Arakkuparamba Ardhanariswara Temple, also known as the Jalavasam Temple, is located in Velingode (Velingodu) village, near Perinthalmanna in Malappuram District, Kerala.The main deity of this temple is Lord Ardhanarishvara, a rare and sacred form of Lord Shiva united with Goddess Parvati in one body — the right half male (Shiva) and the left half female (Parvati).
The deity here is in the form of a Swayambhu (self-manifested) Shivalingam, which naturally combines two granite stones symbolizing both divine energies. This form represents the perfect balance between creation and destruction, power and compassion, consciousness and energy.
Sub-deities in the temple include Sree Bhagavathy and Nagadevas. Devotees believe that worshipping Lord Ardhanarishvara here blesses them with harmony in marriage, unity in relationships, and balance in life.
The temple is built in traditional Kerala architectural style, featuring tiled roofs, wooden pillars, and a simple yet sacred design. What makes it extraordinary is that the Sanctum Sanctorum (Sreekovil), Namaskara Mandapam, and even the Pradakshina path (circumambulation path) are always filled with water.
Devotees must wade through the cool water to have darshan of the deity, making the experience both purifying and memorable. During bright sunlight, the reflection of the Shivalingam glows in the water, creating a mesmerizing divine sight. On Maha Shivaratri, the temple authorities drain out the water to enable a clear darshan and perform special midnight rituals.
The temple’s flag post is another unique feature — it is 32 feet tall and carved from a single stone, symbolizing strength and stability.
The temple’s history dates back several centuries, though its exact period of origin is unknown. According to temple records, a yogi meditating on a nearby hill in Velingodu once witnessed a divine light emerging from the earth — a vision of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati together. Following divine instruction, he performed puja at the same spot, which later became the site of this temple.
It is believed that the Shivalinga appeared naturally (Swayambhu) and the area surrounding it slowly filled with water, symbolizing the inseparable union of Shiva (consciousness) and Shakti (energy). Local lore connects this region to events from the Mahabharata, including the legend of Duryodhana’s lac house (Lackshagriha) believed to have been constructed near this place.
According to the Sthalapurana, long ago, sages performing penance in this region prayed to Lord Shiva to bless them with a vision of both Shiva and Parvati in their true form of unity. Responding to their devotion, Lord Shiva manifested as Ardhanarishvara, combining both divine energies into a single form. The immense energy of this manifestation is believed to have created the Swayambhu Lingam at Arakkuparamba, which continues to radiate divine grace.
The constant presence of water around the sanctum represents life and fertility (Shakti) surrounding stillness and consciousness (Shiva). This sacred balance is said to remove conflicts, heal relationships, and bless devotees with peace and prosperity.
The temple celebrates Maha Shivaratri with night-long rituals, Pradosham twice a month, and Navaratri and Thiruvathira for marital harmony. Annadanam is offered during major festivals for devotees.
