Aluva Shivratri - Aluva Shivaratri 2026 in Kerala

Aluva Shivaratri is the unique Shivaratri celebration held on the banks of the Periyar River at Aluva in Kerala. The banks of the river is popularly referred as Aluva Sivarathri Manappuram. Aluva Shivaratri 2026 date is February 15. The Bali ritual is the most important ritual during the period. The festivals and rituals are held at the Aluva Shiva Temple. The highlight of the festival includes reading of the Holy Scriptures associated with Lord Shiva. Hindu devotees spent the night without sleeping on the banks of the Periyar River.

Another major ritual performed during the period is the Vavubali or Shradh and Tarpan performed in honor of dead parents, relatives and ancestors. Numerous cultural programs are also held during the period.

The Periyar Riverbank is here known as Aluva Manappuram and for the Sivarathri festival a temporary sacred site is created to perform rituals.

History Of Aluva Manappuram Temple

It is believed that there used to be a temple located here which was built by Lord Parashuram. This shrine was destroyed by a flood. Later Vilwamangalam Swamiyar built a temple which was also destroyed by a flood. After this, it was decided that it is divine wish that there should be no shrine built here.

In certain years, the entire temporary shrine gets submerged in water. This is known as natural Arattu – bathing of the deity.

The naturally formed Shivling worshipped here is small and faces east. There is also a murti of Nandi in front of the Shrine.