Aazhimala Siva Temple – The Sacred Shore of Lord Shiva
Introduction
Perched on the serene shores of the Arabian Sea, the Aazhimala Siva Temple is one of the most enchanting temples in Kerala, drawing devotees and travelers alike. Known for its spiritual aura and the massive 58-feet tall statue of Lord Shiva in Gangadhareswara form, this temple has become both a sacred pilgrimage site and a must-visit tourist attraction near Trivandrum.
History of Aazhimala Siva Temple
The Aazhimala temple holds centuries of history rooted in Kerala’s spiritual traditions. The word Aazhimala comes from Aazhi (sea) and Mala (hill), signifying its location by the seaside cliffs. Local legends suggest the temple has been a worship site for fishermen and coastal communities since ancient times. Over the years, it has gained prominence with the installation of the majestic Shiva statue, which has turned the temple into a globally recognized landmark.
Myth and Legends
According to mythology, Lord Shiva chose this cliffside location to bless devotees with peace and prosperity. The temple is associated with the legend of Gangadhareswara, where Lord Shiva holds the river Ganga on His matted locks. The towering statue at Aazhimala beautifully captures this divine form, symbolizing the cosmic power of Lord Shiva and His eternal connection to the holy river Ganga.
Location of Aazhimala Temple
The temple is located in Azhimala, Vizhinjam, just 20 km from Trivandrum city. Nestled between lush greenery and the Arabian Sea, the temple offers breathtaking views of the coastline. It is easily accessible by road and is often combined with nearby attractions such as Kovalam Beach, Vizhinjam Lighthouse, and Poovar Backwaters, making it a perfect stop for both pilgrims and tourists.
Temple Timings
The temple welcomes devotees daily with the following timings:
Morning: 5:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Evening: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
(Timings may vary on special occasions and festival days.)
Daily Poojas & Rituals at Aazhimala Temple
The temple follows traditional Kerala Shaiva rituals:
Nirmalya Darshanam (5:00 AM): Early morning darshan where devotees can see the deity adorned with last night’s flowers and offerings.
Usha Pooja (6:30 AM): Morning prayer performed with chanting of Vedic mantras.
Ucha Pooja (10:00 AM): Midday pooja with abhishekam (holy bath) using milk, honey, ghee, and tender coconut water.
Deeparadhana (7:00 PM): Evening ritual with lamps lit across the sanctum, creating a divine ambience.
Special Mondays: Extra abhishekam and Rudrabhishekam are conducted as Monday is considered auspicious for Lord Shiva.
Maha Shivaratri: The biggest annual festival with night-long bhajans, special poojas, and cultural programs.
Special Days and Festivals
Mondays: Considered the most auspicious day for Shiva darshan.
Maha Shivaratri: Celebrated with grandeur, attracting thousands of devotees.
Karthika Nakshatra Days: Special prayers are offered according to the Malayalam calendar.
Why Visit Aazhimala Temple?
Witness the majestic 58-feet Shiva statue by the sea.
Participate in daily poojas and abhishekam rituals.
Enjoy a serene and spiritual atmosphere perfect for meditation.
Capture breathtaking sunset views over the Arabian Sea.
Experience Kerala’s blend of devotion and natural beauty.
✨ Whether you are a devotee seeking divine blessings or a traveler chasing scenic beauty, the Aazhimala Siva Temple offers a perfect blend of spirituality and coastal charm.
👉 Plan your visit with SouthGuru Holidays
Combine it with nearby attractions like Kovalam Beach, Poovar Backwaters, and Trivandrum City Tour for a complete experience.
📞 Contact SouthGuru Holidays
📧 Email: sales@southguru.in
🌐 Website: www.southguruholidays.com
📞 Call: +91-73565 07555
