Arakkuparamba Ardhanareeswara Temple: Did you know that there is a temple in India dedicated to the combined form of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati that is underwater? Yes, you read it right. The shivlingam inside the temple remains underwater throughout the year. It is only during Maha Shivratri that the water is drained and devotees get to see the shivlingam. Let’s take a look at more details about this magnificent temple that is usually under the water during the year.
Kerala Underwater Shivling Temple: History, Location, Festivals
How Is The Arakkuparamba Ardhanareeswara Temple Different From Other Temples?
The Arakkuparamba Ardhanareeswara Temple is located in the serene village of Vellingode, Arakkuparamba near Perinthalmanna in Kerala. The temple is dedicated to Ardhanareeswara , the divine form of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati united as half man and half woman.
According to a local belief, a Yogi once had the divine vision of Shiva and Parvati in this very place, appearing in the divine Ardhanareeswara form. Today, a temple dedicated to that form stands at the very place the Yogi had the vision about.
The sanctum of the temple is unlike any other across temples in India. There is a shivlingam inside that is believed to be ‘swayambhu’, meaning it is believed to have been self-manifested. In fact, it is believed to have been formed by the fusion of two granite stones symbolizing the male and female principles of divinity. What’s the most interesting part of the Kerala underwater Shivling temple is that all the three sanctum sanctorum, namaskara mandapam, and pradakshina patha (circumambulatory path) are always filled with water.
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Festivals Celebrated At The Kerala Underwater Shivling Temple
The most famous festival celebrated here is the annual Maha Shivratri. On the day of Maha Shivratri, the water inside the sanctum is drained, allowing devotees to get a rare, uninterrupted glimpse of the Shivlingam.
The temple also enshrines Thirumandham Kunnil Amma and Thiruvalayanadu Bhagavathy as its upa devatas (sub-deities). Festivals such as Dhanu Masam occur for five days. Another important festival taking place is the Mithuna Masam on Makam Nakshatra, marked by Kalam Pattu rituals and the powerful 1008 Kalasha Jala Abhishekam performed for the Goddesses.
Arakkuparamba Ardhanareeswara Temple is also known for special prayers for those facing difficulties in getting married or finding the right balance in their married life. Uma Maheswara Poojai is believed to be one of the most important rituals performed for removing obstacles in married life and bringing peace to married couples.
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Visiting Arakkuparamba Ardhanareeswara Temple
If you’re planning to visit the Kerala Underwater Shivling Temple, you must visit the temple between 6 AM to 9:30 AM in the morning and between 4 AM to 7 PM as these are the temple timings.
The temple is located in Arakkuparamba, in Kerala’s Malappuram district, near Perinthalmanna. By air, Calicut International Airport is around 40 to 50 km away. You can take a taxi from the airport to reach the village. By train, Angadippuram Railway Station is a nearby option. From there, you can take a taxi, auto-rickshaw or bus.
Note: All information used in the blog has been taken from verified online sources
Summing Up
The Kerala Underwater Shivling temple, formally known as the Arakkuparamba Ardhanareeswara Temple, is one of the most fascinating temples in India. After all, where else could you find a Shivlingam immersed in water for almost the entire year? Dedicated to Ardhanareeswara, the divine form of Shiva-Parvati, the shivlingam inside the sanctum is made fully visible to devotees only on the sacred day of Maha Shivratri.
