Thrikkadavoor Mahadev temple - people pray here for long longevity


Thrikkadavoor Temple Kerala Culture

Thrikkadavoor  is a small town, located approximately 5 kilometres north of Kollam city centre and 30 kilometres away from Paravur, Kerala.  Thrikkadavoor Mahadev temple is a popular one and is being daily visited by lots of devotees, in particular, people above 50 years of age with a wish for better longevity from the presiding deity. This most famous Shiva Temple in Kollam District is situated on the banks of the Ashtamudi lake.


Thrikkadavoor Temple  YouTube

Legend has it that Mrikandu rishi and his wife Marudmati prayed to God Shive  to bless them with a child. Lord Shiva  granted their  wish but on one condition that they would get either a gifted, intelligent son, but with a short life on earth or a  dull child  with poor intellence but with long logevity. Mrikandu rishi  gave preference to intelligent child to dull child. That child became known as Markandeya, an exceptionally smart and brilliant son, but, unfortunatelt he was destined to die at the age of 12.

Markandeya, being god-fearing and ardent devotee of Lord Shiva  grew up to be a patron of Shiva. On the day he was destained to die,  Markandaya worshipped Lord Shiva in his Linga form (
Shiva in his aniconic form) more vigorously than ever before. The god of death Yama sent his men to put out the life of Markandaya. Yama's men were at their wit's end because of Markandaya's intense devotion and prayer with dedication sttod in their way. Further, he was close to the Shivalingam. Upon seeing his men's inablity to cause death to Markandaya, God of death Yama himself came to eath to try his luck. No sooner had he seen the young devotee than Yama had thrown his weapon - death rope with a noose

Lord Shiva, young Markandayaa and Yama. BAPS Kids - BAPS.org


(in Tamil Paasakkayar) around him to take away his life. Unexpectedly, the death rope with the noose landed around the Shivalingam. Without knowing this, Yama tried to pull the rope. At that instant emerged out of the Shivalinga was the god himself. Enraged Shiva punished Yama for his misconduct and arrogant aggression. After Yama's submission, Shiva told him that Markandaya would live for ever. - a life of immortality. 

Location map. en.wikipedia.org/

For this act, Shiva was thereafter known also as Kalantaka ("Ender of Death"). This divine act is believed to have taken place in Thirukkadavoor People who are afraid of death are advised to chant Maha Mrityunjaya Stotra frequently so that they will be relived of the fear of death (Marana Bhayam) There is a metal inscription mentioning the battle between Yama and Shiva and how he obtained immortality for Markandaya. Thrikkadavoor is the place, according to the mythology. where Markandaya got immortality through the blessings  of Loed Shiva.

The temple has a golden flag staff and wide court yard. 10 days festival in Kumbhom - Thiruvathira Aaratu. 101 Kudam (pot) Kalasam, Chathussatham are popular. The annual Srattu festival  falls in the month of Kumbham (February/March). 

The annual ten-day festival is a splendid one and is attended by people in thousands. The popular Thiruvathira festival and the resplendent kettukazha add charm  and splendor to thisgreat temple event.
 It is a major attraction for the tourists. The eight artificial horses, which represent the eight areas (karas) around the temple, is an interesting one. Nedumkuthira (Eduppukuthira- men carrying vertical horse-chariot) procession through water  is equally an interesting one. 

Tit-Bits:

 Amritaghateswarar Abhirami Temple, located in Thirukkadaiyur (Thirukadavur), 21 km East of Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu  is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in his manifestation as "Destroyer of Death" and his wife Parvati as Abhirami. This temple is closely associated with the legend of Shiva saving his young devotee, Markendeya from death, and the tale of a saint, Abirami Pattar a devotee of the presiding goddess.

The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. Lots of couples who have completed 60 years of age come here and conduct speecial prayers for good heath and welfare.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thrikkadavoor