According to legend, during the Pandavas' exile, Arjuna, in search of the powerful Pashupatastra, followed a mystical bird that led him to a valley. Here, the bird rested on a Kilimaram tree near a pristine stream, plucking three leaves from a Koovalam tree, symbolizing a call for Arjuna to intensify his devotion to Lord Shiva. In response, Arjuna bathed in a nearby pond and worshipped a Shiva lingam stone he found, leading to severe asceticism.
Today, the temple honors this lore and features the largest cult image of Dharma Sastha, along with deities Shiva, Mahanadan, Parvati, Murugan, Shastha, Hanuman , Ganapathi, Nāgathara, and Navagraha. Uniquely, the temple's Hanuman shrine is situated in the middle of the temple pond, adding to its spiritual charm.
Festivals
The Temple has a number of festivals. The important ones are :
Mahashivaratri
Mahashivaratri at the Kilimarathukavu Siva Parvathy Temple in Kadakkal, Kollam, is celebrated with great devotion and grandeur. The festival includes special poojas and abhishekam of the Shiva lingam, with devotees observing fasts and staying awake all night in reverence to Lord Shiva. The temple premises are adorned with lights, and cultural programs, bhajans, and chants of Om Namah Shivaya create a spiritually charged atmosphere, drawing numerous devotees to participate in the festivities.
Ayilya Pooja
Ayilya Pooja at the Kilimarathukavu Siva Parvathy Temple is a significant ritual dedicated to serpent deities, primarily conducted in the Nagathara within the temple. This pooja, observed on the day of the Ayilyam star in the Malayalam calendar, involves elaborate rituals to appease the snake gods and seek their blessings for prosperity, health, and protection from snake-related doshas. Devotees participate in offerings such as milk, turmeric, and flowers, while priests perform specific chants and prayers to honor the serpent deities, making it a spiritually significant event in this temple.
Contact Address: Kilimarathukavu Siva Parvathy Temple, Kadakkal, Kollam, Kerala 691536
