ERNAKULAM SHIVA TEMPLE

Arjuna, the pandava performs a severe penance to propitiate Lord Shiva. Pleased with Arjuna’s devotion Shiva accompanied with his consort Sri Parvathi set out from their abode at Kailash to meet Arjuna. Shiva disguises himself as " Kiratha" a tribal hunter before appearing before Arjuna. Just as Shiva appears before Arjuna he sees a wild boar charging towards Arjuna and shoots an arrow at the boar. Arjuna, who is an accomplished archer, also shoots an arrow at the boar. A dispute arises between Arjuna and Kiratha as to who is the real killer of the animal. A battle ensues between the two, lasting a long time, ultimately resulting in Kiratha’s victory over Arjuna. The vanquished Arjuna, unable to even stand up makes a Shiva Linga out of mud and performs a pooja offering flowers. To his surprise, he sees that the flower he offers over the Shiva Linga is falling over the head of Kiratha. Arjuna then realises that Kiratha is none other than his Lord Shiva. Shiva, in his true form, along with Parvathy appears before Arjuna and blesses him. He also gifts him the divine arrow, the " Pasupathastram." This Linga is "Gourisankara roopam" that is seen as "Swayambhoolingam" in the Sanctum Sanctorium. The idol is made of a rare stone known as Patala Anjana. One of the rarest Shiva temples where the lord is facing the sea towards the west