3000 yr Old Sacred Neerputhoor Shiva Temple Water Encircled

Welcome to the Magical Neerputhoor Shiva Temple! Today, I will show you a very special destination in India, hidden in the lovely state of Kerala. Dream of a place where stories of old talk in the breeze, and a powerful God resides amidst water. Yes, we are visiting the amazing Neerputhoor Shiva Temple in a serene village named Puthoor in Malappuram district of Kerala. It’s really a magical place, and I am all excited to share with you all that it has to offer!

A Little Glimpse of Neerputhoor Mahadeva Temple History

Do you know how old something very, very old can be? Well, the Neerputhoor Shiva Temple is so old that even the clever people who study old buildings, called archaeologists, say it’s more than 3,000 years old! That’s even older than your great-great-great-great-grandparents! Think about it – dinosaurs might not have been around, but this temple was! It means this sacred place has seen so many sunrises and sunsets, so many people coming to pray and feel closer to God. It’s like a wise old granddad, with great stories and knowledge from ages and ages ago. The Neerputhoor Shiva Temple has withstood all these years, keeping its secrets and blessings with all the visitors. It’s really marvelous!

The Amazing Stories: Legends of the Neerputhoor Shiva Temple

Every ancient site has special stories, isn’t it? And the Neerputhoor Shiva Temple has some really amazing legends that make it all the more interesting.

One of the most incredible aspects of this temple is Lord Shiva’s idol itself. It’s not one of those idols that humans create. Here, Lord Shiva exists in the form of a Swayambhu Shivalinga. Can you pronounce it? Swayam-bhu! It translates to “self-manifested” or “self-born.” So, the legend is that this Shivalinga, which is a symbol of Lord Shiva, just materialized by itself, emerging from the ground! Isn’t that just amazing? It makes you wonder if the divine power of Lord Shiva decided this very location was where it would stay forever. That is why the Neerputhoor Shiva Temple is held in such high regard as being so immensely powerful and sacred.

Another extremely well-known legend associated with the Neerputhoor Shiva Temple is that of a great sage by name Lord Parashurama. You may have heard of him! He is said to be the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu, who is one of the most significant gods in Hinduism. Legend states that Lord Parashurama himself formed the state of Kerala, and afterwards, he established many, many Shiva temples throughout this lovely land to guard it and bless its inhabitants.

And look at this! The Neerputhoor Shiva Temple is thought to be among those temples that Lord Parashurama himself blessed or made sacred! So when you go there, you’re not only viewing a temple, you’re walking into an epic that’s millennia old, an epic of gods and ancient heroes.

And there’s one more little secret about this temple! You see, the Shivalinga in the Neerputhoor Shiva Temple is always, always covered with water. It’s like a small pond around the god! People think that this water is actually Goddess Ganga herself. Have you heard of Goddess Ganga? She is a very sacred river, a goddess in her own right, and her waters are said to be very pure and divine, washing away all cares and bestowing blessings. So, having this water surrounding the Shivalinga of the Neerputhoor Shiva Temple is like having the divine touch of Goddess Ganga blessing the entire area, making it even more divine. It’s really a special sight!

Why is the Neerputhoor Shiva Temple So Significant? (Importance)

Now, let’s discuss why the Neerputhoor Shiva Temple is so extremely special to so many individuals. Imagine a location where you feel peace, joy, and a deep connection to something greater than yourself. That’s what many feel when they go to this temple.

First of all, since Lord Shiva here is a Swayambhu Linga, it makes His presence very strong and direct. Devotees believe that going to the Neerputhoor Shiva Temple can benefit them in numerous ways. It is said to possess magical powers, particularly for:

Making your worries and sins (what we call sins) go away. It’s like getting a clean start for your soul!

Making your soul pure – cleaning and making your inner self good.

Granting your desires – if you pray sincerely, it’s said that Lord Shiva can grant your good desires to be fulfilled.

Thus, to many, the Neerputhoor Shiva Temple is more than an edifice; it’s a site of hope and healing, where one gets profound spiritual connectivity. It’s a highly significant Shiva Kshetram, meaning a holy site or a sacred ground for Lord Shiva. Individuals travel from near and far, as we are traveling too, to present their prayers, receive blessings, and experience the divine power of this centuries-old site. It’s a highly peaceful and quiet location that makes you feel content from inside.

The Special Appearance of the Temple: Neerputhoor Shiva Temple Architecture

Have you ever looked at photos of temples in Kerala? They have such a unique appearance, and the Neerputhoor Shiva Temple is one lovely representation of this! The temple is constructed in the traditional Kerala-type architecture. Picture roofs that are softly sloping, like a lovely hat, and made from red tiles. The roofs are beautiful, but they also serve to keep the temple safe from the torrential rains Kerala periodically receives.

The temple also contains extremely detailed wood carvings. They’re like miniature stories cut out in the wood, depicting gods and goddesses and characters in ancient legends. It’s like having a huge, stunning piece of artwork everywhere you look!

And now I mentioned the water inside, didn’t I? The central area of the temple, where the Shivalinga resides, is referred to as the sanctum sanctorum, or Sreekovil. In Neerputhoor Shiva Temple, this section is rounded in shape, very special! And since the Shivalinga is always water-encircled, you can’t circumambulate or do pradakshina all the way around it within, as is done in temples. Devotees therefore stand at a special vantage point known as Pattupura to catch a lovely darshan or view of Lord Mahadev. It’s such a respectful manner to view the deity. Isn’t that fascinating? This unique design is one of the reasons why the Neerputhoor Shiva Temple is unique.

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3000 yr Old Sacred Neerputhoor Shiva Temple Water Encircled

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Mysterious Beliefs and Beautiful Rituals: Myths and Beliefs

The Neerputhoor Shiva Temple is full of incredible beliefs and rituals that have been practiced for thousands of years.

One of the greatest mysteries, one that even scientists have not yet solved, is where the water originates that consistently encircles the Shivalinga! It remains there throughout the year, a permanent, pure entity. People firmly believe that this is Goddess Ganga, and her divine energy makes the water extremely sacred, having special healing powers. It is an abysmal mystery that serves to heighten the mystique of the temple.

And there’s also a faith that Lord Shiva, referred to here as Neerputhurappan, is a very potent divine energy. People come to the Neerputhoor Shiva Temple looking not only for blessings for their worldly lives, but also for enlightenment – a means of knowing the world and themselves better, and to find peace within.

Now, let’s talk about the rituals! Daily special prayers and offerings are offered. They are known as Divasa Pooja. You can also see Ganapathy Homam and Mrithyunjaya Homam taking place. A Homam is a holy fire ceremony wherein things are offered into the fire while reciting strong prayers. Ganapathy Homam is performed to attain the blessings of Lord Ganesha, who removes obstacles. Mrithyunjaya Homam is performed for good health and longevity, asking for the blessings of Lord Shiva to conquer challenges.

But the most thrilling time to go to the Neerputhoor Shiva Temple is during the festivals! The largest and most splendiferous one is Maha Shivaratri. This is a night of complete devotion to Lord Shiva, and thousands of worshippers visit the temple. Picture the entire temple filled with lights, with people singing praise songs called bhajans throughout the night, and doing special prayers. It’s absolutely wonderful!

Other significant periods are Pradosham, a special period fortnightly devoted to Shiva, and Karkidaka Vavu, when individuals conduct Bali Tharpanam to pray for their ancestors. There’s also Mandala Pooja, a 41-day span of special prayers. And occasionally, there is a stunning festival called Sahasra Deepam, where thousands of small lamps are lighted all along the Neerputhoor Shiva Temple and it shines like a star!

It’s simply wonderful to observe how such traditions have continued to thrive for centuries at the Neerputhoor Shiva Temple.

When Can We Visit? Temple Timings

Just as there are opening and closing hours for schools and parks, temples also do. Neerputhoor Shiva Temple usually opens in the morning session. To the best of our knowledge, it opens at around 8:00 AM or 9:00 AM. It is always better to consult locals or the temple management if you schedule your visit, particularly for certain rituals.

Don’t forget that special aspect of the sanctum sanctorum water! In the summers, the water level near the Shivalinga could dip slightly. This is when, occasionally, devotees are permitted to view the inner sections of the Neerputhoor Shiva Temple, a once-in-a-lifetime experience! So, if you’re going in the summer, you could catch a still closer glimpse of this ancient marvel.

More Adventures Closeby: Tourist Attractions Close to the Neerputhoor Shiva Temple

Kerala, also referred to as “God’s Own Country,” is replete with lovely locations and plenty of other old temples. If you go to the Neerputhoor Shiva Temple, you will discover that you can visit other great Hindu temples close by in the Malappuram district. These are some of them:

Around 20 km from here is the Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple, a one-of-a-kind temple in which Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva are worshipped together. It is famous for its beautiful architecture, high gopuram (tower), and stone pillars that sound like music.

A bit nearer to Nagercoil (about 15 km), there is the Nagaraja Temple in honor of the serpent deity. People praying here usually seek blessings for good health and prosperity. It is one of the earliest temples in the area with well-established traditions.

For nature enthusiasts, Thirparappu Waterfalls is an ideal spot, just 20 km from the temple. It’s an ideal picnic point, with well-tended park, adjacent temple, and boating. Another close jewel is the Chitharal Jain Monuments, with rock-cut sculptures and cave temples giving a glimpse into ancient Jain heritage.

If you drive about 30 km to Kanyakumari, you can see the confluence of the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean. Don’t forget the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, which can be reached by ferry, and watch stunning sunrise and sunset on the beach.

For nature lovers and those looking for tranquility, Keeriparai and Pechiparai Dam are lovely sites amidst hills and forests, ideal for a drive or picnic.

Visit these destinations after your trip to the Neerputhoor Shiva Temple and enrich your experience and enjoyment even further! You’ll know more about the rich culture and spiritual heritage of Kerala.

Your Travel to the Neerputhoor Shiva Temple: How to Get There

Packing your bags already and heading to the wonderful Neerputhoor Shiva Temple? Here’s how you can get to this unique destination:

By Air: The nearest airport is Calicut International Airport (CCJ), otherwise known as Kozhikode International Airport or Karipur Airport. It’s approximately 60 kilometers from the temple. At the airport, taxis are readily available to take you straight to the Neerputhoor Shiva Temple.

By Train: The closest large railway station is Tirur Railway Station, standing approximately 60.7 kilometers away. Another station, Angadipuram, is slightly nearer at around 17 kilometers, but Tirur or Kozhikode (around 50 km) could have better train links from larger cities. Once you reach the station, you can rent a taxi or board a local bus.

By Road: Neerputhoor Shiva Temple is nicely accessible by road. If you are traveling by bus, the Perinthalmanna KSRTC Bus Stand is roughly 25.9 kilometers away. Malappuram district is well connected by road, so traveling by car or bus is easy. Simply ask for directions to Puthoor village, and all will know the world-famous Neerputhoor Shiva Temple!