Located in the serene village of Vellingode, Arakkuparamba near Perinthalmanna in Kerala’s Malappuram district, stands the Arakkuparamba Ardhanariswara Temple, a truly unique and spiritually powerful shrine. What makes this temple so rare is its dedication to Ardhanarishvara, the divine form of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati united as half man and half woman.
The sanctum of the temple is unlike any other. The Shivalingam here is swayambhu (self-manifested), formed by the fusion of two granite stones symbolizing the male and female principles of divinity. What adds to its wonder is that the sanctum sanctorum, namaskara mandapam, and pradakshina patha (circumambulatory path) are always filled with water.
It is believed that a Yogi once had the divine vision of Shiva and Parvati in this very place, appearing together in the Ardhanarishvara form. Even today, when the sunlight shines clearly, devotees can see the reflection of the Shivlingam in the waters surrounding the sanctum, a sight that fills the heart with deep devotion and awe.
On Maha Shivratri, the water inside the sanctum is drained, giving devotees the rare blessing of direct darshan of the Shivlingam. This divine moment is considered highly auspicious and draws devotees from far and wide.
The temple also enshrines Thirumandham Kunnil Amma and Thiruvalayanadu Bhagavathy as its upa devatas (sub-deities). Festivals are celebrated with great devotion here. The five-day annual festival in Dhanu Masam (December–January) begins with the ceremonial flag hoisting and concludes with the sacred Thiru Arattu. Another important festival takes place in Mithuna Masam (June–July) on Makam nakshatra, marked by Kalam Pattu rituals and the powerful 1008 Kalasha Jala Abhishekam performed for the Goddesses. Unlike many temples, here devotees themselves are blessed with the opportunity to perform the sacred *jala abhishekam*.
@moniksai Overview +4 Ardhanareeswara Temple in Kerala is Surrounded by Water ... The Ardhanareeswarar Temple i It is located in the Malappuram district of Kerala, specifically in the village of Veligondu, near Arakkuparamba.
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One of the most significant offerings at this temple is the Uma Maheshwara Poojai, believed to remove obstacles in marriage, bring harmony to relationships, and bless devotees with early and happy marriages.
The Arakkuparamba Ardhanariswara Temple stands as a sacred reminder of the inseparable union of Shiva and Shakti.
Source / Image Credit : moniksai , ManoramaOnline