Rameshwara Temple

Rameshwara Temple (celebrated across South India as the historic Kollam Rameshwara Mahadeva Temple and one of the most ancient and epigraphically priceless Shiva shrines of Kerala), situated in the quiet coastal heritage quarter of Amaravila near Kollam port just 2 km west of Kollam city center in Kerala, stands as a supreme treasure of early medieval Venad and Pandyan architectural grandeur.

Dating back over 900 years to the early 12th century AD (circa 1102 AD) during the reign of King Rama Varma Kulasekhara (the last monarch of the Second Chera Empire) and subsequently patronized by the royal Venad Rajas of Desinganadu, this sacred Mahakshetram preserves rare Vatteluttu stone inscriptions documenting the royal establishment of Quilon (Kollam) as a thriving international maritime capital and regulating temple endowments.

It's the home of an imposing two tiered circular granite Sreekovil (Sanctum Sanctorum) crowned with conical copper roofs, the majestic consecrated Shiva Lingam installed facing east, the exquisite square Namaskara Mandapam supported by 16 intricately sculpted monolithic granite pillars showcasing celestial dancers (Apsaras), dragon like mythical beasts (Vyalis), and epic Ramayana battle friezes, ancient 14th century wooden ceiling carvings depicting the cosmic dance of Lord Nataraja, an imposing granite Deepa Sthambam, and the peaceful temple pond.

It represents a rich epigraphical, architectural, and Shaivite sanctuary where 12th century Chera Venad royal history, rare Vatteluttu stone inscriptions, master Dravidian stone masonry, and peaceful seaside temple traditions unite in Kollam municipality.

Located in Amaravila near Kollam Beach, it sits just 2.5 km from Kollam Junction Railway Station (QLN), 3 km from Thangassery Fort, and 68 km from Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), easily accessible by auto rickshaws, local city buses, and coastal walking routes.

The 12th Century Vatteluttu Royal Inscriptions

The temple is an invaluable archaeological landmark housing historic 12th century granite inscriptions in the ancient Vatteluttu and Old Malayalam scripts.

These epigraphs detail royal decrees by the Venad kings, tax remissions for merchants, and provisions for feeding travelers arriving at the ancient port of Quilon.

Truth is, tracing the centuries old weathered stone letters on the temple base while the sound of Arabian Sea waves echoes in the background is fascinating.

Pandyan & Chera Granite Stonecraft

The Sculpted Mandapam: The 16 pillar Namaskara Mandapam exhibits rare stone sculptures of Yalis, Gajasimhas, and guardian dwarapalakas reflecting Tamil Pandyan influence on Chera art.

Teak Ceiling Reliefs: Intricately carved wooden panels on the ceiling portray the 24 forms of Lord Vishnu and the cosmic Tandava dance of Lord Shiva.

The Annual Maha Shivaratri & Ten Day Utsavam

Grand Shivaratri Celebrations: Thousands of devotees gather for all night vigil (Jagaranam), continuous Rudrabhishekam, and musical recitals on Shivaratri.

The Annual Utsavam: Held in the Malayalam month of Medam (April/May), the festival features caparisoned elephant pageants, Chenda Melam, and the holy Arattu bath in the sea.

After offering prayers at Kollam Rameshwara Temple, visit the 144 foot Thangassery Lighthouse, cruise the tranquil waters of Ashtamudi Lake, or explore the open air sand plains of Oachira Parabrahma Temple.