regarding its establishment and construction.

Timings of Aluva Shiva Temple

The Temple is open from 5.00 am to 9.00 am and from 5.00 pm to 8.00 pm.

DaysMorning TimingsEvening Timings
Monday5.00 am to 9.00 pm5.00 pm to 8.00 pm
Tuesday5.00 am to 9.00 pm5.00 pm to 8.00 pm
Wednesday5.00 am to 9.00 pm5.00 pm to 8.00 pm
Thursday5.00 am to 9.00 pm5.00 pm to 8.00 pm
Friday5.00 am to 9.00 pm5.00 pm to 8.00 pm
Saturday5.00 am to 9.00 pm5.00 pm to 8.00 pm
Sunday5.00 am to 9.00 pm5.00 pm to 8.00 pm

Poojas at Aluva Shiva Temple

Nivedya-pooja had performed every morning. From Makar 1st (mid-January) to Madam 1st (mid-April), two pujas had performed daily, first in the morning and second in the evening. Nivedya Puja is performed daily at 7 am.

Festivals at Aluva Shiva Temple

Apart from Shivaratri, five important festivals had celebrated. They are

  • Makara-Vilakku in January
  • Shivratri-Vilakku in February
  • Kodipuratu-Vilakku and Utra-Vilakku in March
  • Vishu-Vilakku in April

Prasadam and offering

The important offerings are

  • kshiradhara (milk)
  • jaladhara (water)
  • airam kudam
  • kuvala mala
  • pala payasam
  • pushanjali

While re-establishing the rites, Vilvamangalam Swami ordered Nivedya to offer a pala (areca nut tree), which continues. Traditional Kerala clothing consists of a dhoti for men and a saree for women.

Nearby Temple to visit

Accommodation near Aluva Shiva Temple

  • Hotel Airlink Castle
  • Flora Airport Hotel and Convention Centre
  • SAJ Earth Resort & Convention Center
  • Quality Airport Hotel
  • Courtyard by Marriott Kochi Airport
  • Hotel Elite Palazzo
  • Palm Grove Service Villa
  • Novotel Kochi Infopark
  • Kochi Marriott Hotel
  • Diana Heights Luxury Hotel

Temple Address

Aluva Mahadeva Temple, SH 16, Periyar Nagar, Aluva, Ernakulam District, Kerala

How to Reach Aluva Shiva Temple?

By Air:

The Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport, located about 14 km from Aluva. 

By Rail:

Aluva railway station is located in the city and is the second largest railway station in Cochin city. 

By Road:

Aluva is easily accessed by road as it locates near Cochin.

FAQs

What makes Aluva so unique?

The uniqueness of Aluva Mahadeva Temple is that the Shiva Lingam had not enshrined in the Srikovil. 

What is the dress code for Aluva Temple?

The traditional Kerala dress consists of a dhoti for men and a sari for women. 

What is the timing of the Aluva Manappuram temple?

Aluva Mahadeva Temple is open from 6 AM to 11 AM. 5 pm to 8 pm. 

Which is the tallest Shiva in India?

The Statue of Belief is a statue of the Hindu god Shiva built in Nathdwara, Rajasthan, India. The statue had inaugurated on 29 October 2022. Currently, the Statue of Belief is the tallest Shiva statue in the world.