Nalpathaneeswaram Sree Mahadeva Temple

Nalppathenneeswaram Sree Mahadeva Temple, an ancient shrine whispering the legends of Lord Shiva, is situated in Alappuzha District, in the Indian state of Kerala. The pilgrimage centre is located in Nalppathenneswaram in Panavally village of Cherthala taluk at a distance of almost 20 kilometers from Cherthala and at a distance of 11 kilometers from Aroor on the Cherthala Arookutty bus route.

Construction of Nalpathaneeswaram Sree Mahadeva Temple
Nalpathaneeswaram Sree Mahadeva Temple, exhibiting the architectural magnificence of the ancient period, is dedicated to Lord Shiva in Kiratha Bhava. It is the 48th foundling of Saint Khara. The temple, located in the midst of a calm and serene ambience, has been constructed in a magnificent way. The temple celebrates festival in the month of Kumbham i.e. during the months of February-March for almost 7 days. During these days several traditional rituals are observed such as Utsavabali, Koodi ezhunnallathu, Bharani, Karthika and Araattu. The presiding deity of the temple is referred to as `Nalppathenneswarathappan.` Besides this, the temple also houses several other deities such as Lord Ganesha, Goddess Durga, Varahamoorthy, Rakshassu, Nagayakshi, Chovva bhagavathi, Ayyappa and Nagaraja.

Another temple, Oorali Parambathu Sastha Temple, regarded as sister concern temple is situated on the north-western side of the temple. Recently the devaprasana preformed led by the team of Sri Chorodu Narayanappanicker discovered that the temple is more than 1000 years old.

Presently, the temple is maintained by three ancient Kaimal families such as Kozhisseril, Payippattu, Mullakkeril. The deity here is offered kathakali. Nalpathaneeswaram Sree Mahadeva Temple is one of the oldest temples still under the Raja Sassana Chepped.

It is believed that earlier the place was known as Pandavar Veli that was later converted into Panavally. One can find four big stones kept at a distance of almost 1 km on the eastern side of the temple. It is thought that these were utilised by the Pandavas during their exile for heating milk.

This article is a stub. You can enrich by adding more information to it. Send your Write Up to content@indianetzone.com