Kilimarathukavu Temple


Kilimarathukavu Shiva Parvathy Temple is a Hindu temple located in Kadakkal Kollam district, Kerala, India. The temple deities include the cult images of 'Dharma Shastha', and an epithet of Ayyappan is also present within the temple. Kilimarathukavu Temple was taken over by the Travancore Devaswom Board under Government of Kerala in 2011.

History

Kilimarathukavu Temple is believed to be an ancient temple that was destroyed, leaving only idols behind. A new temple was constructed sometime in the 21st century.

Temple legend

As requested by Parvati, Shiva came Infront of Arjuna disguised as a tribal man, and Parvati as a tribal woman. Same time an asura in the form of a pig was sent by Duryodhana to kill Arjuna. Arjuna and Shiva shot the monster with their arrows. During the ensuing argument, Arjuna struck the tribal man with his bow. Parvati stopped him and revealed the man's true identity. Hearing this, Arjuna did the Sashtanga Namaskara, and Shiva gifted him the Pashupatastra and blessed him. Several other Hindu deities, including Ganapathy, Murugan, Shastha, and Anjaneyan, also joined the scene. Shiva, satisfied with Arjuna's devotion told him, "The place where we are now is very sacred, and whoever comes here for prayer shall be blessed". Upon saying this Shiva disappeared and a Shivalingam appeared in his place. Today, the two Shivalingams in this temple are worshipped by devotees.

Deities

The temple has two Shiva deities: Shiva and Mahanadan.

Festivals