Aluva Mahadeva Temple Travel Map

Aluva Mahadeva Temple is one of the 108 Shivalayas of India and it is believed that the Shivalingam was installed by Lord Parasurama in the open air area. The ancient temple is housed on the sand bank in between the Mangalppuzha and river Periyar at Aluva. Till today, the Shivalingam is not enshrined in a Sreekovil or sanctum of the temple. It is believed that after installing the Shivalingam, Parasurama established a small shrine to safeguard, but it was washed away by the flooding water of Periyar. History states that Vilwamangalam Swamiyar along with his companions constructed the temple again, but it was destroyed by flood in 1343. Vilwamangalam Swamiyar prayed to the Lord that during monsoon Shivalingam gets submerged into the flood therefore, he wanted to construct a shrine on the bank of the river. Lord Shiva granted him the permission and the small shrine on the bank of river was constructed which is renowned as Bala Kshetram. Another legend states that bhuthaganas of Lord Shiva worshipped the Shivalingam every night and they decided to construct a temple at this site. On this, Lord Shiva offered the condition to complete the temple in a single night though they failed. It is also believed that Lord Rama performed penance for Jadayu at this site. The Travancore Devaswom Board tried to rebuild the temple but the Deva Prasna conducted at the site revealed that construction of the temple structure is against Lord Shiva's wish. As per the rituals of the temple, the Shivalingam is served with athazha pooja on a single day while nivedyam is offered everyday. The temple is frequently thronged by pilgrims and tourists during Shivratri, Utsavam, Vavu Bali and Karkkidakam festivals. Rudrabhishekham and Dhara are the prime offerings to the deity.