Aazhimala Shiva Temple
About Aazhimala Shiva Temple
Situated in Pulinkudi near Vizhinjam, the Aazhimala Shiva Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and occupies a striking location between massive rocks at the edge of the Arabian Sea. The temple's most distinctive feature is the 58-foot-tall Gangadhareshwara statue, crafted by artist P.S. Devadathan and mounted on a rock 20 feet above sea level. This sculpture depicts Shiva in a seated posture with flowing hair, holding the river Ganga, symbolizing his role as Gangadhareshwara. The temple's architecture incorporates both Dravidian and Kerala styles, with intricately carved sculptures of Hindu deities including Ganesha, Ayyappa, Vishnu, Kartikeya, and Hanuman adorning the structure. The sanctum sanctorum features beautiful carvings and mythological paintings. According to local tradition, the temple area was once a hideout for the Pandavas during their exile, with natural caves still visible among the rocks. A perennial stream called Kullakadavu flows nearby with crystal-clear water believed to possess medicinal properties and traditionally used in daily temple rituals.
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