Thiruvellamanthulli Vadakkunnathan Temple

Kalady, Dist. Ernakulam

Thiruvellamanthulli Vadakkunnathan Temple is situated at Mattur village, near Kalady in Ernakulam district. The temple is located approximately one and a half kilometres to the north-west of Kalady, the sacred land blessed by the birth of Adi Shankaracharya. The temple has a particularly strong traditional association with Aryamba Devi, the mother of Adi Shankaracharya, giving it considerable historical and religious significance. The deity is worshipped in the Vadakkunnathan concept, following the tradition associated with the renowned Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur. It is traditionally regarded as the second prominent temple in Kerala where Lord Shiva is worshipped in this form.

Before and after the period of royal rule, the administration of the temple was entrusted to four prominent Brahmin Manas (traditional Namboothiri households), who served as its Ooralars, the hereditary trustees of the temple. These were Panayil Pazhoor Mana, Thekkinedath Mana, Thuruthi Mana and Ilamthuruthi Mana. Together, these four households were responsible for the temple’s daily rituals, offerings and general administration. Although the traditional authority of the temple continues under the Ooralama of these four Manas, its day-to-day administration has, for approximately the past 27 years, been conducted under the leadership of the Thiruvellamanthulli Temple Protection Committee.

Thiruvellamanthulli is a place where history and legend are closely intertwined. The temple’s most significant traditional legend centres on Aryamba Antharjanam, the mother of Adi Shankaracharya. Aryamba Devi is traditionally believed to have visited the Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur on the first Monday of every month for darshan. As she grew older, however, her declining health and physical difficulties made the long journey increasingly difficult.

Distressed by the thought that she would no longer be able to have darshan of Vadakkunnathan, she prayed to the Lord with deep devotion. According to tradition, she was one day blessed with a divine vision of Sri Vadakkunnathan. The Lord told her of a hill to the west of Kalady, where she would find a white deer leaping and playing and instructed her to worship Him there, assuring her that she need no longer undertake the journey to Thrissur. Following these divine instructions, Aryamba immediately set out towards the hill carrying a traditional kol-vilakku, or handheld oil lamp. When she reached the summit, she was astonished to see a white deer leaping and playing there, just as she had seen in her vision. At the spot where the deer had been playing, a stone manifestation is believed to have appeared. When the deer leapt towards the north, its hoof is traditionally believed to have left a hoof-shaped depression that became a natural water source. This is now known as Kokkarani, from which water is still traditionally drawn for the temple’s ritual requirements. According to the legend, Aryamba Devi worshipped at the spot where the stone had appeared. Lord Shiva then manifested before her and by touching her with His hand, relieved her physical ailments. It is further believed that the Bhuta Ganas, the divine attendants of Lord Shiva, subsequently built a temple at the site. Since Lord Vadakkunnathan is believed to have relieved Aryamba’s ailments and restored her health, He is worshipped here as Sarvaroga Samharaka, the remover of diseases and as Mahamrityunjaya Murti, the divine form who protects devotees from untimely death.

The temple follows the traditional Kerala temple architectural style, characterised by low-rise structures, extensive timber detailing and tiled roofs adapted to the region’s climatic conditions. The approach to the temple is marked by a long flight of steps leading to an arched entrance gateway (Gopuram). Beyond the entrance lies the temple courtyard, with the Dwajasthambam prominently positioned before the main shrine. The temple precinct is enclosed by a traditional compound wall, while the Chuttambalam surrounds the central shrine and features timber pillars, beams and ornamental brackets characteristic of Kerala architecture. At the centre stands the compact Sreekovil, or sanctum sanctorum, crowned by a steeply pitched traditional tiled roof with pronounced eaves. The shrine rests on a stone and laterite foundation, while timber is extensively used for its pillars, doorways, railings and carved elements. The Sreekovil enshrines Thiruvellimankunnu Vadakkunnathan, a Swayambhu (self-manifested) form of Lord Shiva.

The courtyard is largely paved, with the various Upadevatas and other sacred installations arranged within the temple precinct. Ganapati, Sastha and other sub-deities are worshipped within a single Sreekovil. Another important sub-shrine is the Bhagavathy Temple, where the presence of Mahalakshmi is also revered. A large temple pond, or chira, is situated directly in front of the temple and is traditionally believed to be the place where Aryamba Devi used to bathe before proceeding for temple darshan.

The temple observes an eight-day annual Thiruvutsavam in the month of Kumbham, culminating in the Aarattu on the Thiruvathira star. The festival features traditional ritual and cultural observances such as Theyyam, Thira, Theeyattu and Poorakkazhcha. Every month, Mahapradosha Puja and Pradosha Vratham are observed on Pradosha during the dark fortnight. The temple also conducts Bhasmabhishekam, performed only once a year on Ashtami in the month of Vrischikam. Of particular significance is the Maha Mrityunjaya Homam, conducted on the first Saturday of Karkidakam every year.

The temple offers a range of devotional offerings and rituals, including Dhara, Mala, Vilakku and Mrityunjaya Archana, as well as Mrityunjaya Homam and Chuttuvilakku. Devotees may also make offerings of Nivedyam, including Kadumpayasam, Vella Nivedyam and Thrimadhuram, along with Neeranjanam, Ellukizhi, Ellu Payasam and Appam Nivedyam. Arrangements are also available for devotees to sponsor the conduct of the annual festival.

The temple opens around 5:30 AM and remains open for the morning poojas until about 9:30 AM. It reopens at 5:30 PM and closes around 7:30 PM, after the Deeparadhana and Athazha Pooja.

Key Highlights:

• Located 4 km from Kalady town.
• About 8 km from Angmali-Kalady Railway Station.
• Local bus services are available.
• Dedicated parking is available for private vehicles.
• Accommodation and dining facilities are available nearby.