Kalady In Kochi

Kalady Kochi 

In God's land, the birthplace of one of the greatest Indian philosophers lies. The step is a famous traveler center that became famous as Adi Sankaracharya's birthplace. Located near Cochin in Kerala, Kalady is dedicated to Sankaracharya and his memory. A step is a place that celebrates knowledge and culture. It gives utmost importance to its history and has established itself as one of the most important destinations for the traveler. There are two major shrines in Kalady dedicated to the memory of Adi Sankaracharya.

The only son of Sivaguru and Aryamba, Sankaracharya is said to have completed the study of Vedas at the age of 16 itself. He also evolved the philosophy of Advaita, one of the Vedantic school's two principals, confirming Brahma's sole existence. Out of the two shrines at step, one is devoted to him as Dakshinamoorthi. At the same time, the other is dedicated to Goddess Sharada and is looked after by the Sringeri Mutt, which is believed to be situated exactly at the same place where Adi Sankaracharya's house once stood.

 Many important temples also surround a step, like Manickamangalam temple, Sri Krishna Temple, and Sri Adi Sankara Keerthi Mandapam, to name a few. These are a bonus to the traveler as they get the best religious experience out of step. The step also has a lot of Ghats. With river bodies flowing through it and travelers around, it is a place to attain peace and forge it. The step air is filled with culture, history, religion, and spirituality, making it a perfect pilgrimage.

The step was earlier known as Salam. There is a heart-touching story behind this name. One day Aryadevi, mother of little Sankaracharya, fainted while walking the 3 km stretch for her daily bath in the Poorna River. Sankaracharya asked his favorite deity, Lord Krishna, for aid. The Lord blessed him, saying, "River will flow where your little feet mark." As young Sankaracharya marked his little feet on the ground, the mighty Periyar River took its new course following his feet. 

From that time onwards, Sasalam came to be known as step, meaning 'Feet.' 

 This place is believed to have been founded by Rajasekara, a chieftain. Legend says that Rajasekara's dreams were influenced by the Hindu god Shiva. His dedication towards Lord Shiva is shown very evidently as he built a Shiva temple and arranged a settlement for Brahmins. The renowned temples Sringeri Mutt and Kanchi Mutt have branches of their temples in step. Kanchi Mutt built the Adi Sankara Kirti Stamba Mandapam under the guidance and support of Chandrasekarendra Saraswati, a well-known sage. The step is proud of its association with Sanskrit and has a Sanskrit University currently run by the Sringeri Mutt.

The Legendary Ghats in malady 

Kalady Kadavu: is where the river took its turn, and Kalady was born. It is also where Sankara performed his ancestral deity's first river bath (Aaraattu) before installing it at its current location. The tradition continues during the festival at Sree Krishna Temple. 

Muthana Kadavu or Crocodile Ghat is where Sankara took Sanyas. Initially, his mother disagreed with his desire to become a sanyasi. However, one day when he was bathing in the river Poorna, accompanied by his mother, a crocodile caught hold of his leg, and Sankara used this opportunity to convince his mother in his favor. 

Ghat of the Post-Funeral Rites of Mother Aryadevi is where Sankara performed his mother's last rites. Now, this Ghat is within the temple compounds of Sree Sringeri Mutt.

Festivals Celebrated in Kalady 

Every year, Sankara Jayanti is celebrated for five days in April or May. Navaratri is celebrated in September or October with music and rathostavam (a chariot festival). The Lord of Kalady's annual festival falls on January 6 when one performs a river bath of Lord Krishna on the holy Ghat where Kalady was born.

How To Reach Kalady 

The nearest airport is Nedumbassery airport at a distance of 6 km from Kalady, while Angamali is the nearest railway station at a distance of 10 km. One can hire taxis or buses to reach Kalady from the airport and the station

 All of these ghats now lie adjacently west to east chronologically.

Temples Near Kalady