Sri Kanteshwaram is the temple ascribed to the worship of Sri Mahadeva, one of the manifestations of Bhagwan Shiva. This temple is considered as one of Sri Parasu Rama Kshetrams.
The temple is just a kilometer away from Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple.
It is believed that the temple is more than 700 years old.
On entering the temple entrance, we get to see the Dwajasthambam and Bali peedam. Near the Dwajasthambam, we get to see the small Nandhi facing the entrance. This is unique because, in almost all temples, Nandhi always faces Bhagwan Shiva.
At the pillars near the Dwajasthambam, we get to see the sculptures of Bhagwan Muruga and Sri Anjaneya Swamy. There is a beautiful Sri Krishna vigraha nearby.
At the main sanctum, Bhagwan Shiv is worshipped as Sri Gowri Shankara. He is facing east. In the inner parikrama prakaram, Bhagwan Aiyappa blesses as Sri Sastha in a separate sanctum.
At the outer parikrama path, we get the darshan of Sri Ganesha, Sri Krishna, Sri Nagaraja and Sri Bootathan in separate sanctums.
Mruthyunjaya Homam, Mrutyunjaya Archana, Jala Dhara, Pin Vilakku, Kuvala Mala Samarpanam are some of the puja rituals observed in this temple.
The annual festival of the temple is celebrated in Dhanu month (Dec-Jan). Aaratu is done on the Thiruvadhira Star-day.
All Shivrathri days including Maha Shivrathri, Pradosham days and Thiruvadira festivals are celebrated with ardent devotion.
The temple is open from 04.00 A.M to 12.00 Noon and from 05.00 P.M to 07.30 P.M.
The temple can be easily reached by an auto or by walk from Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Trivandrum.
