Chowalloor Shiva Temple
The Divine Essence of Chowalloor: Chowalloor Shiva Temple is a prominent and ancient shrine located very close to the famous Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple. It is unique because it is one of the few temples where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy are worshipped with equal importance, with their idols f acing opposite directions. The temple is part of the 108 Shivalayas of Kerala and holds a special place in the hearts of devotees. Legend has it that a pious devotee of Vadakkunnathan (Thrissur) used to walk every day to Thrissur for worship. As he grew old and weak, the Lord appeared to him and manifested at this very spot in Chowalloor. The temple is spread over a sprawling 4-acre campus, surrounded by lush greenery and a peaceful atmosphere. The architecture is a classic representation of the Kerala style, featuring a circular sanctum and a grand sacrificial stone. Unlike the main Guruvayur temple, this shrine offers a much quieter environment for prayer and reflection. It is considered highly auspicious for married couples to visit and seek blessings for a long and happy life together. Spiritual Aura and Rituals: The temple is known for its strict adherence to traditional rituals. The main deity, Lord Shiva, is installed as a Jyotirlinga. The presence of the Sapthamathrukkal (seven mother goddesses) in the temple complex adds to its spiritual power. The temple does not have a traditional flag mast because it does not host a large annual festival in the conventional sense; instead, it focuses on daily spiritual practices and the Shivaratri festival. The energy of the place is said to be very calming, and many people come here for "Manasa Puja" (mental worship). The temple's location on a small hillock provides a beautiful view of the surrounding areas. The temple administration is well-organized, ensuring a clean and orderly experience for all visitors. The temple's proximity to Guruvayur makes it an essential part of the pilgrimage circuit for anyone visiting the "Dwarka of the South."
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 HourPlace Type:
ReligiousEntry Fees:
Entry and Darshan Fees: There is no entry fee to visit the temple or the grounds. Darshan is open to all Hindus.
Ritual Costs: Basic offerings like Archana cost around Rs.20, while more elaborate pujas like Dhara can cost between Rs.100 and Rs.30...Entry and Darshan Fees: There is no entry fee to visit the temple or the grounds. Darshan is open to all Hindus.
Ritual Costs: Basic offerings like Archana cost around Rs.20, while more elaborate pujas like Dhara can cost between Rs.100 and Rs.300.Timing:
Standard Temple Timings: The temple is open daily from 4:30 AM to 11:00 AM and from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
Best Time to Visit: Arriving at 6:00 PM is ideal to witness the sunset and the evening Deeparadhana consecutively. ...Standard Temple Timings: The temple is open daily from 4:30 AM to 11:00 AM and from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
Best Time to Visit: Arriving at 6:00 PM is ideal to witness the sunset and the evening Deeparadhana consecutively.Special Events:
Maha Shivaratri Festival: This is the most significant event where the temple is decorated with thousands of oil lamps, and special "Abhishekam" is performed throughout the night.
Ashtami Rohini: While primarily a Krishna festival, it is cel...Maha Shivaratri Festival: This is the most significant event where the temple is decorated with thousands of oil lamps, and special "Abhishekam" is performed throughout the night.
Ashtami Rohini: While primarily a Krishna festival, it is celebrated here with great devotion, reflecting the harmony between Shiva and Vishnu worship in the region.Best Photo Spots:
The Front Courtyard: The vast open space in front of the temple allows for wide-angle shots of the entire structure against the sky.
The Copper Roof Detail: Close-up shots of the copper-plated roof during the golden hour capture a beautiful ...The Front Courtyard: The vast open space in front of the temple allows for wide-angle shots of the entire structure against the sky.
The Copper Roof Detail: Close-up shots of the copper-plated roof during the golden hour capture a beautiful metallic glow.
The Stone Balikallu: The scale of the sacrificial stone makes for an impressive photograph when compared to the human height.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Observing the Two-Way Darshan: Experience the unique ritual of praying to Lord Shiva on one side and then walking around to pray to Goddess Parvathy on the opposite side.
Watching the Deeparadhana: The evening lamp ceremony is particularly beautiful here as the light reflects off the copper roof and the large sacrificial stone.
Studying the Balikallu Carvings: Take a moment to look at the detailed carvings on the base of the massive Balikallu. They represent various guardian deities and celestial beings.
Evening Walks in the Premises: The 4-acre campus is perfect for a slow, mindful walk. The air is fresh, and the sound of the wind through the trees is very soothing.
Chanting in the Mandapam: If the temple is not crowded, you c...Observing the Two-Way Darshan: Experience the unique ritual of praying to Lord Shiva on one side and then walking around to pray to Goddess Parvathy on the opposite side.
Watching the Deeparadhana: The evening lamp ceremony is particularly beautiful here as the light reflects off the copper roof and the large sacrificial stone.
Studying the Balikallu Carvings: Take a moment to look at the detailed carvings on the base of the massive Balikallu. They represent various guardian deities and celestial beings.
Evening Walks in the Premises: The 4-acre campus is perfect for a slow, mindful walk. The air is fresh, and the sound of the wind through the trees is very soothing.
Chanting in the Mandapam: If the temple is not crowded, you can sit in the Namaskara Mandapam and chant Shiva Mantras; the acoustics of the circular structure are excellent.
Photography of the Greenery: The temple grounds are lush and green, making it a great place to capture the natural beauty surrounding a traditional Kerala structure.
Visiting Sub-Shrines: Pay your respects at the shrines of Lord Ganesha and Lord Subrahmanya, which are located within the outer walls of the temple.
Information
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Why Famous:
The Dual Deity Concept: It is famous for the rare arrangement where Lord Shiva faces West and Sree Parvathy faces East within the same circular sanctum. This symbolises the "Ardhanarishvara" concept.
One of the Five Shiva Temples: It is rec...The Dual Deity Concept: It is famous for the rare arrangement where Lord Shiva faces West and Sree Parvathy faces East within the same circular sanctum. This symbolises the "Ardhanarishvara" concept.
One of the Five Shiva Temples: It is recognized as one of the five major Shiva temples surrounding Guruvayur, making it a key destination for Shiva devotees visiting the region. -
Architecture:
Kerala Temple Structural Details: The temple features a Dwi-Thala (two-storeyed) circular Sreekovil. The outer diameter of the sanctum is roughly 10 meters, and the roof is covered with copper sheets.
The Massive Balikallu: A unique archite...Kerala Temple Structural Details: The temple features a Dwi-Thala (two-storeyed) circular Sreekovil. The outer diameter of the sanctum is roughly 10 meters, and the roof is covered with copper sheets.
The Massive Balikallu: A unique architectural feature is the Balikallu (sacrificial stone), which stands over 3 meters tall. It is intricately carved and is one of the largest in the region. -
How To Reach:
By Air Connectivity: Cochin International Airport is 82 KMS away. From the airport, a taxi ride takes about 2 hours via the highway.
By Train Access: Guruvayur Railway Station is just 3 KMS away. You can easily get an auto-rickshaw from th...By Air Connectivity: Cochin International Airport is 82 KMS away. From the airport, a taxi ride takes about 2 hours via the highway.
By Train Access: Guruvayur Railway Station is just 3 KMS away. You can easily get an auto-rickshaw from the station to the temple.
By Road Routes: It is located just off the main road connecting Guruvayur and Choondal. Buses heading toward Thrissur pass through this area.
Local Transport Options: Auto-rickshaws are the best mode of transport. The fare from Guruvayur temple's East Nada to Chowalloor is minimal. -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Ideal Season for Visit: October to March is the best period as the weather is pleasant for walking around the large campus.
Best Time of Day: Early mornings are very spiritual with the chanting of hymns, while evenings are visually stunning ...Ideal Season for Visit: October to March is the best period as the weather is pleasant for walking around the large campus.
Best Time of Day: Early mornings are very spiritual with the chanting of hymns, while evenings are visually stunning due to the traditional lamps. -
Near Tourist Places:
Guruvayur Temple (3 KMS), Mammiyoor Temple (2 KMS), Punnathur Kotta (4 KMS), Chavakkad Beach (6 KMS), Thiruvenkitam Temple (4 KMS), Palayur Church (5 KMS), Ariyannur Temple (5 KMS), Chemmanthatta Temple (8 KMS), Thrissur City (25 KMS), Enamakkal Lake (12 KMS).
Tourism Tips
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Health and Safety Guidelines: The road to the temple is a bit narrow; be careful if you are driving. Ensure you are dressed in traditional Indian attire as per the temple's rules.
Packing and Essentials: Carry a small bag for your belongin...Health and Safety Guidelines: The road to the temple is a bit narrow; be careful if you are driving. Ensure you are dressed in traditional Indian attire as per the temple's rules.
Packing and Essentials: Carry a small bag for your belongings as there are no lockers. Avoid carrying large cameras inside the inner sanctum.
Cash and Connectivity: There are no ATMs in the immediate vicinity; finish your banking in Guruvayur town. Mobile signals are excellent.
Accommodation Options: Since the temple is very close to Guruvayur, it is best to stay in any of the numerous hotels in the Guruvayur temple town.
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