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A sacred place coupled with natural beauty, Kaladi in Ernakulam district is the birthplace of Adi Sankaracharya, the great Advaita philosopher of the 8th century. Resting on the banks of River Periyar, the place is blessed with several important temples, including shrines dedicated to Sri Sankara, Sarada Devi, Sri Krishna and Sri Ramakrishna.
A place called Crocodile Ghat is where Sree Sankara took his vows of renunciation. It is believed that he was caught by a crocodile that refused to leave him until his mother let him accept sanyas (renunciation). This spot now attracts numerous visitors.
An eight-storeyed memorial built by Kanchi Kamakoti Mutt and called Sri Adi Sankara Keerthi Sthamba Mandapam is an important landmark here. At the entrance, we are greeted by two elephant statues, and from there we proceed to the Paduka Mandapam. Two silver knobs represent the padukas or wooden sandals of the seer. The walls of the building are adorned with attractive paintings narrating the story of Adi Sankaracharya.
Manickamangalam Karthyayani Temple, Mattoor Thiru Vellaman Thulli Siva Temple, Nayathodu Sankara Narayana Temple, Manjapra Karppilli Kavu Siva Temple, Thekke Madam and Aryadevi Samadhi Mandapam are some of the places of worship in this sacred region. Sankara Jayanti, Navaratri and chariot festivals conducted here attract hordes of people.
Elephant Training Centre, Kodanad; Sri Mahadeva Temple, Aluva; St Thomas Syro Malabar Catholic International Shrine, Malayattoor; Iringole Bhagavathy Temple, Kallil Bhagavati Temple and Thattekad Bird Sanctuary are the other noteworthy tourist places in the neighbourhood.
Contact
Sri Sringeri Shankara Math,
Kalady, Ernakulam District – 683574
Ph: +91 484 2462350
Getting There
Nearest Railway Station: Angamali, about 10 km | Aluva, about 15 km
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport, about 10 km
Topics: Ernakulam Pilgrim Centre
