Nilakkal Sree Mahadeva Temple

Nilakkal Sree Mahadeva Temple is a Shiva temple in Pathanamthitta district, run by the Travancore Devaswom Board. It lies about 1 km from the main highway to Sabarimala, ringed by thick forest and rubber plantations at about 386 metres above sea level, and in the Sabarimala season it draws many pilgrims, both from Kerala and from other states.

Shiva is believed to appear in two moods at once, fierce and auspicious; a common belief is that he blesses his son Ayyappa in his fight against evil while turning his anger on evil forces. Kannimoola Ganapathi and Nandi are the only sub-deities, and as at many Shiva shrines, oxen are kept on the premises. Three pujas are held each day, ending with deeparadhana in the evening, and Sunday, Monday and Friday are special days. Maha Shivaratri and the annual Thiruvutsavam are the main festivals.