Thikkuruchi Mahadevar Temple, Kanyakumari

Thikkuruchi Mahadevar Temple, Kanyakumari

Thikkuruchi Mahadevar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Thikkuruchi Village in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu. This temple is part of the famous Shivalaya Ottam conducted during Shivaratri. This shrine is the second temple of the holy Shivalaya Ottam, a run through twelve Shiva temples undertaken on Shivarathri.

Legends

Lord Shiva is believed to be in meditation in the temple. It is believed that Sage Vyagrapathar visited this temple.

The Temple

This temple is situated east-facing on the bank of river Thamiraparani. The Sanctum Sanctorum is a square one. A very ancient temple and the second one in the sequence of Shivalaya Ottam, the shrine is believed to have been renovated during the reign of Marthanda Varma. Presiding Deity is called as Thikkuruchi Mahadevar. The temple did not have a Nandi statue for a very long time. Recently the statue of Lord Shiva's mount has been installed in the temple. The temple built in granite and stone, is adorned with pillars are wall carvings. The temple does not have a Kodimaram like other shrines in the area. There are shrines for Vinayaka and Nagas.

Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 5.00 AM to 11.00 AM and 5.00 PM to 8.00 PM.

Festivals

·        Shivaratri (Feb-Mar)

·        Shivalaya Ottam (Feb-Mar)

·        Thiruvadirai (Dec-Jan)

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Marthandam, 6 Kms from Kuzhithurai, 10 Kms from Vilavancode, 5 Kms from Thiruvattaru, 9 Kms from Kulasekharam, 18 Kms from Colachel, 13 Kms from Thuckalay, 27 Kms from Nagercoil, 50 Kms from Kanyakumari and 47 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Kuzhithurai and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram.