Sivalaya Ottam at Kalkulam Shivan Temple, Kanyakumari

Featured here is the Sivalaya Ottam ritual at Kalkulam Shivan Temple near the renowned Padmanabhapuram Palace. Sivalaya Ottam is a ritualistic marathon celebrated in the 12 Shiva temples in Vilavancode and Kalkulam taluks of Kanyakumari district as part of Mahasivarathri celebrations.

Among the 12 participatory temples in the Sivalaya Ottam, Kalkulam is the only temple where there is an exclusive sanctum for Goddess Parvathi. The big gopuram (tower) is also a special feature of this temple. The architecture is a blend of both Tamil Nadu and Keralite style.