Temples in Kannur
Trichambaram Temple
Trichambaram Temple, located in Taliparamba, Kannur, is a significant Krishna temple where the deity is depicted in a “Raudra” or ferocious posture after the defeat of Kamsa. The temple is part of the ancient Vaishnavite Abhimana Kshethrams and is mentioned in the 11th-century Sanskrit text “Mūṣikavaṃśa.”
The temple features 15th and 16th-century carvings and murals, along with a shrine for Durga situated in the middle of a tank, one of Kerala’s 108 Durgalayas. Shrines for Shiva, Ganapathi, and other deities surround the complex,makes it must visited temples in Kannur and located 10 km from Nandhanam Holidays.
Rajarajeshwara Temple
The Rajarajeshwara Temple, located in Taliparamba, Kannur, is a revered Shiva temple known as one of the 108 ancient Shiva temples in Kerala. It holds a significant place among South India’s numerous Shiva temples and features a towering shikhara weighing about 90 tonnes.
Devotees often seek solutions to their problems through a prashnam, an astrological decision-making method, conducted on a raised platform outside the temple. This temple is located just 11 km from Nandhanam Holidays.
Annapurneshwari Temple, Cherukunnu
The Annapoorneshwari Temple, located in Kannur, Kerala, is dedicated to the goddess Annapurneshwari, the deity of food. In this temple, Lord Krishna is also worshipped alongside Goddess Sree Annapoorneswari.
Originally a Vishnu/Krishna temple over 1,500 years old, it underwent significant changes after the idol of Annapoorneshwari was consecrated by Avittam Thirunal Raja Raja Varma of Chirakkal Kovilakam. According to Hindu mythology, the goddess arrived from Kashi with two other goddesses and a boatman in a golden ship, landing at Azhi Theeram, now known as Aayiram Thengu. Located 16 km from Nandanam Holidays, the Annapoorneshwari Temple is a must-visit for those exploring temples in Kannur
Sree Mridanga Saileswari Temple
Mridanga Saileswari Temple, located in Muzhakunnu, Kannur district, Kerala, is a revered Hindu temple and one of the 108 Durga temples of ancient Kerala. It is believed to have been established by Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu. The main deity, Mridanga Saileswari, is depicted as a four-armed Durga, holding a conch and discus in her upward-pointing hands, while blessing devotees with her right hand and resting her left hand on her waist.
In Hindu worship, the three principal forms of Durga include Maha-Durga, Chandika, and Aparajita. Chandika manifests as Chandi, embodying the combined powers of Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Parvati, as well as Chamunda, an aspect created for defeating the demons Chanda and Munda. Maha Durga also has forms such as Ugrachanda, Bhadrakali, and Katyayani. The temple is located 42 km from Nandhanam Holidays.
Peralassery Subramanya Temple
Sree Peralassery Temple, located in Kannur, is a renowned pilgrimage center in North Malabar, dedicated to Lord Subramanya. Its origins trace back to the Thretha Yuga, as mentioned in the Ramayana. According to legend, Lord Sree Rama, accompanied by Lakshmana and Hanuman while searching for Sita, reached this site and sensed the presence of Lord Subramanya. After receiving approval from Lord Ayyappa, Rama decided to consecrate an idol of Subramanya there. He initially sent Hanuman to find a suitable idol, but when Hanuman was delayed, Rama used his Peruvala (a great bangle symbolizing kingship) for the consecration. This act gave rise to the name Peruvalassery, which later became Peralassery.
The temple is also famous for snake worship, and hen’s eggs are the primary offerings. It is located 26 km from Nandhanam Holidays.
Ikkare Kottiyoor Temple
Kottiyoor Temple is a significant Shiva temple located in Kottiyoor, Kannur, Kerala. Its name, derived from the Kattan dynasty of Puralimala, evolved into ‘Kottiyoor’ in the local dialect. While known as Vadakkeshwaram Temple since ancient times, locals also refer to it as Ikkare Kottiyoor, as it is situated on the riverbank near Kottiyoor village, distinguishing it from the shrine on the opposite side of the river. The temple is classified under the Malabar Devaswom Board.
The temple complex consists of two shrines: the Vadakkeshwaram (Ikkare Kottiyoor) on the western bank, which is a permanent structure open only during the 27 days of the Vysakha festival, and the temporary Akkare Kottiyoor on the eastern bank, which serves as a Yaga shrine during the Kottiyoor Vysakha Mahotsavam. Nestled in an 80-acre sacred grove, the temple’s mythology ties it to Daksha Yaga, where Sati Devi is said to have immolated herself. This is one of the must visited temples in Kannur and It is located 65 km from Nandhanam Holidays.
Kanhirangad Sree Vaidyanatha Temple
Kanhirangad Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva as Vaidhya Nathan, is a revered healing shrine located 14 km from Nandhanam Holidays. This 11th-century temple features unique architecture and is believed to house a self-manifested deity. Pilgrims visit, seeking cures for ailments, particularly skin diseases, with many reporting miraculous recoveries through rituals like Dhara.
Local history attributes its construction to Chola King Shatasoman, who built it for the Antharjanams (royal women) to meditate and later donated it to the Kashyapa gotra community. Kanhirangad Temple is part of a trio of esteemed temples, alongside Taliparamba Shiva Temple and Trichambaram Sri Krishna Temple, sharing administration under the Thaliparambu-Trichambaram-Kanhirangad Devasom authority.
Sree Subramanya Swami Temple
Sree Subramanya Swami Temple in Payyanur, Kannur, is a renowned Lord Subramanya temple noted for its unique architecture, featuring a two-storeyed sanctum shaped like the back of an elephant (Gajaprishtam). The temple houses a 6-ft tall idol of Lord Subramanya and boasts a distinctive 12-ft tall compound wall.
A major attraction is the pavitra mothiram, a sacred ring made of gold and holy darbha grass, crafted on order and sanctified through ancient rituals performed by Brahmins. The temple’s serene environment and lush greenery add to its charm, making it a revered pilgrimage site for devotees year-round. Darshan timings are from 4:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Located 33 km from Nandhanam Holidays, it draws a steady flow of visitors seeking blessings and the sacred ring.
Mammanam Temple
Mammanam temple is located on the eastern bank of the Irikkur River and was originally inhabited by Namboodiri Brahmins as a dedicated community. During Tippu Sultan’s invasion, the community was devastated; many were slaughtered, and the remaining residents fled, abandoning their temples. Two temples, a Vishnu temple at Kannamgode and a Devi temple at Mamanikkunnu, were destroyed during this time.
Years later, under British rule, the Kalliat Thazhathveettil family acquired land in Irikkur, including the ruins of the old Mahadevi Temple. As devotees of Devi, they maintained a shrine in their home for worship. A Devaprashnam revealed that Devi wished to be worshipped in her Saktheya form. This prompted a shift from Sathwick Aradhana to Saktheya Aradhana rituals. Special priests from the Pidarar (Moosad) community were brought in to perform these rituals. Their descendants continue to serve as priests today. The temple is situated 20 km from Nandhanam Holidays.