Uliyanoor Mahadeva Temple, Aluva, Ernakulam Dist., Kerala

Uliyanoor Temple – East Side

We are traveling along NH-47 from Ernakulam to Aluva observing the drastic developments around.

Aluva is exploding into a big town. The ongoing metro work, the traffic jams, the suffocating city heat are all signs of the same. Just before entering the Aluva town, close to the market, a newly built road takes us to Uliyanoor village. A big hoarding of the Uliyanoor Temple welcomes us at the entrance of the road. We cross a bridge across Periyar river. The towering apartments around tell us the real estate business is thriving in this area.

"Hmm. The profusion of population, pollution and property is spreading into the villages as well." - feels Abhi

Parallel to the new road, an old narrow bridge could be seen - the bridge to the history of this village. Earlier, that was the lone bridge connecting this village to the Aluva town. Now with developments a new bridge along with several other constructions have popped up around. The village is reasonably inhabited. Traveling about 2 km through the village road, we reached Uliyanoor Mahadeva Temple, one of the 108 Siva Temples of Kerala, believed to be constructed by the legendary Perumthachan.

A well maintained pond is seen directly in front of the temple. A note at the entrance tells us to first pray at the nearby Madathilappan Temple before entering Uliyanoor temple. Madathilappan temple, believed to be consecrated by Parasurama, is a single tower like structure made of old red brick stones. Here Lord Siva is worshiped as Madathilappan. The concept behind this specific name is not clear. We have seen the deity of Madathilappan at Peruvanam Mahadeva Temple as well. The common thing noticed at both the places is that the deity is consecrated in a tall sanctum. Madathilappan Temple is said to have existed before the construction of Uliyanoor Temple. The entry to the top of the structure is not allowed. To the North of the structure an idol of Swayamboo Ganapathi is also present. Periyar river flows about 100 feet from this temple.

Uliyanoor – Madathilappan

Relatively, the Uliyanoor temple is rather new. The outside temple wall do have an old feel, however, inside the temple most of the constructions are renovated. The main sanctum is majestic vatta-sreekovil said to be supported by 64 wooden beams. The nandi idol in front is covered with copper. Lord Siva faces East while Parvathi Devi is consecrated here facing West. 

Uliyanoor Temple – West Side

Even though the temple is believed to be originally constructed by Perumthachan, other than the vatta-sreekovil, there are no other notable art forms on wood or stone found here. It is said the attack of Tipu Sultan destroyed the Dwarapalakas and damaged the Nandi idol. As we observed at Kizhthali Siva Temple, here also the ruthless attack would have probably destroyed all the original constructions and works of Perumthachan. A special pond (Pangulam) which assumed different shapes when viewed from different angles, created by Perumthachan was also present here. However, other than the magical legend, time has consumed all those wonderful creations. An archeological excavation of Periyar river in this area might shed light into the true history of this temple.

The temple administration and the local people are trying to gather funds to further renovate the temple. Their attempts are in right spirit but we hope in their efforts the remaining history of this temple does not get wiped out.