Tuk Tuk Temple Trail Tour
Welcome to the Tuk Tuk Temple Trail Tour, a curated journey that invites you to explore the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of ancient and sacred temples around Aluva. This unique trail is not just a tour but a soulful experience where history, art, and devotion come together.
As we embark on this journey, you'll witness the architectural brilliance, hear the timeless legends, and feel the serene energy that each temple radiates. Each destination on this trail has its own story, steeped in tradition and offering insights into the spiritual fabric of the region.
It will be more unique and exciting when we go by a Tuk Tuk (Auto Rickshaw) which connects you to the pulse of the locality. As we voyaging through narrow lanes, busy markets, and buzzing town, feel free to ask questions, take photos, or simply soak in the lively atmosphere.
Be Prepared to be inspired, enlightened, and moved as we begin our Tuk Tuk Temple Trail Tour. Let the journey unfold!
Aluva, The satellite town of Kochi:
Aluva, situated on the banks of Periyar, the longest River in Kerala has historic traces date back to 250 BC. The Gateway to Kochi, Aluva has a close proximity of just 11.8 km with Cochin International Airport. It is believed that the name Aluva has come from a well known episode in the Hindu Epic Ramayana. Jatayu, the celestial vulture came to save Sita from Ravana who abducted her to Lanka. During the fight between Jatayu and Ravana, Jatayu was cut in to three pieces by Ravana. The mouth part of Jatayu fell at the place now called Aluva. Jatayu was a cursed sage who's real name was Alu Maharshi. Thus where the mouth (vaaya in Malayalam) of Alu fell is known as Aluva.
Aluva Mahadeva Temple:
One of the important 108 temples in Kerala dedicated to Lord Shiva, Aluva Mahadeva Temple is situated on the bank of the longest river in Kerala “Periyar”. It is believed that the deity in this temple was installed by Sage Parasurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. “Maha Shivarathri” held in the temple premises (Manappuram-Sand Bank) is one of the most famous temple festivals in Kerala. As per mythical believes, Lord Rama had performed the last rights to his friend Jatayau, who sacrificed his life in an attempt to save Sita, Lord Rama's wife from Ravana, on the banks of Periyar river. Thousands of people from across the state comes to Aluva Mahadeva Temple to perform rituals (Bali Tarpan) for their deceased ancestors.
Kadungalloor Narasimha Swami Temple:
The temple is dedicated to Lord Narasimha, the fourth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The idol of Narasimha Murthi worshipped here is six feet tall. The idol has four hands and is in "Ugra Bhava" (Firece look). The Ugra Narasimha here is the one which is annihilating Hiranyakashipu, the demon king in Hindu mythology. The murti worshiped here is referred to as "Eka Chatrapati bhavam". Due to this there are no upa devatas (sub Deities) inside the main temple (Sree Kovil). However, there are small shrines for sub deities situated outside the main temple.
Legend has it that the middle portion (nadu in Malayalam) of the body of Jatayu, the celestial bird had attempted to stop Ravana from kidnapping Sitha, had fallen here. Hence the place is called "Nadungalloor", later transformed as Kadungalloor. This temple too was attacked by Tipu Sultan. The deities in Kochambalam (small shrine) are still in deformed condition by the attack of Tipu Sultan.
Thiruvaloor Mahadeva Temple:
Thiruvaloor Mahadeva Temple is one of the famous temples in Kerala, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The idol here is believed to be an "Agni Pratishta", i.e., with Lord Siva's third eye open. You can see the pond situated in east direction of the temple in line with the idol. It is believed that this is because, the fire (agni) emitting from the idol can be harmful to people. In order to smoothen that effect the pond is constructed in that way.
During the fight between Jatayu and Ravana, Jatayu was cut in to three pieces and the tail portion (Vaal in Malayalam) fell at the place which was known as Thiruvaloor later.
Uliyannoor Sree Mahadeva Temple:
Uliyannur Mahadeva Temple, dedidated to lord Shiva, is an architectural marvel believed to have been built by the legendary master architect of ancient times “Perumthachan”. Perumthachan's master craftsmanship can be witnessed event today. The circular shaped sanctum sanctorum of the temple, with its 68 wooden beams that converge under a single dome above the sanctorum is truly a wonder. Legend has that Perumthachan found it impossible to arrange all the beams around the central point of the dome. As he prayed for long to Mahadeva for guidance, a voice was heard from the sanctum asking him to reduce the length to make it possible.
Chattukulam Shiva Temple:
It is one among the important Shiva Temples in Ernakulam dist., situated in Kadungalloor, adjacent to the corporate office of Paradise Holidays and paradise Homestay. It is believed that the temple is 2400 years old.
Dress Code:
Men - Dhothi/pants & Shirt (Shirt should be removed when entering sanctum sanctorum)
Ladies - Saree or Churidar
Timings: 6 AM to 8 AM / 5 PM to 7 PM