Located in Veliyanad, Adi Shankara Nilayam is the ancestral maternal house of Shri
Shankara. It is a sprawling
nalukettu located in Veliyanad at Edakkattuvayal Village in
Ernakulam. Traditionally known as the 'Melpazhur Mana', the place was renamed as Adi Shankara Nilayam by Pujya Gurudev
Swami Chinmayananda. Now the property has been acquired by the Chinmaya International Foundation. The nalukettu is decorated with exquisite wooden paneling and engravings. A meditation hall in memory of Swami Chinmayananda is there nearby.
Situated in 8.3 acres of land, the property houses a water pond, a temple complex, an excellent library, a computer unit and residential accommodation for visiting scholars. There is a large temple dedicated to the deity of the family - swayambhu Shasta (Lord Ayyappa). A Naga Yakshi temple and a temple for Vettakkorumakan are also seen in the complex.
The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport. Ernakulam Town Railway Station and Ernakulam Junction Railway Station are the closest major railway stations. Local attractions include
Manickamangalam Temple, Vellimanthulli Temple and Malayattoor Church.
