Azhimala Sree Mahadeva Temple and Gangadhareswara Statue
The seasoned traveller knows only too well how the inspiration and vision of a single person could transform a place from "the back of nowhere" kind into a tourist magnet. Nowhere is this truer than in the case of Azhimala, a rocky cliffside hamlet hardly 6 km from Kovalam.
Azhimala is home to a century old Mahadeva temple. But the place zoomed into popularity and draws huge crowds thanks to the newly-commissioned giant Siva statue -- Siva as Gangadhareswara, an aspect rarely chosen by sculptors.
What is interesting is that Azhimala has an almost forgotten Sree Narayana Guru connection. The last quarter of the 19th C. had seen the rise of Sree Narayana Guru in the social milieu, particularly as a strident spokesperson for the rights of the downtrodden and the untouchable. He was a saint with a practical philosophy and choosing neither to capitulate nor confront the authority of the priestly class, he boldly consecrated a Siva temple at Aruvippuram in 1888. The skies almost fell as an aftermath, as the Guru belonged to a lower caste. But the Guru adroitly parried his detractors with the comment that he had consecrated an "Ezhava Sivan", and not the one monopolised by the brahmins. This, as is well known, opened the floodgates of forces that resulted in great social changes in the following decades.
After this epochal event, during his travels the Guru visited Azimala. Captivated by the picturesque cliffside and perhaps more by its spiritual vibes, the prescient Guru expressed a wish that they should build a Siva shrine there. It was as per his direction that later a Siva temple was built there by the locals. The Azhimala temple, like many that had been consecrated by the Guru, like the Kunnumpara Temple near Kovalam and others, remained popular mostly with the locals and with the occasional traveller and pilgrim. But all that was to change, and change it did dramatically.
It was some time in 2014 that the chief priest of the temple Jyothish Potti had a vision to build a Gangadhareswara statue there. This idea fired the priest with enthusiasm and he was looking for ways to realize this dream project. As Fate might have it, a regular companion who shared his thoughts was a local boy --Devadathan, a young art student. He was all of 23 years when the inspired priest and the temple authorities entrusted him with the mammoth task of realizing that vision.
It was great challenge for the youngster who lacked not in energy or enthusiasm.. or Divine inspiration. After six long years of toil, the uniquely conceived massive statue was unveiled to the public in January, 2021. The artist had departed from many conventions and created a unique work of art on a grand scale. Soon Art lovers and pilgrims alike were making a beeline for Azimala to experience the wonderful blend of nature, art and bhakti. Today Azimala is part of a regular pilgrim/tourist circuit, thanks chiefly to the record-making statue of Mahadeva.
The magnificent 58 feet high sculpture of Siva, his gaze fixed on the eternal, his dreadlocks blowing in the wind, with Ganga Devi emerging from its knots, is indeed ample reward for the traveller and the devout pilgrim.
Future plans include a large Nandi statue and a spacious Dhyana Mandapam below the statue and an art space depicting scenes from the Puranas and the history of the temple. Better facilities for the pilgrims too is on the drawing board.
Though the highlight of the temple visit now-a-days is the mesmerizing view of the majestic Lord Siva statue , with enviable detailing and a captivating ocean backdrop, most pilgrims (and even tourists!) choose first to offer prayers at the sanctums of Mahadeva, his consort and Ganapathy. Yogeeswaran also graces the Nalambalam. The sacred grove is a short walk away nearer to the seashore, where the Nagars preside.
Azimala is just about 20 km plus from the Trivandrum bus stand and rail station. The temple visit could easily be fitted into a convenient circuit by the avid traveller, as the Chenkal Mahadeva temple, with its record-breaking Maha Siva Linga, is less than 15 km from here. Whether your inclination is more to the spiritual or to the pleasures of travel to places that offer a unique experience, Azimala is likely to satisfy you fully, the beautiful seascape being the icing on the cake.
Google Map link: https://goo.gl/maps/JajEUcCi3G9nQeG97
Temple site and contact details:
https://www.aazhimalamahadevatemple.com/
Phone :+91 471 22 684 22; email :aazhimalamahavdevatemple@gmail.com
Interview with the sculptor Devadathan :
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Superbly written. Such a pleasure to go through......
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