Aruvippuram

Aruvippuram is a pilgrim centre located in a picturesque location, 24 kms from Thiruvananthapuram. It is also a small but lovely picnic spot. The place derives its name from a stream. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It attracts lots of devotees during the festival of "Shiva Ratri". The famous reformer Sree Narayana Guru built the temple in the 19th century. He came upon the idea of building a temple when the local people requested him to build a place of worship for them. Sree Narayana Guru built this temple on the banks the river from which the place derives its name. Located in picturesque location in Thiruvananthapuram, this pilgrim center is a popular picnic spot and many tourists visit Aruvippuram pilgrim center while visiting Kerala. The installation of the temple at Aruvippuram became a mile-stone in the history of India’s spiritual emancipation. In 1888, Narayana Guru installed a Shiva statue at this temple defying the traditional orthodox concept that only a Bhramin priest could officiate at such relegious functions. This event marked the turning point in the struggle of millions of people, to worship in the temple of their own choice. The Shivaratri festival celebrated in Kumbam that is February or March is a mega event attended by several thousands of devotees.