The Secret of Aruvikkal Sree Shiva Subrahmanya Swami Temple

Aruvikkal Sree Shiva Subrahmanya Swami Temple: Imagine a spot where tall, green trees whisper secrets, and a little stream gurgles happily, making its way over smooth rocks. That’s exactly where this temple is, tucked away in a calm corner of Kottayam, a place called Kalathoor. It’s not just any temple; it’s a place where two very important gods, Lord Shiva and his brave son, Lord Subrahmanya, live together, blessing everyone who comes to visit. Get ready to feel the peace and wonder of this ancient place!

History of the Temple: Stories from a Long, Long Time Ago

The story of the Aruvikkal Sree Shiva Subrahmanya Swami Temple is like a really old bedtime story, passed down through many, many years. Picture this: way, way back, even before your grandparents were born, Aruvikkal temple was already here! Some people believe it’s as old as the time of a famous sage named Parasurama. Now, Parasurama is like a superhero in ancient Indian stories, a wise warrior who is said to have created the whole land of Kerala with his axe! So, if this temple has a connection to him, you can imagine just how old and super important it must be.

There’s another cool story that tells us more about its past. You know how some places get a little bit forgotten sometimes? Well, there’s another very big and famous temple nearby, the Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple. Legend says that for a while, this grand temple wasn’t getting as much attention as it deserved. During that time, a very holy person called Sri Vilwamangalath Swamiyar was traveling around. When he arrived at Ettumanoor, he felt a super strong feeling of Lord Shiva being present there and decided to start worshipping Him again with all his heart. It’s believed that our Aruvikkal Sree Shiva Subrahmanya Swami Temple was built around that same time, specially for Lord Shiva, to make sure He was always worshipped, even when the other big temple was a bit quiet. Maybe the first entrance to the temple was a secret cave, and over time, it became the beautiful temple we see today. So, when you visit, you’re not just looking at a building; you’re touching a piece of history that’s hundreds and hundreds of years old!

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Legend of the Temple: Magical Tales of Gods and Rivers

Every old temple has its own special secrets and amazing stories, and the Aruvikkal Sree Shiva Subrahmanya Swami Temple is full of them! The most magical story about this place is about the little stream that flows right by it. Imagine, people whisper that the holy river Ganga, the one that brings so much purity and blessings all the way from the Himalayas, actually flows right in front of Lord Shiva’s special house here! Isn’t that just incredible? A tiny piece of the mighty Ganga, right here in Kerala, making this already sacred place even more super special.

This belief makes the Aruvikkal temple feel extra magical. It’s why the sound of the flowing water makes you feel so calm, and why many people believe that taking a dip in this stream is just as holy as bathing in the Ganga itself. It’s a beautiful idea, isn’t it? To think that the same water that helps so many people all over India comes, even in a small way, to this peaceful corner of Kerala.

Another amazing part of the legend is about the gods themselves. We have Lord Shiva, who is like the boss of meditation and also helps get rid of bad things, and his strong and smart son, Lord Subrahmanya, who is known for being super brave and wise, always ready to fight for good. Having both of them as the main gods in the very same temple is quite unique and very powerful. It’s like getting double the blessings from two incredibly important members of the god family! People who visit believe that these gods here are Swayambhu, which means they appeared all by themselves, not put there by people. This makes them even more sacred and strong in the hearts of the people who pray there.

Significance of the Temple: A Place of Peace and Powerful Blessings

The Aruvikkal Sree Shiva Subrahmanya Swami Temple is super important for many, many reasons, both for our spirits and because of the beautiful nature around it.

First, and most importantly, it’s a place filled with spiritual power. Like we talked about, having both Lord Shiva and Lord Subrahmanya as the main gods together is a very rare and mighty combination. Lord Shiva is like the greatest meditator, who helps us get rid of bad habits and create new, good things. Lord Subrahmanya, also called Murugan or Kartikeya, is admired for his cleverness, courage, and his ability to fix problems. When you pray to both of them together, people believe it brings a perfect mix of strength, smartness, and safety to everyone who visits.

Lots of people come here asking for special good things to happen. For example, people offer special prayers if they want to find a good person to marry or if they want to have more money and success in their lives. Isn’t it cool that a holy place can help with everyday wishes too? Also, if families are having arguments or if a husband and wife are not getting along, special prayers called “Aikyamathiyasooktha Archana” are done here to bring peace and togetherness. It’s like a magical hug for relationships!

The Aruvikkal temple is also a very important place for remembering our ancestors. During a special time in the Malayalam month of Karkidakam (which is usually in July or August), on a day called Karkidaka Vavu, many people come to perform ‘Pithrutharpanam’. This is a very special ceremony where offerings are made to family members who are no longer with us, to remember them and ask for their blessings. It’s a way to connect with those who lived before us and honor their memory.

Besides all the special prayers, just being in this peaceful place is super important. The temple is surrounded by lovely green trees and plants, and the gentle sounds of the stream and waterfall make you feel so calm. It’s a place where you can truly feel close to nature and just breathe in the quiet peace that’s hard to find when we’re busy. The air itself feels clean and holy, making it a perfect spot for just sitting quietly and feeling the good energy all around you. It’s like a little island of calm where you can just be, relax, and feel happy.

Architecture: Simple and Beautiful, Full of Meaning

When you walk around the Aruvikkal Sree Shiva Subrahmanya Swami Temple, you’ll notice that it’s not super fancy or huge like some other big temples. Instead, it’s quite simple and modest, but this very simplicity is what makes it so charming and powerful.

The temple fits perfectly with the nature around it. You won’t see really tall, flashy buildings that stand out too much. Instead, the buildings look like they grew right out of the ground, just like the trees and rocks. This kind of building style is very common in old Kerala temples, where making friends with nature is very important.

You’ll see the main special rooms for Lord Shiva and Lord Subrahmanya, each with its own holy space. The buildings are made with old-fashioned materials, usually wood and stone, which gives them a cozy, natural feel. Look closely at the roofs; they often have a special sloped shape that helps the heavy rain slide off easily, which is both smart and pretty! The whole design focuses on making you feel spiritual and peaceful, instead of showing off with lots of shiny decorations. It’s a place where you feel close to God just by being there, not because of how fancy it looks.

Myths and Beliefs: Stories That Give Us Hope

The Aruvikkal Sree Shiva Subrahmanya Swami Temple is full of wonderful myths and beliefs that have been told from one generation to the next, making your visit even more special and exciting.

One of the most powerful beliefs, like we talked about earlier, is that the holy river Ganga flows here. This isn’t just a fun story; it means that the water of Aruvikkal is considered super clean and pure. Many people who come to pray take a dip in the stream before going into the temple, believing it washes away anything bad and makes their souls clean, just like taking a bath in the real Ganga. Imagine, the cool water, the gentle flow, and the thought that you are connecting with one of India’s most holy rivers – it makes your heart feel very happy and full.

Another strong belief is about the gods being Swayambhu. When a god is Swayambhu, it means they appeared by themselves, by a special divine power, not made or placed there by people. This makes them incredibly strong and mighty. People believe that when you pray to a Swayambhu god, your prayers are heard extra well and are more likely to be answered, making the Aruvikkal temple a place of huge hope and faith for everyone who asks for help.

The Ayilyam star day in the Malayalam month of Kanni (which is usually around September or October) is a very important time here. On this day, special prayers like “Noorum Palum” are offered. This special prayer is super important for asking for blessings related to snakes, because Lord Subrahmanya is often linked with snakes and protecting people from any bad luck related to them.

During Sivarathri, which is Lord Shiva’s special night, the temple becomes very lively with lots of special ceremonies. Many people don’t eat and stay awake all night, saying prayers and chanting to Lord Shiva. Doing Ashtabhishekam (an offering of eight different holy things to the god) on this night is thought to bring amazing blessings.

These myths and beliefs aren’t just old stories; they are like living traditions that still guide how people feel and act when they visit the Aruvikkal Sree Shiva Subrahmanya Swami Temple. They give comfort, help, and a strong feeling of being connected to something divine for everyone who comes.

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Aruvikkal Temple Timings: When You Can Visit

To make sure you can feel all the peace and spiritual energy of the Aruvikkal Sree Shiva Subrahmanya Swami Temple, it’s a good idea to know when it’s open. Temples in Kerala usually have special times when they open and close for daily prayers and ceremonies.

Generally, the temple opens its doors in the morning and then again in the evening. This allows for the morning prayers and ‘darshan’ (which means getting to see the holy god statue), and then for the evening ceremonies like ‘Deeparadhana’ (waving of lamps) and ‘Athazha Pooja’ (the night offering).

While the exact times can sometimes change a little bit, here’s a common schedule you might find:

• Morning: The Aruvikkal temple usually opens around 6:00 AM with the ‘Nada Thurakkal’ (which means opening the doors). You might get to see the Ganapathy Homam (a special fire ritual for Lord Ganesha) around 7:30 AM, and then other main prayers around 9:30 AM. The temple usually closes around 10:00 AM for a midday break.
• Evening: The Aruvikkal temple opens again around 5:30 PM. The beautiful Deeparadhana ceremony, where lamps are waved, is often done around 6:45 PM, followed by the Athazha Pooja around 7:00 PM. The temple usually closes for the night around 7:30 PM.

It’s always a good idea to ask someone at the temple or check online if you are planning to visit for a special ceremony or festival, as timings might change. But these general hours give you a good idea of when you can come and say your prayers.

Places to Visit Near the Temple: Explore More Fun Stuff Around!

Your adventure at the Aruvikkal Sree Shiva Subrahmanya Swami Temple doesn’t have to stop at the temple! The area around Kottayam is full of beautiful nature and other cool places you might love to see, especially if you have a little extra time.

Since the Aruvikkal temple itself is famous for its super peaceful natural setting with a stream and waterfall, you can spend some time just enjoying the calm feeling right there. The green plants and trees are perfect for a quiet walk, just breathing in the fresh air and listening to the sounds of nature.

Here are a few other places nearby you might want to check out:

• Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple: This is the very famous and old Shiva temple we talked about earlier. It’s known for its beautiful paintings on the walls and its special way of building, and it’s definitely worth a visit if you like looking at temple art and learning about old stories. It’s not too far from Aruvikkal, so you can easily visit both!
• Kumarakom Backwaters: Kottayam is super famous for its backwaters, which are like calm, winding rivers and lakes. Kumarakom is a top spot to experience them. You can take a boat ride through the quiet waters, with coconut trees all around and little villages. It’s super relaxing and shows you how beautiful Kerala is. You might even see some colorful birds!
• Vembanad Lake: This is the longest lake in all of India and a very important part of the backwater system. You can enjoy how huge the lake is, watch people living their lives by the water, or even go on a houseboat for a really special experience.
• Pathiramanal Island: This small island is inside Vembanad Lake and is a paradise for people who love watching birds. It’s a peaceful spot, you can get there by boat, and it’s perfect for nature lovers.
• Illikkal Kallu: If you’re feeling adventurous and want to see some amazing views from a high place, Illikkal Kallu is a hill station nearby with a really unique rock formation. You might have to walk a little uphill, but the views from the top are super rewarding, especially on a clear day.

These places offer a mix of beautiful nature, fun cultural things to do, and chances to relax, making your trip to the Aruvikkal Sree Shiva Subrahmanya Swami Temple even better and more memorable!

How to Reach the Temple: Your Way to This Peaceful Place

Getting to the Aruvikkal Sree Shiva Subrahmanya Swami Temple is pretty easy, especially if you’re already traveling around Kerala. The temple is in Kalathoor, which is close to Ettumanoor and Kuravilangad in the Kottayam area.

Here’s how you can plan your trip:

• By Airplane:
  • The closest big airport is Cochin International Airport (CIAL). It’s also called Nedumbassery Airport. From the airport, you can get a taxi or a bus to Kottayam, and then keep going to Kalathoor. It’s a comfy drive, usually taking a couple of hours, depending on how much traffic there is.
• By Train:
  • The closest train station is Kottayam Railway Station. Kottayam is a big train station, and you can find trains from many large cities all over India. Once you get to Kottayam, you can easily find local taxis, auto-rickshaws (those little three-wheeled vehicles), or buses to take you to the temple in Kalathoor. The Aruvikkal temple is only about 750 meters from Ettumanoor Kanakkari, which is a recognizable spot.
• By Road:
  • If you like traveling by car, Kottayam has good roads that connect it to other parts of Kerala and nearby states. You can use your own car, hire a taxi, or take public buses. The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has regular bus services to Kottayam from many places in Kerala. Once you are in Kottayam, local buses or auto-rickshaws can take you to Kalathoor. The Aruvikkal temple is on Kalathoor Road, Kuravilangad, which makes it pretty easy to find.