Kalady

Formerly known as Sasalam, the name of the place was changed to Kalady (meaning footprint). Kalady is located on the eastern side of the Periyar river of Ernakulam district
of gods own country in Kerala, India. It is one of the renowned places for pilgrims all over India and other parts of the world since it is the place of birth of the famous Sri Adi Shankaracharya who was one of India’s leading philosopher saints who advocated the ‘Advaita’ philosophy.

Magnetism in Kalady:

Shankara Temple: Adi Shankara was born in Namboodiri Brahmin family as the only son of Sivaguru and Aryamba. Shankara's temple at Kalady, run by the Sringeri Mutt, is a huge and fairly open construction positioned on the northern bank of the river Periyar (Purna).

There are two major shrines in the temple; one is devoted to Sri Sankaracharya and the other to Goddess Saradamba, the chief idol of Sringeri. The cemetery of Sri Sankara's mother, Aryamba, is also situated here.

Ramakrishna Advaita Ashram: The Ramakrishna Advaita Ashram is a division centre of Ramakrishna Math, Belur Math. It is positioned near the conventional place of birth of Sri Shankara. It has a large prayer hall and a place of worship designed on the Sri Ramakrishna temple at Belur Math. The Ashram furthermore runs a school (Brahmanandodayam), a benevolent pharmacy, and a library.

Sri Adi Sankara Keerthi Sthamba Mandapam: Sri Adi Sankara Keerthi Sthamba Mandapam is an eight-story monument constructed by Kanchi Kamakoti Mutt. The walls of the monument facet articulated aid paintings that tell the tale of Adi Sankaracharya. Numerous huge idols of Ganapati, Adi Sankara, and others are also housed in this commemorative. Visitors can evaluate the life of Sankara Acharya as they go up to the top. The famed Sankara Stupa has 8 sides.

Crocodile Ghat: The Crocodile Ghat (Muthala Kadavu) is where Sankara's life twisted to Sanyasam (Puritan life). His mother, Aryadevi, did not consent with his wish to turn into a Sanyasin. Tale says that one day, Sankara was touched by a dog and, as per ritual followed by the society and he had to take a bath. Attended by mother, Sankara went to river Poorna to wash himself. While in the water, a crocodile wedged clutch of his leg. The drowning Sankara told his mother that the crocodile would free him alone if she would permit him to take up Sanyasa. Unable to help, his mother granted, and the crocodile let Sankara free.

There are various other attractions in and around Kalady which include: Sri Krishna Temple (hereditary idol of Sri Sankara devoted to Sri Krishna), Manickamangalam Karthyayani Temple (devoted to goddess Durga, his father used to be priest in this temple), Mattoor Thiru Vellaman Thulli Siva Temple, Nayathodu Sankara Narayana Temple, Manjapra Karppilli Kavu Siva Temple, Thekke Madhom, Aryadevi Samadhi Mandapam, Kalady Kadavu (Aaraattu Kadavu) and Ghat of the Post-Funeral Rites of Mother Aryadevi.

Festivals: Various festivals are celebrated here including; Sankara Jayanti (5 days in April/May), Navaratri (9 days in October/November), festival of Lord of Kalady (Devoted to Lord Krishna it is celebrated on January 6) and many others.

The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport; Nedumbassery at 5 km from Kalady, the nearest railhead is Angamaly or Aluva Railway Station which are positioned 8 km and 22km respectively. Buses are easily available from airports and railway stations. Kalady is well connected by roads to the major cities nearby including Palakkad, Kozhikode etc.