Chengannur Mahadevar Temple is one of the most famous temples in Alappuzha, Kerala. It is a sprawling complex with a circular Sanctum. Constructed centuries ago, the temple was unique because of its special rituals and eye-catching architecture. Though the temple is known as Mahadeva temple, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy are equally significant. There is a gold-plated Shivalingam in the temple that bears the image of the Shiva-Shakthi. The Shiva Lingam is believed to have emerged on its own.
Chengannur Mahadeva temple is nearly 117 km away from Trivandrum International Airport. The nearest Chengannur railway station is at a walking distance from the temple.
Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi are the main idols of this temple. Unlike other temples, there are two main Shrines – Lord Shiva facing East and Devi facing West. The main shrine is a conical copper plated. Devi’s Idol is made with an alloy of five metals. The Shiva Lingam is covered with a gold plate bearing an image of Ardhanareeswara – or the Shiva-Shakti.
Sub-deities of the temple are Ganapathi, Shasta, Chandikeswarar, Neelagrivan, Ganga, and Nagar. There is also a shrine of Sree Krishna closeby.
‘TRIP THARATTU’ is a unique festival celebrated in the temple. The festival is a symbol of fertility and is associated with the menstruation ceremony. The temple is considered as the Sakthi Peedam because of menstruation symptoms observed periodically with the Idol of Goddess Parvathy in this shrine. The unique festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Apart from this festival, the temple hosts 28-days long annual festival conducted during December-January. Shivarathri is also celebrated with great zeal.
SacredYatra offers attractive pilgrimage tour packages for pilgrims who wish to visit this famous temple in Kerala.