Gaasivarude

Gaasivarude is a term referring to a traditional Hindu temple and festival located in the Indian state of Kerala. The Gaasivarude temple is dedicated to the deity Siva and is situated in the village of Gaasivarude, which is situated in the district of Thrissur.

According to local lore, the Gaasivarude temple was built in the 18th century by a Hindu ruler of the region. The temple is believed to have been constructed on a site chosen for its spiritual significance, with the place said to have been previously inhabited by a group of yogis and sadhus who were devoted to the worship of Siva.

The primary festival associated with the Gaasivarude temple is the Maha Shivaratri festival, which is celebrated annually with great fervor by locals and visitors alike. During the festival, devotees of Siva gather at the temple to participate in prayers, rituals, and traditional dances and music performances.

The Gaasivarude temple and festival are significant not only due to their historical and cultural importance but also for their role in promoting harmony and communal cohesion among the local populace. The temple's precise architectural and historical details have not been extensively documented, however, local inscriptions suggest it was renovated and extended by the Zamorin of Calicut.

Despite its significance, the Gaasivarude temple and festival remain somewhat off the beaten path, and many travelers to the region are unaware of the rich cultural heritage and history that lies at Gaasivarude.