Kottiyoor Mahadeva Temple

Kottiyoor Temple is an old place of worship for Lord Shiva. It is in Kannur, Kerala, on the banks of the Bavali river. Kottiyoor Temple’s real name is Thruchherumana Kshetram. There are two temples in Kottiyoor. One is called Vadakkeshwaram or Ikkare Kottiyoor and is on the western bank of the Bavali river. The other is called Kizhakkeshwaram or Akkare Kottiyoor and is on the eastern bank of the river. The only time Kizhakkeshwaram or Akkare Kottiyoor is open is during the Vysakha festival. The main temple is either Vadakkeshwaram or Ikkare Kottiyoor. Malabar Devaswom board is in charge of running the temple.

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The Holy Trinity, also known as the Trimurthy, is said to be present at the Akkara Kottiyoor Temple Shrine. The Trimurthy, is made up of Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and Bhagavathy, the mother goddess.

About Kottiyoor Mahadeva Temple

The Ikkare Kottiyoor temple in Kannur is an old Shiva temple. The temple’s official name is Thruchherumana Kshethram, but people in the area call it the Ikkare Kottiyoor temple because it is on the banks of a river near the Kottiyoor village. The Akkare Kottiyoor is the second most important temple in the village of Kottiyoor. It is on the other side of the Bavali river.

The Shiva linga that is worshipped in the temple is thought to have been found, not made by people. Because of this, it is called Swayambhu, which means “self-born.” After the Swayambhu lingam was found, the temple was built.

People believe that the shrine is blessed by the presence of the Holy Trinity (Lords Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva), and the rituals done here celebrate this divine harmony.

Vaisakha Maholsavam is the most important festival at the temple. It takes place from May to June and lasts for 28 days. This festival is the only time when the Akkare Kottiyoor temple is open to the public.

Kottiyoor Temple History

The history and mythology of this temple are based on the stories of Daksha, Sati, and Shiva. Daksha didn’t want his daughter Sati to marry Shiva, so he had to do a yagna to insult Shiva. All the gods and goddesses except Lord Shiva were invited. Sati went to the yagna even though Shiva didn’t want her to. Her father hurt her feelings, so she killed herself by jumping into the yagna fire.

Shiva’s anger made him open his third eye, and Veerabhadra came out with a weapon in each of his 1,000 arms. Shiva cut Daksha’s head off and ruined the sacrifice he was making. The gods had to then show up in front of Shiva to calm him down and get the yagna back on track.

The architecture of Kottiyoor Temple

One of Shakti’s most holy places is the Kottiyoor Temple. Sati Devi has only a few shrines in India, and Kottiyoor is one of them. Due to religious rules, there are no permanent buildings. Instead, there are only temporary, simple buildings that look like they were built by hermits or sages. Since there is no sanctum-sanatorium, Sati is worshipped as Shakti in a place called “Ammarakkalu Thara,” which is a raised platform next to the Swayambhoo linga and is thought to be where Sati Devi killed herself. It is thought that this is the temple where the Shakti Peethas began. Since all of the known Hindu gods are there, the place is called Kottiyoor, which comes from the words Koodi and Uuru and means “Meeting Precinct.”

Significance of Kottiyoor Shiva Temple

People believe that The Holy Trinity is with this shrine and blessings it with their presence. It also has Bhagavathy’s blessing on it. So, Kalki is keeping his word and not going into the temple grounds.

It is also a very holy shrine to Shakti and has simple buildings. To keep the old customs and traditions alive, it is against the law to build new buildings. The buildings look like places with thatched roofs. It is also known as the place where Shakthi Peethas began.

Rituals At Kottiyoor Temple (Vaisakha Maholsava)

The times of events at the Kottiyoor Mahadeva Temple are very lucky and mark some very important rites and rituals. The Vaisakha Maholsavam festival is the most important ritual. It takes place every year between May and June. After seeing Lord Shiva in person, Sri Shankaracharya started these rituals. He left without making the place dirty with his feet. This 28-day festival starts with Muthirerikavu giving a sword. The Neyyattam ritual begins on Chodi Day and ends with the Thrikkalashaattu.

Vaisakha Maholsavam Dates and Timings

Other Rituals

Elaneer Vayppu is another important ceremony in which people bring young coconuts to the swayambhu Shiva linga. People come from all over Kerala carrying a lot of young coconuts. After this day, priests pour coconut water over the “Elaneeraattam” statue.

Rohini Aaradhana is a ritual that only happens at this temple. During it, a procession called Ezhunnallippu is held. Shiva and Parvathi’s statues are carried by two elephants.

Darshan Info

The Kottiyoor Temple is open between 3:30 AM and 9:30 PM.

The same building is also called Kudiyoor and Dakshina Kashi. Thricherumana, Vdakkumkaavu, Kizhakkumkaavu and Vadakeeswaram.

There are two temples in Kottiyoor. Akkare Kottiyur and Ikkare Kottiyur are on opposite sides of the Bavali river. Only when the Kottiyoor Vaisakha Maholsavam festival is going on can you go to Akkare Kottiyur.

Darsan Dresscode

At Kottiyoor Temple, you should wear clothes that are typical of Kerala. Men aren’t allowed to wear shirts or t-shirts. Men usually wear shawls around their upper torsos.

How to reach Kottiyoor Temple

If you take the fastest route, Kannur is about 65 km away ( via Kelakam – Nedumpoyil – Koothuparamba). Instead, the trip is only about 70 km long if you go through Peravoor and Iritty.

Paalchuram is a narrow mountain path that goes from Kottiyoor to Mananthavady. Palchuram is known for its awesome views from its terrifying height. It is shaped like a snake and is hidden by fog. About 24 kilometres separate Kottiyoor from Mananthavady.

Kottiyoor Mahadeva Temple Location Map

Quick FAQ – Kottiyoor Temple