IMG_2633, Kalakalar Temple, Melancode, Kanyakumari
IMG_2633, Kalakalar Temple, Melancode, Kanyakumari

Kalakalar Temple, Melancode, Kanyakumari

Date built:–
Deity:Kalakalar
Architectural style:Dravidian architecture
Major festivals–
Locale:Melancode
District::Kanyakumari
Address:–
Phone–
 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.

Architecture

Legend / Local stories

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.

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.

See also  Jalanarayanan Shiva Vishnu Temple, Kakkalur, Thiruvallur

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.

Temple Opening Time

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

Photo Gallery

How to Reach:

he 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.

Contact Details

Official Address

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