Sacred Pothundy Shiva Temple Nenmara, Palakkad

Pothundi Shiva Temple is a well-known Hindu temple located near Pothundi Dam, close to Nemmara in Palakkad district, Kerala. Set amidst the scenic foothills of the Nelliyampathy Hills, the temple is surrounded by natural beauty and attracts both devotees and visitors. The main deity is Lord Shiva, worshipped in the form of a self-manifested (Swayambhu) Shiva Linga, which is regarded as the temple’s most sacred feature.

The exact date of the establishment of Pothundi Shiva Temple is not known. However, the Nemmara–Pothundi region was historically an important area along the border of the Kingdom of Cochin and the Palakkad royal family. Local history suggests that the temple developed around a self-manifested (Swayambhu) Shiva Linga in this forested region. Over time, the temple fell into neglect and became overgrown, but it was later restored by the local community and regular worship and festivals were resumed. Today, the temple is administered by the Cochin Devaswom Board. Along with the Board’s administration, a Temple Advisory Committee (TAC), consisting of local devotees, helps oversee the temple’s daily activities and the smooth conduct of its festivals.

According to local legend, this area was once covered by dense forest, where wild animals, especially elephants, were said to stand peacefully near the self-manifested (Swayambhu) Shiva Linga. The legend also says that the Shiva Linga, which had remained hidden beneath the earth and dense vegetation for many years, was discovered by local people who had entered the forest to cut grass or collect forest produce. These simple local legends form an important part of the temple’s heritage.

Built in the traditional Kerala style of temple architecture, the temple has a simple and elegant design without elaborate structures or towering gateway towers. Visitors enter through a traditional tiled entrance gateway into the temple courtyard, where the Balikkal (sacrificial stone altar) stands facing the main shrine within the laterite and granite compound wall. The Nalambalam (inner courtyard) surrounds the Sreekovil (sanctum) and the Thidappally (temple kitchen) is located on one side. Traditional lamp stands are fixed along the outer walls of the Nalambalam, where oil lamps are lit during festivals. The lush Nelliyampathy Hills and the dense trees behind the temple add to its natural setting.

The main deity is enshrined in a traditional square-shaped Sreekovil (sanctum) built in the Kerala style of temple architecture. The sanctum has a granite base, laterite stone walls and a single-tiered sloping tiled roof. A granite Sopanam (steps leading to the sanctum) stands at the front, while guardian figures are carved on either side of the entrance. On the northern side, a stone water outlet carries away the water used for Abhishekam (ritual bathing). The temple’s main deity is a self-manifested (Swayambhu) Shiva Linga, around which a granite pedestal was added later to channel the ritual water through the outlet. Rising naturally from the ground, this Shiva Linga is the temple’s most distinctive feature.

In addition to the main deity, the temple has several other shrines. The shrine of Kannimoola Ganapathi is located in the south-western corner of the Nalambalam. Lord Ayyappa is enshrined in a separate shrine within the temple complex, where special rituals are held during the Mandala season. There is also a shrine dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy on the northern side. In the north-western corner, a Naga Thara is dedicated to Naga deities, including Nagaraja and Nagayakshi.

The temple’s main annual festival is Maha Shivaratri, celebrated during the Malayalam month of Kumbham (February–March). On this occasion, special poojas, Laksharchana, various Abhishekams and Shivaratri fasting rituals are performed. During the Mandala–Makaravilakku season, from the Malayalam months of Vrischikam to Dhanu (November–January), special poojas and ceremonies are held for Lord Shiva and Lord Ayyappa. In the month of Karkidakam (July–August), the temple conducts Ramayana recitation and special offerings. In addition, special poojas for Lord Shiva are performed on every monthly Shivaratri, while special rituals for the Naga deities are held on every Ayilyam star day. The temple also receives a large number of devotees during the Nenmara Vallangi Vela festival, when special prayers are conducted.

The main offerings at the temple include Dhara (ritual water offering), tender coconut Dhara, milk Dhara, offering a Koovalam (bilva) garland, Pinvilakku and Pithru Namaskaram. Devotees perform these offerings for peace of mind, good health, relief from hardships, marital harmony, the fulfilment of wishes and the peace of their ancestors’ souls. Offerings to the other deities include Ottayappam and Karuka Mala to Kannimoola Ganapathi for the removal of obstacles, Neerajanam to Lord Ayyappa for good health and relief from the effects of Saturn (Shani) and milk Abhishekam and Kadumpayasam to the Naga deities for Naga Dosha remedies. Chuttuvilakku and Niramala are also important offerings, made for family prosperity and overall well-being.

The temple opens daily at 5:00 AM with Nirmalya Darshan. This is followed by Abhishekam and Malar Nivedyam at 5:30 AM, Usha Pooja at 6:30 AM, Jaladhara and Tender Coconut Dhara at 8:30 AM and Ucha Pooja at 10:00 AM. The temple closes at 10:30 AM. It reopens at 5:00 PM, followed by Deeparadhana at 6:30 PM and Athazha Pooja at 7:30 PM, before closing for the day at 8:00 PM. The pooja schedule and temple timings may vary during Maha Shivaratri, the Mandala season and other special occasions. On Maha Shivaratri, the temple remains open throughout the night.

Sacred History & Spiritual Significance

This sacred temple stands as a testament to deep spiritual devotion, ancient architectural grandeur, and rich local cultural traditions.

Temple Sanctum & Architecture

The sanctum sanctorum houses the divine idol consecrated according to ancient Vedic traditions, surrounded by serene courtyards and traditional temple architecture.

Sacred Darshan Gallery