Azhimala Rockcut Temple

The Azhimala Rockcut temple located near Vizhinjam in Trivandrum is one with an immense historical significance ,but whose importance and uniqueness isn't well known to the general public at large . This temple is one of the only two rock cut temples currently known in southern Kerala the other being the Madavoorpara temple also in Trivandrum district . This temple was constructed by the Ay Kings who originally ruled the Venad Kingdom before the establishment of the current Kulashekara Dynasty by the Southern branch of the Kolathiri Family of Kannur. The place name itself suggests that the hill on which it stands was the head quarters of the Ay Dynasty - Azhi -Mala ("Hill of Ay").

There were reports in newspapers about the discovery of ruins of fort and recovery of burnt ships from the Vizhinjam Harbour that could possibly have been as a result of the well documented  Chola Invasion of Kandalur War.  

This is a centrally protected monument under the control of Archaeological Survey of India since 1965.

Tri-lingual signboard of ASI

Path leading from the Vizhinjam road to the shrine

The temple which seems to be incomplete (possibly due to some Chola/Pandyan Invasion) consists of a cell  having an independent seated idol of Dakshinamurthi that is datable to 8th century AD .The two sides of the cell have the sculptures of Tripurantaka and Shiva as Nataraja with Parvati standing close to him.

Façade of the shrine

Tripurantaka Sculpture

Tripurantaka carrying a bow and arrow in two of his four hands is a fine example of the 8th century sculptural art . His left foot rests on Apasmara , the crown of hair elegantly carved as a high head dress and is highly ornate .It is interesting that different forms of  Tripurantaka had evolved at such an early stage . This representation is a precursor of a similar type in metal during the time of Rajaraja- I . 

Unidentified possible Yakshas or Yakshini figurines at the pedestal of the Tripurantaka  sculpture

the incomplete Shiva and Parvati figurines on the right flank of the central cell.

"Key Hole"

Dakshinamurthy

remnants of the unfinished project

side view of the rock

back of the rock

Ulloor Subramanian Swamy Temple

Ulloor Subramanian Swamy temple is a very famous temple of Trivandrum located at Ulloor and dedicated to Lord Murugan whose more famous abode is the Palani Hills Temple. On this day of Onam'12 i decided to visit this temple for the first time . Initially i lost my way through the maze of Ulloor Gardens Residential Colony but finally with the help of kind hearted samaritan i was directed to the temple and reached the temple pond from where i reached the main entrance through the side road. .

This temple is a breathtakingly beautiful and ancient one . It has a large floor space with a huge and well maintained pond .  There is the main temple which is built of wood with a sanctum sanctorum dedicated to Lord Murugan and secondary shrines surrounding the main temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Bhramarakshas , Navagraha , Lord Ganesha and Navagrahas .

Exquisite wood panels attest to the cultural and religious heritage of the site

Temple is an example of traditional Kerala temple architecture

The sanctum sanctorum of the main temple is constructed following the circular design- kerala architecture while the shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva follows the rectangular Chola /Pandya design . There is a very tall bronze flag post used for ceremonial flag hoisting purposes during festivals . There is also a rather handsome peacock who graciously displayed his magnificent plumage and posed for several snaps when i chanced by his enclosure.

Shrine to Lord Shiva which has been constructed in the typical Chola/Pandyan Style

Bronze "kodimaram" Flag post 

The temple though located only a stone's throw away from the NH-47 retains the serenity and idyllic charm of village shrine .

Gateway to the temple on the eastern side which has a two floor gate house

Though the heavy traffic and bad roads from kowdiar to ulloor are a con still the spiritual vibrations that i felt at the place calls me back to visit it again and again .

the "Aal Maram"

Steps leading to the temple pond

The "Mayil Vahanam" of Lord Murugan

Beautiful plumage in full glory... come on girls i am open for "business"

Strutting .....but no girls no watch him

the dejected bachelor is back to his original post