Azhimala Siva Temple ആഴിമല ശ്രീ മഹാദേവ ക്ഷേത്രം
Among the shores of Kerala shiva temple an ancient center named aazhimala shiva temple is blessed with its natural beauty. As the name suggests it is situated between the huge rocks and stands in the edge of the ocean. The scenario of aazhimala temple is a fine example for its incomparable beauty. It is comprised of fantastic reminiscence’s and story through the blessings of lord shiva. As a whole it reminds us of the mythological aspects of Mount Kailas for its abundant flow of devotees.
The origin and history of aazhimala temple has crossed its centenarian. The original name of the temple is Aaazhimala Pulinkudi Sree Mahadeva Temple. By the existence of Cheetahs in that area years ago was named as Pullikudi. Due to the course of time it changed into Pullingudi. ‘Kudi’ means home/Living space.
This Ancient place was one of the hide out of Pandavas who were in disguise. Natural caves are found still in between the rocks. To quench Panchalis thirst, Bheemasena had to make a hole in the rock with his knee to fill the water is a reminder of ancient times.
Neelaniyeru was a great Brahmin who was mastered Veda preaching’s. He was the chief’s son of Kadaikulam Madam from Vizhinjam, which is situated near Pulinkudi. Maharaja offered Neelaniyeru chief priest designation of 64 temples. With this offering, Maharaja has presented 58 acres of land in Pulinkudi and 48 acres in Punnavila.
Idichathimoopil was the renowned bodyguard of Maharaja. He was recognized for his strong physique and his Martial Skills. Those were the time Matriarchal family system existed. Neelakandan was the Nephew of Idichathimoopil, he has two daughters. Neelaniyeru fell in love with youngest daughter of Neelakandan and was interested for marriage.
Caste system was very strict in those days so he was decided untouchable and was expelled from home. This decision was not panicking for Neelaniyeru. He sooner left to meet the girl’s father and Neelakandan had no objection to wed his daughter to him. Neelakandan seeked advice with his uncle Idichathimoopil, even uncle had no objection. Idichathimoopil made the marriage between his grand niece and Neelaniyeru by being a chief of the wedding.
Neelaniyeru possessed lots of land so they lived under the rocks in Perumkallu which is near to aaazhimala. He started performing daily puja’s in Pullinkudi. Several years later in his worshipping center, Neelaniyeru took Samadhi. After this incident Sri Narayana Guru Swami once visited this Samadhi and had an intuition that this place is blessed with Gods presence thus this place has to be worshipped more hence a temple has to be built.
After twelve years from that time till present, renewal of Ashtabendha was done along with Kalas Puja, every twelve years. Each year a 10 days of Ustav is celebrated. This aroused interest among localities and even foreigner’s. The tantric of this temple is Brahmasri Sugathan Tantrigal. Hence pujas are performed in tantric rules.
There are some historical facts such as kannuneerkuzhy. This place ants its name such 2s Kannuneerkuzhy or Kinnakuzhy because of a thread of fresh water streaming between big Kicks which fall into a bowl shaped rock. As referred earlier this was made by Bheemasena to quench Panchali’s thirst as she was ready to consume salt water.
In rainy as well as summer, this stream flows always in the same amount without any change in climates. The water is found crystal clear and tastes unique and is useduntil recent for Nithyapuja’s in temple and is believed to have medicinal values to cure several diseases.
Kullakadavu is situated to the east of aazhimala temple, from this place the beach of kanyakumari is visible. And from the temple’s west Vizhinjam harbor, lighthouse and Christian and Muslim worship places.
Thus with the blessings of Sri Mahadeva and its natural beauty, and with the presence of great saints, the unique luster of heavenliness, this sacred place isa center for blissful devotion.