The Chenkal Maheswaram Sri Shiva Parvathy Temple is a remarkable Hindu temple which has grown in prominence both as a sacred pilgrimage center and as a unique architectural and spiritual landmark in South India.
This temple is widely known for housing the world’s tallest Shiva Lingam, which rises to an impressive 111.2 feet in height, earning it a place in the India Book of Records. The colossal lingam, often called Mahalingam, is not just a towering structure but also a symbolic representation of cosmic energy and devotion.
Unlike conventional Shiva temples, the Chenkal Maheswaram temple incorporates a truly distinctive design the lingam itself contains eight floors, with six levels representing the six chakras (energy centres) within the human body. These floors house meditation halls where devotees and visitors can engage in meditation aligned with the chakra themes, each hall echoing the colour symbolism of its respective chakra.
The temple grounds and internal layout offer more than just a visual spectacle they provide a spiritual journey. On the first floor of the lingam structure, 108 smaller Shiva Lingams are consecrated, and devotees can participate in rituals such as Abhishekam (ritual bathing) for these shrines. Additionally, the temple complex includes representations of the 12 major Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and 32 forms of Lord Ganesha, making it a rare site where multiple significant forms of divine manifestation are venerated in one place.
The temple architecture draws heavily from traditional Kerala temple art and Vastu Shastra, combining stone and wood elements to create an environment of serenity and sacred significance. Water, sand, and soil from holy places across India including Kashi, Gangotri, Rameswaram, and Kailash were reportedly incorporated into the construction materials, enhancing its spiritual and pan‑Indian religious resonance.
Throughout the year, the temple hosts several major festivals and rituals that draw thousands of devotees. Mahashivaratri is celebrated with great fervour, involving elaborate ceremonies, cultural programmes, and mass rituals like Athirudra Mahayajnam and Lakshadeepam. The temple also conducts Vidyarambham on Vijayadashami, where children are ceremonially initiated into learning, reflecting the temple’s role in community and cultural life.
Overall, Chenkal Maheswaram Sri Shiva Parvathy Temple stands as both a sacred sanctuary of devotion and a masterpiece of spiritual architecture, offering devotees and visitors a deeply immersive experience in symbolism, meditation, and ritual worship
Festivals
The Temple has a number of festivals. The important ones are :
Maha Rudra Yajnam
The ritual spans many days and involves special homams (fire‑rituals), chanting of Vedic mantras, and prayers for universal peace and prosperity.
Mahashivaratri
The temple celebrates Mahashivaratri with great fervour. On this occasion, the festival includes special ceremonies notably, the lighting of a lakh of lamps (Lakshadeepam), processions, music and dance performances under the banner Nritha Sangeetholsavam.
Vidyarambhami
On Vijayadashami day, children are ceremonially initiated into learning by writing “Om Hari Sri Ganapataye Namah” before the deity at the temple. This marks the beginning of formal education tied to spiritual blessings and is considered highly auspicious.
Contact Address: Chenkal Maheswaram Sri Shiva Parvathy Temple, Chenkal, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695132
Phone Number: 0471 223 6273
