Temples in Kannur

Kottiyoor Temple & Vaishaka Mahotsavam A Sacred Pilgrimage in Kerala Nestled in the dense forest along the banks of the roaring River Bavali, in the heart of the Western Ghats, lies a mystical temple that awakens during one season every year—Kottiyoor Temple, also called Dakshina Kaashi. For 28 powerful days between May and June, the region transforms into a sacred pilgrimage destination, drawing in thousands of devotees, nature lovers, spiritual seekers, and cultural enthusiasts. As the rains descend upon Kannur district, bringing fresh greenery and divine energy, the Vaishaka Mahotsavam begins—a festival unlike any other in India. With Nandhanam Holidays, you don’t just visit. You experience, understand, and connect with something much deeper. The Myth Behind Kottiyoor Temple – Where Legends Live The story of Kottiyoor is rooted in one of Hinduism’s most emotionally intense mythological events—Daksha Yagam. 🔥 The Tragic Yagna of Daksha Long ago, Daksha, son of Brahma and a powerful king, organized a grand yaga (ritual sacrifice) but deliberately did not invite Lord Shiva, his son-in-law, due to personal disapproval of Shiva’s ascetic lifestyle. Sati, Daksha’s daughter and Shiva’s consort, insisted on attending. Despite Shiva’s warning, she arrived at the yagna but was insulted and humiliated by her own father. Unable to bear the disgrace, Sati immolated herself in the sacrificial fire. What followed was chaos. A grief-stricken Shiva unleashed his wrath. He created Veerabhadra, a fierce warrior, and Bhadrakali, who stormed the yagna, destroyed everything, and beheaded Daksha. Later, the gods pleaded with Shiva to calm his rage. He forgave Daksha and restored him to life, but with the head of a goat, symbolizing humility and rebirth. Kottiyoor Temple – The Yagna Bhumi It is believed that the original Daksha Yaga took place right where the Akkare Kottiyoor Temple stands today. Over centuries, the spot remained hidden in the forest until discovered by local tribal hunters who stumbled upon a bleeding stone—revealed to be a Swayambhoo Shiva Linga (self-manifested). The site’s sanctity is so profound that even Sri Adi Shankaracharya, the great philosopher-saint, refused to step on the sacred ground. Instead, he prayed from across the river at what is now known as Ikkare Kottiyoor Temple, and helped formalize the rituals that continue even today. 🌿 A Temple That Breathes With Nature – Akkare & Ikkare Kottiyoor Temple Akkare Kottiyoor – A Temple Without Walls Open only during the Vaishaka Mahotsavam, Akkare Kottiyoor temple has no permanent structure. The Swayambhoo Shiva Linga is placed on a Manithara, a raised platform made from river stones. The temple is built anew every year using natural materials and is dismantled after the festival ends. This symbolizes impermanence, purity, and humility. It’s a true union of faith and ecology. Ikkare Kottiyoor – Year-Round Temple Located across the Bavali River, this temple remains open throughout the year and serves as the spiritual base for the daily worship of Lord Shiva and Parvathi. 🌟 Vaishaka Mahotsavam – 28 Days of Spiritual Intensity Held annually in the Malayalam months of Edavam and Midhunam (May-June), the Vaishaka Mahotsavam is a sacred, 28-day pilgrimage involving deep devotion, thousands of rituals, and mystical ceremonies. Over 1,00,000 people visit during the season, walking barefoot through forest paths, chanting hymns, and carrying sacred offerings to the deity. Here’s a deep dive into the most significant rituals: 🪔 Neyyattam – Ghee Offering to the Deity The festival begins with Neyyattam, the ritual pouring of ghee on the idol, symbolizing the start of cosmic energy activation. This is initiated by the arrival of a ceremonial sword from Muthirerikavu Temple in Wayanad. ⚱️ Bhandaram Ezhunnallathu On the Visakham star day, gold and silver vessels, sacred ornaments, and utensils are brought from Manathana village in a traditional procession. The act commemorates the original yagna preparations and symbolizes offering of wealth and humility to the divine. 🥥 Elaneer Vayppu & Elaneerattam – A Ritual of Devotion On this powerful day, thousands of tender coconuts are carried by devotees from across Malabar and offered to the deity. These are stored and used the next day in Elaneerattam, when the chief priest pours the sacred coconut water over the idol—a sight that stirs every soul present. This is not just a ritual; it is a mass expression of surrender and unity. 🌌 Rohini Aaradhana – Worship Like No Other A ritual not performed in any other temple, this ceremony involves the priest embracing the Swayambhoo Shiva Linga, symbolizing Brahma’s deep remorse and reverence for Shiva after the loss of Sati. It is believed this act pacified Shiva’s cosmic rage, leading to the restoration of balance in the universe. 🐘 Ezhunnallippu & Aanayootu – The Elephant Procession Two elephants, richly decorated, carry the idols of Lord Shiva and Parvathi through the temple grounds, followed by Aanayootu, where the elephants are respectfully fed and honored. It’s a powerful symbol of harmony between man, beast, and divinity. ⚠️ Important Monsoon Travel Tips – Be Safe, Be Smart Visiting Kottiyoor during Vaishaka Mahotsavam is rewarding, but requires caution: 🚧 Narrow roads and sharp turns – start early to avoid traffic. 🌊 Avoid swimming in the river – currents are strong during monsoon and the river flows through a forest zone. 🩴 Wear non-slip footwear for muddy paths. 🧴 Carry mosquito repellent, water, umbrella, and light snacks. Respect the forest. Respect the divine. Travel responsibly. 🗺️ How to Reach Kottiyoor ✈️ By Air: Kannur International Airport (CNN) – 55 km 🚆 By Train: Thalassery Station – 60 kmKannur Station – 70 km 🚌 By Bus: Regular KSRTC and private buses from Kozhikode, Kannur, Mangalore, and Iritty. 🚗 By Car: Routes through Kelakam, Nedumpoyil, and Peravoor offer breathtaking drives. Use GPS for real-time updates. Planning to visit Parassinikadavu Temple after your spiritual journey to Kottiyoor? Stay comfortably at Nandhanam Holidays — your ideal retreat between the divine destinations. Get in Touch Call Directly to the Mobile number provided or fill the form to get a call back. Contact Us   Office Phone Number +91 8921 65 2423+91 7907 37 3840

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