Kaladi

The Kaladi temple is situated by the river and has two shrines within. One is dedicated to Sri Sankaracharya and the other to the goddess Saradamba, the local deity. Next to it is a Krishna temple built by the Sankaracharya to replace an ancient one that had been submerged. Sri Krishna has always been prime refuge of Adi Sankara, being his Kula Deva. Once in childhood days of Sankara, his beloved mother Arya Devi fainted on the way to river Periyar while going for her routine bath. Helpless, little Sankara with tears took refuge of his Kula Deva Sri Krishna, who gave him a blessing that the river will flow where he marks with his feet. And as he marked the place with his feet the mighty Periyar changed its course through the marking, touching lotus foot of Krishna and getting consecrated. The risk of a mile long walk of Arya Devi for daily river bath was resolved with the blessing of Lord Krishna. The village 'Sasalam' become Kalady and blessed Apat Bandhavan became Thri Kalady Appan with the holy ghat becoming 'arattukadavu'. Sankara did Puna: Prathishta of Sri Krishna deity to the present divine shrine on that Thiruvonam day of Thulam in AD 795.

Air: The nearest airport is Cochin, 45 kms away

Rail: The nearest railway station is Angamaly, 10 kms away

Road: The place is well connected with a wide network of roads.