Chengannur is a small town in the Alappuzha district of Kerala that houses one of the oldest temples in India, Chengannur Mahadevar Temple. The beauty of this temple lies in its glorification of Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati together, in their Shiva-Shakti form, denoting the triumph of good over bad. This majestic temple was built centuries ago based on an architectural design created by the well-known Perunthachan. It is a spread-out temple complex with many shrines. If you, too, have been planning to visit this temple, this guide will be your go-to friend.
Chengannur Mahadevar Temple History
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The Chengannur Mahadeva Temple history of this temple revolves around an ancient story. Lord Vishnu, along with Saints Devas, Yakshas, Brahma, and Gandharvas, started their journey to attend the wedding of Parvati and Shiva.
Lord Shiva and Parvati Devi started their journey to meet Sage Agastya at the Shronadri. This was where Devi turned to be “right”, and there was no return. Devi had to stay there until the period of her menstruation was finished. The spot where sage Agastya meditated is Shronadri in Sanskrit and Chenkannu in Malayalam. Later, people started calling this place Chen Kunnu Urru, as Urru means place. That’s how this place got named as Chengannur. The Chengannur Mahadeva Temple’s history is not only rich but also ancient.
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Chengannur Mahadevar Temple Architecture
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The temple has been constructed in the Kerala architectural style. It has a two-floor “gopuram” resembling an arch near the entrance. The upper floor has wooden walkways that cover the Kotturpuram (a festival of drum beating). The entrances penetrate a rectangular wall surrounding the temple called Kshetra-Madiluka, including various shrines within the temple premises. The metallic flag post-Dwajasthambam can be seen in the centre of the temple tower. This will lead you to the main shrine, where you’ll see the Deepastambha, the light post. Nalambalam is another rectangular structure that accommodates the nearby pivotal shrine and hall. Sreekovil is the main shrine which accommodates a large framed picture of the deity. It is on a higher platform with one door, and you can reach it by climbing five steps.
Festivities
Like many famous Chengannur temples, this Chengannur Mahadeva temple also holds the yearly celebration of major festivals. These festivals are celebrated in a grand way. Festivales are like:
Shivaratri
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Mahashivaratri is the night when Lord Shiva is profoundly worshipped by his devotees. It is usually celebrated on a moonless night in February when the Hindus try to please the Lord of Destruction by offering special prayers. This festival is mainly considered significant for women. During Shivratri, many people from all over the country visit this temple to seek blessings from the deity. Due to the rush, the devotees mostly book their Darshan tickets online through Chengannur Mahadeva temple online pooja booking websites, which you can also do.
Suggested Read: Festivals In Kerala
Thrippunithura
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Thrippunithura is one of the prominent festivities celebrated in this temple. The festival is related to the goddess’s menstruating ceremony. Throughout this time, the temple remains closed for 3 days and devotees worship an image of the goddess kept in a different part of the temple. On the last day, the goddess’s idol is carried to a river nearby for Arattu, a holy bath.
Varshikotsavam
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The yearly festival of this temple lasts 28 days, beginning from Thiruvathira Nakshatra in the Dhanu Masam and continuing until Thiruvathira Nakshatra in the Makaram month. Special poojas are offered to the deity on all the days during this period. The temple is decorated beautifully with flowers, coconut leaves, vintage lights, and lamps. Thousands of people visit this shrine on the last day of this Utsav to offer their prayers to the deity.
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Thulasamkrama Neyyattu
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During this festival, ghee abhishekam is performed in the temple, and 36 paras (a Malayali measurement term) of pure ghee are applied to the Shivalingam. This ceremony occurs on the first day of Thulam, i.e., from mid-October till mid-November.
Pooja Timings At Chengannur Mahadevar Temple
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The Chengannur temple hours are 4:30 AM to 11:30 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. However, different pooja times are performed throughout the day.
The first pooja performed here is at 3:50 AM in the early morning. This is known as Ravile Palli Unarthal. Panthiradi Pooja is another popular pooja that is conducted in the main temples within the shrine. It is performed 2 hours post sunrise and shows the duration of pooja depending on the shadow of humans computing 12 feet during the morning. During this Pooja, abhishekam is performed using sanctified water collected in nine pots after the main pooja. Deeparadhana is the pooja performed during dusk and dawn using the lamp. This is the last Pooja of the day conducted in the temple.
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How To Reach
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Chengannur has excellent connectivity in terms of road, railway and air. Depending on your preference, you may choose how you want to travel:
By Road
Chengannur is located on the main road between Pandalam and Thiruvalla. Just 1 km away from the Mahadevar temple, Chengannur bus stand is one of the pivotal bus stops for the KSRTC buses in the Alappuzha district. From this bus stop, buses can be taken to all major cities, such as Trivandrum, Pandalam, Thiruvalla, Aranmula, and more.
By Air
The nearest airport to Chengannur is Cochin International Airport, located in Nedumbassery. People also choose to travel via Trivandrum International Airport, which is nearly 119 km from Chengannur.
By Train
There are quite a few railway stations near this place, including Changanassery (18km), Thiruvalla (approx 10 km), and Chengannur (2 km). The Malabar Express, Chennai Mail, Hyderabad Express, and Kanyakumari Express are some of the major trains passing through these railway stations.
Further Read: Temples in South India
Further Read: Temples In South India
The Chengannur Mahadevar Temple is one of the most popular temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati. This temple’s eccentricity lies in its architecture, the poojas performed, the deities worshipped, and the tranquil atmosphere. This temple is associated with the goddess’s menstruation, which makes it even more quaint for visitors. Adding this place to your next trip to Kerala will keep you from missing out on this enchanting shrine!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Chengannur Mahadevar Temple
What is the most interesting thing about Chengannur Mahadevar Temple?
The most interesting part about this temple is that the Shiva Lingam within the Garbhalaya is gold-plated signifying the Ardhanareeswara form.
What is the dress code to follow at Chengannur Mahadevar Temple?
Chengannur Mahadeva Temple's dress code is simple to follow. Men can wear trousers, Dhoti and Pyjamas with upper clothing. Women can wear all kinds of traditional outfits like saree, salwar or others.
What is the best time to visit Chengannur Mahadeva Temple?
The ideal time to visit Chengannur Mahadevar Temple is the winter season from September to February.
Are there any other famous temples near Chengannur Mahadevar Temple?
Once you have paid your visit to Chengannur Mahadevar Temple, you can visit nearby Chengannur famous temples like Pandavan Para Temple, Narayana Guru Temple and Chengannur Madasamy Temple.
What are the timings of Chengannur Mahadevar Temple?
This temple opens at 3:50 AM. The darshan timings are 4:30 AM to 11:30 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. However, during festivals or other occasions, this famous Chengannur temple timings may change slightly.
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