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.
