Mararikkulam Sree Mahadeva temple is located about 1 km west from the NH47, and is about 14 kms from Aleppey in Mararikkulam village. Lord Shiva, in the disposition of Marari (Maran refers to Kamadeva and Ari refers to the enemy and hence Marari is the one who destroys Kama from mind and soul), is the main deity here.
The temple has to its account a lot of specialties which are unseen in any other temple, the most prominent being the Aarattu ceremony in relation to the temple festival being held at the Arabian sea. This is also the one of the rarest temples where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy sit facing each other with Goddess Parvathi given equal importance as Lord Shiva. Usually Parvathi Devi is worshipped on the same sanctum of Lord Shiva on the rare side of Lord Shiva's sanctum.
The belief about the temple says that Lord Shiva, after the death of Sati Devi, was in a stage of deep meditation and Sri Parvathy prays Lord Shiva, wishing to get him as her husband.The Demi-Gods also knew this fact that only the son born to Lord Shiva and Sri Parvathy can kill Demon Tharaka, the enemy of the Demi-Gods. So the Demi-Gods engage Kama Deva to disturb the meditation of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva who gets angry kills Kaamadeva by opening his third eye and resides here in the disposition of Marari.
The temple has to its account a lot of specialties which are unseen in any other temple, the most prominent being the Aarattu ceremony in relation to the temple festival being held at the Arabian sea. This is also the one of the rarest temples where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy sit facing each other with Goddess Parvathi given equal importance as Lord Shiva. Usually Parvathi Devi is worshipped on the same sanctum of Lord Shiva on the rare side of Lord Shiva's sanctum.
The belief about the temple says that Lord Shiva, after the death of Sati Devi, was in a stage of deep meditation and Sri Parvathy prays Lord Shiva, wishing to get him as her husband.The Demi-Gods also knew this fact that only the son born to Lord Shiva and Sri Parvathy can kill Demon Tharaka, the enemy of the Demi-Gods. So the Demi-Gods engage Kama Deva to disturb the meditation of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva who gets angry kills Kaamadeva by opening his third eye and resides here in the disposition of Marari.
The main deity here is Lord Shiva who is Swayambhoo, manifested by its own. The Sanctum is square shaped, with the walls constructed using hard rocks, and the roof being made with timber and covered with copper sheets. Lot of sculpture works are done around the Sanctum, which makes the Sanctum rich in sculptural excellence. Also there is an idol of Nandikeswara in the Namaskara Mandapa. The Balikkalpura is constructed using timber and the roof of which is marvelously covered using copper sheets.
The flagmast of the temple is Panchaloha (five metal alloy), except for the seven rings in the middle, which is made in bronze. The rings made of panchaloha are beautified by gold covering.
Lord Shiva is worshipped by devotees here in three different bhaavas, namely Marari who is Samhaara Moorthy (the annihilator), Dakshinamurthy, the Aadi guru who is in meditation facing south and Sambhashiva (some call it as Sadashiva, disposition of Shiva with five faces).
Sri Parvathi Devi, in her Swayamvara bhaava, sits opposite to Lord Shiva. The sanctum sanctorum is situated just east of the flagmast, on the north side. The sanctum is square shaped and the roof is covered by copper sheets. The idol of Sree Parvathi, which is covered in silver, is visible behind the Swayambhoo idol.
Thirumararikulam is itself considered as amidst of seven sacred ponds and Sreekovil is built around it. There are seven divine ponds near the temple. Sankara theertham is on the sea shore and is where Palli Aarattu is taking place. On the west, there is haritha theertham which is considered as the one which could wash away all the sins. Koodi Aarattu (Aarattu of both Lord and Goddess together) is taking place at Aarattu kulam and is also considered sacred. Fifth important pond is one theerthakkulam situated on the north side of the temple. Cheruthottukulam, the sixth pond, is the location where Palli vetta (divine hunting) is usually performed. Seventh pond is on the south side of the temple and thus Mararikulam is itself considered as the location of 'Saptha theertha' or Seven sacred ponds.
Main offerings of the temple are:
1. DHAARA
Jaladhaara is one of the most important vazhipadu for Sree Mahadeva. This is done using the holy water from the temple well. Dhaara is followed by Nivedyam. Dhaara is done at Ucha pooja and Pantheeradi pooja. The prasadam for Dhaara is the theerthajalam and the rice of the Nivedyam. Dhaara is widely done for the blessings of Sree Mahadeva.
2. SWAYAMVARA PUSHPAANJALI
This is mainly done for the blessings of Sree Parvathy. This is widely done by female devotees for getting a husband with a good personality, and to overcome the problems related with marriages.
3. MRITYUNJAYA PUSHPAANJALI
This is mainly done for the relief from diseases and to avoid mishaps. Mrityunjaya mantra is being chanted and archana is done.
4. PAALPAAYASAM
This is the most important offering for Lord Vishnu. This is done for the blessings of Lord Vishnu.
5. THAALICHAARTHU
This is mainly done by unmarried girls for getting married. Gold thaali is offered in this vazhipadu to Parvathy Devi.
6. PUSHPAANJALI
This is among the most common offerings done by devotees. This is done at all temples.
7. KOOVALAMAALA & PINVILAKKU
These are among the favourite offerings for Marari Devan.
8. ERATTI PAAYASAM
The most important nivedyam for Sree Parvathy. Eratti nivedyam is daily done during the Ucha pooja.
9. GANAPATHI HOMAM
Ganapathi homa is done daily at 5:30 in the morning. They are widely done as offering by devotees on Fridays and Full moon days.
Sub-deities of the temple are quite a few and of them Lord Vishnu also called as Manuveli Vishnu is the most prominent. Mahavishnu here is considered as in the disposition of Lord Dhanwanthari. Other sub-deities are Deva Yakshi, Ganapathi, Sastha, Subrahmaniya, Serpent Gods and Yakshi amma.
Temple festival falls on the month of Kumbha and is eight-day long with magnificent and spectacular fetivities.
Sub-deities of the temple are quite a few and of them Lord Vishnu also called as Manuveli Vishnu is the most prominent. Mahavishnu here is considered as in the disposition of Lord Dhanwanthari. Other sub-deities are Deva Yakshi, Ganapathi, Sastha, Subrahmaniya, Serpent Gods and Yakshi amma.
Temple festival falls on the month of Kumbha and is eight-day long with magnificent and spectacular fetivities.
