ALAPPUZHA: In most temples across Kerala, lord Shiva is worshipped through a symbolic Shiva linga. However, Srishaktiparamba Mahadeva Temple stands as an anomaly. For the last 119 years, this temple in Vezhapra Kuttanad has worshipped the deity of lord Shiva sporting a moustache.

In March 1905, Sree Narayana Guru enshrined the image of the moustache-sporting Lord Shiva at this temple. Seeing that there was a need for a deity so that abhishekam could be performed, the temple was renovated some years ago and a Shiva linga was enshrined along with the moustached Shiva image. During the traditional festival ‘Pallivetta’, the temple worships the picture of Shiva's Rishabh avatar.

On his way back to Kollam after blessing the Vaikom Satyagraha fighters, Sree Narayana Guru came to know about the evil superstition existing in Vezhapra Bhadrakali temple from Satyavrida Swami, a native of Kuttanad.

Kontyaparampil Abraham, who prepared a chair specially for Guru, came to the temple courtyard and placed the chair for Guru. Sree Narayana Guru insisted the temple bearers put an end to redundant practices of animal slaughter. Guru ordered the removal of the demonic deities from the temple.

As none of the devotees came forward due to fear, Abraham himself smashed all deities with an iron rod. Abraham was also tasked with procuring an image of Shiva for worship. The image of Lord Shiva with moustache was bought by Abraham from Changanassery. Guru later enshrined the picture in the temple.

The temple belongs to the Karukassery family. The temple celebrates the festival every April. Mahadeva and Bhadrakali are the main deities of the temple.