Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple is a located in Nilakkal, in the eastern side of Pathanamthitta district of Kerala state, India. The temple is dedicated to lord Shiva and it is one of the important "idathavalam" or halting place for the Sabarimala piligrims. The shrine is administrated by Travancore Devaswom Board. During Sabarimala pilgrimage, lots of devotees visit the temple.
Lord Shiva is the presiding deity and it's believed to be in two moods, Ugramoorthy (fierce) and Mangala pradayakan (auspicious). A common belief is that Lord Shiva is showering his blessings to his son Lord Ayyappa to fight against all evil spirits while throwing all anger to the evils. As in many Shiva shrines, a number of oxes are protected in the temple premises.
There is only two Upa Prathishtas (sub deities) here, Lord Kannimoola Ganapathi and Nandi.
Three Poojas are held here every day. The morning section includes Usha pooja, noon section with Ucha pooja and the desk section concludes with Deeparadhana. Special weekly days are Sunday, Monday and Friday.
The "Maha Shivaratri" held annually is one of the noted festivals of the temple. Besides Shivarathri, the temple celebrates its Thiruvutsavam every year in grand style. At times of Sabarimala pilgrimage, devotees from various states visit the temple for their welfare and sake.
