Areeparambu Sree Mahadeva Temple

Areeparambu, Dist. Kottayam

Areeparambu Sree Mahadeva Temple is a historic Hindu temple situated at Areeparambu, near Manarcad, in the Kottayam district of Kerala. The temple is best known for its rare feature of having two principal Sreekovils dedicated to Lord Shiva within the same temple complex, making it one of the most distinctive Shiva temples in Kerala.

The temple is believed to have been built during the period when the region was under the rule of the Thekkumkoor Kingdom (1103 ~ 1445 CE). According to local tradition, local chieftains and village elders played an important role in its establishment.

The temple has long been associated with two renowned Brahmin families. The rituals of the northern shrine are traditionally performed by the Thazhamon Madom, the well-known Thantri family of the Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, while those of the southern shrine are conducted by the Kadiyakkol Illam. Local tradition also states that a group of learned Brahmins performed intense penance and invoked Lord Shiva to reside at this sacred site through their spiritual power and Vedic rituals. Before the consecration, holy water and rice were ceremonially offered and scattered over the land. As a result, the place came to be known as Ariyitta Parambu, meaning ‘the field where rice was scattered’, which gradually evolved into the present name, Areeparambu.

The temple is a fine example of traditional Kerala temple architecture. Both Sreekovils are square in plan and display the elegance of classical Kerala craftsmanship. The temple is admired for its beautifully carved wooden structures, traditional architectural style and serene surroundings.

The Areeparambu Sree Mahadevar Temple is built in the traditional Kerala style of architecture, using locally available laterite stone, granite foundations and finely carved wooden elements. Its steep, sloping roof is covered with terracotta tiles, a characteristic feature designed to withstand Kerala’s heavy monsoon rains. Devotees enter the temple through a traditional entrance comprising a front veranda and Belikkalpura, before proceeding into a spacious and symmetrical Nalambalam, which was constructed in accordance with the traditional Vastu principles of the erstwhile Travancore region. The deity in the northern Sreekovil represents Lord Shiva in a peaceful, meditative form similar to Dakshinamurti, while the deity in the southern Sreekovil is worshipped in a more powerful and fierce aspect, associated with Aghora or Kirata Murti. These distinct forms of worship reflect the separate Thantric traditions followed at the two shrines.

The annual festival is usually celebrated during the Malayalam months of Dhanu or Makaram and begins with the ceremonial flag hoisting. Throughout the festival, the respective Tantris conduct the rituals in accordance with their traditional customs. Major ceremonies include Utsava Bali, Utsava Bali Darshanam, Pallivetta (the symbolic royal hunt), Valiya Kanikka and the grand Arattu procession, which marks the conclusion of the festival. Maha Shivaratri, observed during the Malayalam month of Kumbham, is the temple’s most important religious celebration. The occasion is marked by special poojas, Laksharchana, all-night Yama Poojas and the ceremonial lighting of lamps, attracting large numbers of devotees from across the region.

One of the temple’s most important offerings is the Para Vazhipadu, in which devotees offer measuring baskets filled with paddy, puffed rice, jaggery, rice and other traditional items. Other popular offerings include Dhara (continuous libation), Shankhabhishekam (consecration with conch water), Koovalam Mala (Bael leaf garland), ghee lamps and Uma Maheswara Pooja, which is performed for family prosperity and marital harmony.

On ordinary days, the temple is generally open from 5:00 am to 10:00 am and from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Timings may vary on festival days and special occasions.

Key Highlights:

• Located 12 km from Kottayam.
• 12 km from Kottayam railway station.
• KSRTC and local buses are available to the temple.
• Private vehicles can be parked in the temple’s dedicated parking area.
• Accommodation and dining facilities are available near the temple.