Friday, November 17, 2017

Parithipani Mahadevar Temple, Thiruvithamcode, Kanyakumari

Parithipani Mahadevar Temple, Thiruvithamcode, Kanyakumari
Parithipani Mahadevar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Thiruvithamcode in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is also called as Neelakanda Swamy Temple. Presiding Deity is called as Parithipani / Mahadevar / Neelakanda Swamy. The temple is a part of the famed Shivalaya Ottam conducted during Shivaratri. It is the tenth temple in the run sequence. It is considered to be one of the oldest temple in Kanyakumari District.




Legends
It is believed that Sage Vyagrapathar visited this temple.



History
The temple is believed to have received various donations for the rulers of the Travancore dynasty. The rulers were described as being regular visitors to this shrine for worshipping the divinity of the Lord. It is among the oldest temples of the area.



The Temple
This Temple is the 10th Shivalaya Temple in Shivalaya Ottam Temples. Presiding Deity is called as Parithipani / Mahadevar / Neelakanda Swamy. The idol of Shivalingam is bigger than the entrance to the sanctum in this shrine of Thiruvithamcode. Lord is Swayambu moorthy here. The temple situated in the erstwhile capital of the Travancore dynasty has several carvings and sculptures dating back to the period. Pillars with sculpted figures holding lamps adorn the shrine. The temple is made of stone. Shrine of Vishnu is located to the south of this temple. There are two separate Kodimaram (flag poles), one for Shiva shrine and one for Vishnu shrine.




Temple Opening Time
The Temple remains open from 5.00 AM to 11.00 AM and 5.00 PM to 8.00 PM. The temple is open for a longer time during festival and other important days.
Special Rituals
There are special pujas on the stars of Thiruvathirai, Thiruvonam and Aayilyam every month.
Festivals
·        Shivarathri (Mar)
·        Chithirai Kodiyetram Peruvizha (Apr-May)
·        Shivalaya Ottam(Feb/Mar)
·        Thiruvathirai (Dec)
·        Annual Temple Festival (Dec)
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Thiruvithamcode Bus Stop. Thiruvithamcode is located at 3.5 Kms from Thuckalay, 13 Kms from Marthandam, 6 Kms from Eraniel, 6 Kms from Azhakiyamandapam, 6 Kms from Padmanabhapuram, 10 Kms from Colachel, 13 Kms from Thiruvattaru, 16 Kms from Nagercoil, 40 Kms from Kanyakumari and 60 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. If enroute on NH 47 towards Kanyakumari, take a right at Azhakiyamandapam to Thiruvithamcode. If coming from Madurai / Kanyakumari, at Thuckalay Main bus stand take a right to reach Thiruvithamcode. Nearest Railway Station is located at Eraniel and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram.