History:

is one of the most sacred ancient Temples built in the 8th century A.D. by Rama Varma Kulasekhara, the founder of the kingdom of Kochi. This Temple is located in Ernakulam District, 10 Kms from Cochin in the Cheranalloor Village. This temple is notable for its unique architectural style and is an important religious and cultural center in Kerala. The main sanctum has a beautiful lingam surrounded by four smaller sculptures of Ganesha Sri Krishna and Sasta each. The temple is known for its intricately carved walls and sculptures. It is said that the temple was constructed at the site where the sage Cheranalloor Maharishi did penance for Lord Shiva. There are other shrines dedicated to other gods in the Temple such as Lord Vishnu, Lord Rama, Lord Ayyappa and Lord Ganapati. Devotees can also experience the divinity of the temple through its daily pujas and rituals. People from all over India throng here to pay homage to the Lord. It is one of the best temple in Kerala which you must visit.

Facts:

1. Cheranalloor Shiva Temple is one of the oldest Shiva temples in the state of Kerala, India. 2. It is believed that the temple was originally constructed by the ancient Kerala kings who were members of the Chera dynasty. 3. The temple is located in the village of Cheranalloor in the Ernakulam district of Kerala. 4. The temple’s main deity is Lord Shiva and it is managed by authorities of the Travancore Devaswom Board. 5. The sanctum of the temple consists of four enclosures and is crowned by a copper roof. 6. The temple is renowned for its unique architecture which is a combination of Kerala and Mesopotamian styles. 7. The temple is also renowned for its five-tiered clock tower which is said to have been constructed by the then king of the state, Maharaja Marthanda Varma. 8. The temple also houses a temple pond, called Padinjattil Thodu, which has been in existence since antiquity. 9. The temple hosts several festivals and special pujas throughout the year. 10. One of the most important festivals celebrated in the temple is the ten-day Muthappan Kavu festival during which locals pay homage to Lord Shiva. Here are some facts about the Kerala temple.These facts will help you understand why it is oldest temple list of the best temples in Kerala

Worship Method:

The ancient Cheranalloor Shiva Temple in Kerala, India, worships Shiva in the Pancharathra Agama style. This style of worship involves performing elaborate rituals and offerings including decorations, lighting of lamps, chanting of mantras, and symbolic ceremonies. The temple complex includes a number of shrines devoted to Lord Shiva, his consort Parvati, other deities, and mythical figures associated with Shiva. The main deities of the temple, Shiva and Parvati, are installed in the sanctum sanctorum and worshipped according to specific rituals. Worshipers offer flowers, sandal paste, and kumkum, and recite mantras dedicated to Lord Shiva. Priests perform various services to honour the main deities, including abhisheka (pouring of holy water on the idols), dance (aarati), and arti (expressing devotion with a flame). There is also a special offering of milk and curd, followed by a few saffron leaves (bhog/prasadam). One of the most important rituals performed is the “Chaturbahu Shivapuja’’, in which four lions are installed around the main sanctum and services are performed in their honour. This most visited temple in Kerala

Opening Timing:

The Cheranalloor Shiva Temple in Kerala is open from 4.00 am to 11.00 am and 4.30 pm to 8.00 pm each day. top temples in Kerala

How to reach:

Cheranalloor Shiva Temple is located on the Thaikattukara-Vazhakkulam Road in the Ernakulam district of Kerala. It is located about 8 km from the Vazhakkulam town on the MC Road. The nearest railway station is Aluva which is located at a distance of 11 km from the temple. The temple is also easily accessible from Kochi International Airport which is located about 20 km from the temple. You can reach the temple by taking the state run buses that ply between Ernakulam and Vazhakkulam. Private taxis and auto-rickshaws can also be accessed from all major cities close to Ernakulam. famous temples in Kerala