Kalakalar Temple, Melancode, Kanyakumari
Kalakalar
Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Melancode in
Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu. The temple is a part of the famed Shivalaya
Ottam conducted during Shivaratri. It is the eighth temple in the run sequence.
This temple is believed to
be built during 15th century.
Legends
Lord Shiva saved Markandeya from Lord Yama:
This temple is linked to Markandeya. When Yaman came to
take off the life of Markandeya at his 16th age, Markandeya holds
the Shiva lingam tight. The Shiva lingam slants as Yama was trying to use his
cord to take off Markandeya life. Shiva appears, breaking open the lingam and
uses his Trident on Yaman and rescues, Markandeya. The Shiva Lingam in this
temple is also slanted to one side. The lingam also has a semi spherical form
slightly bulged in the top, as if it’s been squeezed by the rope (of Yaman).
Sage Vyakarapadhar worshipped Lord Shiva here:
Sage
Vyakarapadhar visited this place and worshipped Lord Shiva here.
The
Temple
This
temple is by the side of an ancient fort called Puliyoor fort and at the base
of Vellimalai hills. The Temple is situated in the middle of the paddy fields
facing east. This temple is surrounded by green groves on all 3 sides except
the west side. Presiding Deity is called as Kalakalar / Mahadevar. Lord of this
temple is a Swayambu Lingam. This temple is linked to Markandeya. The Shiva
Lingam in this temple is also slanted to one side. The lingam also has a semi
spherical form slightly bulged in the top, as if it’s been squeezed by the rope
(of Yaman). Sastha is called as Kundala Sastha.
There is
a famous temple called Kumara Koil near to this Shivalaya on the mountain for
Lord Subramanya where he is said to have married Valli. There is a Ganapathy
shrine in the south west corner. This is the smallest of the 12 temples. There
is no annual 10-day festival for this temple. This is the only Shiva temple of
the 12 that had Vedi Vazhipadu (worshiping by using crackers). But now, it’s
getting common in other temples also. Melancode is famous for the Yakshi
temple. This Yakshi temple is famous across south Kerala.
The
Temple remains open from 5.00 AM to 11.00 AM and 5.00 PM to 8.00 PM.
Festivals
·
Shivalaya Ottam
·
Shivaratri
·
Thiruvadirai
·
Chittirai kodiyetram
Peruvizha
Connectivity
The
Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Kumaracoil, 26 Kms from Vilavancode, 18
Kms from Marthandam, 21 Kms from Kuzhithurai, 18 Kms from Thiruvattaru, 16 Kms
from Nattalam, 4 Kms from Thuckalay, 15 Kms from Colachel, 13 Kms from Nagercoil,
8 Kms from Eraniel, 41 Kms from Kanyakumari and 63 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram.
The Temple is located little off from the road that goes to Kumara Kovil
(Vellimalai) from the Nagercoil – Thiruvananthapuram highway. Nearest Railway
Station is located at Eraniel and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram.
References