Kerala’s capital, Trivandrum, is in the gilded south of India. In addition to its many tourist attractions, the city’s notable churches, significant temples, museums, and other architecturally stunning buildings contribute to its aesthetic significance as a capital city. The Shiva temples in Trivandrum hold great importance in Indian culture. Each temple in the area is very meaningful for the capital’s residents. Tourists and devotees frequently visit these important Shiva temples, which dot the surrounding countryside, to experience their spiritual and cultural heritage.
10 Shiva Temples In Trivandrum
Trivandrum’s Shiva temples are exquisite and unmatched in their divine nature. Here is a list of some popular Shiva temples in Trivandrum:
1. Aazhimala Siva Temple
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
The outstanding beauty of the temple is shown in the form of a 54-foot-tall sculpture of the deity Shiva. The magnificent statue represents Lord Shiva in his Gangadhareswara form. There is a beautiful aesthetic and spiritual appeal to the figurine of the goddess Ganga flowing out of Lord Shiva’s hairlocks. This seaside temple adds a holy beauty to the beach where it is situated. This temple is also associated with the Pandavas, as it is believed that they spent time in this temple during their exile.
Timings: 5:30 AM – 10:30 AM & 5 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Vizhinjam P.O., Thiruvananthapuram
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2. Mithrandhapuram Trimurti Temple
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It is one of the famous Shiva temples in Trivandrum, which is a combined place for the three supreme deities, Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma. Devotees worship the supreme powers in the sacred temple, which features separate segments dedicated to each deity. This arrangement allows for focused and respectful worship of each lord. Mithrandhapuram Trimurti Temple is built in a traditional Kerala-style manner, giving it a minimalistic look. The temple is surrounded by lush greenery and water, attracting tourists. There is also a Nagaraja temple nearby.
Timings: 12 AM – 10:30 AM & 5 PM – 12 AM
Location: B 211, Pazhavangadi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
3. Pazhaya Srikanteswaram Temple
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This ancient and popular temple in Trivandrum honours both Lord Shiva and Lord Krishna and is recognised as one of the oldest temples in Trivandrum, Kerala. Despite its small size, the temple offers a perfect setting for a spiritual journey for devotees. The distance between the old Pazhaya Sreekanteswaram Temple and the new Sreekanteswaram Temple is about one kilometre. All Hindu sacred celebrations honouring Shivji and Vishnuji are celebrated enthusiastically here. It is one of the most popular temples of Trivandrum.
Timings: 5 AM – 9 AM & 5 PM – 8 PM
Location: Mahatma Gandhi Rd, S.M.V. School Overbridge, Overbridge, Santhi Nagar, Vanchiyoor, Thiruvananthapuram
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4. Valiyasala Mahadeva Temple
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The Kanthalloor Mahadeva Temple in Valiyasala is a Trimurti temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. According to a legend, when the wives of the Chera, Chola, and Pandya dynasties carried out the ancient Sati rite, ultimately leading to their demise, their pyres built three temples for each supreme lord. This legendary temple is the second-biggest temple in Trivandrum after Shree Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
Location: Valiyasala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
5. Sasthamangalam Mahadevar Temple
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The stunning temple honouring Lord Shiva is a haven of peace and tranquillity atop Radhapurakunnu hill. The temple houses other deities, including the sons of Shiva, Murgguan, and Lord Ganesha. The temple is open for meditation visits by tourists and devotees. This temple celebrates the 10-day Trikkodiyettu Mahotsavam festival during the month of Dhanu (December to January). It is well-known for both its spiritual past and beautiful architectural style.
Timings: 5 AM – 11 AM & 5 PM – 8 PM
Location: Near Soorya Gardens, Sasthamangalam – Pipinmoodu Rd, Sasthamangalam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
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6. Karakkamandapam Temple
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This Shiva temple in Thiruvananthapuram is well known for having an unusual, circular sanctum sanctorum (karakkamandapam), uniquely designed according to Shiva’s likeness, thereby drawing much reverence among devotees all over India. Located here is arguably the most beautiful example of architectural beauty, characterised by a circular shape and one of the most important temples in the city. It also serves as a worship centre where various religious events are held.
Timings: 5 AM – 10 AM & 5 PM – 8 PM
Location: Melamcode Temple Road, Karakkamandapam, Sathya Nagar, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
7. Cherubalamandham Sree Siva Temple
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The Cherupalamandam Sree Siva Temple is one of the oldest Trivandrum temples. This temple had its foundation laid by great sages in the 14th Century. It reiterates traditional Kerala architecture with excellent wood carvings. This temple is most famous for its “Thiruvathira Mahotsavam,” which attracts many devotees yearly. The peaceful surroundings and rich cultural rituals make this shrine very important from a spiritual point of view across Kerala.
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
Location: Trivandrum-Nagercoil Hwy, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
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8. Aliyavoor Shiva Temple
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The history of Aliyavoor Shiva Temple is shrouded in legends and spiritual traditions. This ancient temple is significant, with its mesmerising Kerala architecture that people admire worldwide. The Shiva lingam was found by a group of worshipers devoted to Lord Shiva. One should visit this place right away, as it looks astonishing, especially during moments like the Maha Shivaratri festival. The temple attracts devotees from all around the world, especially during festivities.
Timings: 5:30 AM – 9 AM & 5:30 PM – 8 PM
Location: Powdikonam – Vattakarikkakom Rd, Thiruvananthapuram, Uliyazhathura, Kerala
9. Sreekanteswaram Mahadeva Temple
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The sanctuary is famous for its authentic Kerala architecture, elaborate timber workings dating more than a millennium ago, and a Sanctorum containing a Shiva Lingam. On the auspicious day of Mahashivarathri, celebrations are in full swing at the shrine, drawing large numbers of worshippers for unique rites and cultural events. Among other things, everyday temple priests offer ceremonies comprising abhisheka and aarti as part of keeping up with their original purpose and meaning.
Timings: 4 AM – 12 PM & 5 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Sreekanteswara Temple Rd, Nalumukku, Pazhavangadi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
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10. Aruvippuram Sree Mahadeva Temple
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This temple was founded by the great social leader Sree Narayana Guru in 1888. It broke the traditional restrictions and limitations of casteism and invited people from all walks of life to worship here. The idol of Lord Shiva is in the form of a naturally self-formed Shiva Lingam on the side of the Neyyar River. Maha Shivaratri, one of the most important annual festivals for Lord Shiva, is celebrated with great enthusiasm and participation by various devotees from far and wide.
Timings: 5:30 AM – 12:30 AM & 5:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Location: Aruvippuram village, Trivandrum, Kerala
Visiting the Shiva Temples in Trivandrum will add a spiritual element to your lively journey. The aura, energies, and serene placements make these holy temples ideal for tourists. From showcasing ancient architecture to historic significance, these Shiva temples overflow with wisdom and spirituality. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning for a memorable trip to Trivandrum with TripXL now.
Cover Photo: Ms Sarah Welch /Wikimedia Commons