Kalarcode Sri Mahadeva Temple

Kalarcode, Dist. Alappuzha

Kalarcode Sree Mahadeva Temple is one of the most prominent and ancient Shiva temples of Alappuzha district, situated at Kalarcode on the eastern side of National Highway 66. The presiding deity is Lord Shiva, worshipped here as Kalarcode Mahadevan. This Temple is also a historic beacon of faith, tradition and cultural heritage which attracts a large number of devotees throughout the year. Devotees hold that the Lord Mahadeva of Kalarcode is one of the powerful and gracious deities in Alappuzha. It remains as a serene and revered centre of Shiva worship in the region. A very spacious temple pond found just outside of the temple premises is also one of the major attractions and enhances the overall beauty of the temple. Hindu devotees of any age group irrespective of gender can enter inside the temple to worship. Here Kalarcode Mahadevan is often worshipped by devotees for childbirth and successful married life.
The temple belonged to the Chempakassery kings who ruled Ambalapuzha region from the 16th century till 1746 under whose patronage it flourished as one of the important Shiva shrines of the kingdom. After their reign, the administration of the temple was handed over to the five Ooralanmar (hereditary trustee families) along with the Neelimana Illam, Vadakkedathu Variyam and the Mannathu Nair family, who maintained its rituals and properties through the generations until 1950 and later on the Travancore Devaswom Board was formed under the Hindu Religious Institutions Act and the temple was taken over by them as a part of the devaswom. The temple has since been renovated and developed at various times with the devoted participation of the local community and today it stands as a well-maintained shrine where the traditional pooja system is preserved in full..
According to popular belief, the Prathishta (consecration) of Lord Shiva at Kalarcode was performed by the sage Kallikrodda Maharishi in ancient times. The sage through his thapas (meditation), invoked the presence of Mahadeva at this spot. The very name of the village is derived from ‘Kallikroda Vilasam’, which preserves the memory of this consecration. Devotees believe that the Lord here is Swayam Prabhava — full of self-manifest power.
While we enter the temple, we can see Annakottil (Elephant stable) and Dhwaja stambham (flag pole) at the front. After this, we reach Nalambalam, which is a traditional rectangular courtyard which includes Ballikallu (Sacrificial stone used for placing ritual food and symbolic offerings to deities) and Deepa Sthambham (a traditional lamp tower). Here Lord Mahadeva resides in a Vatta Sreekovil (Circular sanctum) inside the Nalambalam and is facing to east direction. The roof of the Sreekovil is topped with a metal finial (tazhikakkudam) which was built entirely with copper metal. There is a Namasakara mandapam, a sacred rectangular hall in the front of the Sreekovil as per the traditional Kerala Hindu temple architecture. It features a raised platform with four or more carved pillars.

The sub deities are placed outside the Nalambalam. Parvati Devi is worshipped along with the Lord Shiva sanctifying the shrine with the combined presence of Shiva and Sakti. Devi’s Sreekovil resides on the left side of Nalambalam. On the right side of Nalambalam, there is a separate Sreekovil for Sri Maha Ganapathy and Bhadrakali Amma. Besides these, Lord Nagaraja is placed in traditional Sarpakavu (A traditional sacred natural space believed to be the residence of Nagaraja and Naga devatas). All these sub deities are facing east direction. The daily rituals follow the full traditional order, with Abhishekam, Poojas and Shivelli processions conducted every day. Every month on Malayalam star Aayilyam, a special pooja (Aayilyam Pooja) is conducted to please Lord Nagaraja and Naga devatas. All rituals of these sub deities are conducted only after the main deity’s pooja.
The principal festival of the temple is the eight-day Thiru Utsavam, celebrated in the Malayalam month of Thulam (October–November). The festival begins with the Kodiyettu (flag hoisting) and concludes with the Aarattu, the ceremonial holy bath of the deity, which falls on the Amavasya day of Thulam. During the festival days the shrine is adorned with plantain stems, coconut fronds, flowers and rows of traditional lamps and the evenings are enlivened by classical temple arts and cultural performances, drawing large gatherings of devotees.

Other important observances of the temple include the auspicious Shivarathri in the month of Kumbham (February-March), Thiruvathira in Dhanu (December-January), Thiruvonam in Chingam (August-September), Vinayaka Chaturthi, Ashtami Rohini, Pooja Vaypu and Vidyarambham in Kanni (September-October), Ayilyam Pooja in Thulam (October-November), the Mandala Pooja season in Vrischikam (November-December), Vishukkani in Medam (April-May), Bhagavatha Sapthaham and the Ramayana Masacharanam through the month of Karkidakam (July-August). Saturdays and Pradosham days are held to be especially auspicious for the Darshan of the Lord.

The most important offering (Vazhipadu) to Kalarcode Mahadevan is the Dhara, the continuous ceremonial pouring of holy water over the Shivalinga, used for the cooling of the Lord and the removal of all impurities. The Koovalathu Mala, a garland of sacred bilva leaves dearest to Lord Shiva, which is offered for prosperity and freedom from obstacles. The Ashtadravya Maha Ganapathy Homam, performed before Sri Ganapathy with eight sacred materials, is used for the successful removal of obstacles in day to day material life. The Aikyamathya Sooktha Archana is a special Archana of the temple, performed for unity, harmony and peace within the family. Along with this, Shaishyam, a special type of payasam (a porridge made with Jaggery and rice) to the deity is offered. These Vazhipadus are performed by devotees seeking blessings, health, prosperity and mental well-being.

The temple opens by 5:00 am with the Nada Thurakkal, followed by the Abhishekam at 5:30 am and the Shiveli at 7:00 am. After the Ucha Pooja by 11:00 am the temple closes at 11:30 am. In the evening the temple reopens at 5:00 pm and the Deepa Aradhana is performed at 6:40 pm followed by the Athazha pooja at 7:30 pm. The evening Shiveli is also conducted at 7:45 pm after the Athazha pooja and the temple is closed by 8:00 pm.

Key highlights

• Located 4 km from Alappuzha Bus stand.
• Located 4.5 km from Alappuzha Railway station.
• Just 4 km away from Alappuzha town.
• State transport and local transport buses are available.
• Private vehicles can be parked at the designated parking area.
• Accommodation and food facilities are available nearby areas.
• Contact information : 9633297660.