Kottiyoor Temple, Kannur

It is the place where King Daksha performed the Daksha Yaga, inviting all devas, devatas, gods, and all celestials, except his daughter Sati Devi and son-in-law Lord Shiva. The sacred site where Sati Devi sacrificed her body for insulting her husband. So, Vaishaka Mahotsavam is celebrated as the day of commemorating Daksha Yagna.

Located peacefully on the banks of the river Bavali, is a major pilgrimage spot for the devotees of Lord Shiva. It is located in Kottiyoor village, Kannur district of the northern parts of Kerala.

There are two temples located on both sides of the River Bavali – Akkare Kottiyoor and Ikkare Kottiyoor. Akkare Kottiyoor is a temporary temple constructed during the Vaishaka Mahotsavam. Ikkare Kottiyoor is a permanent temple where Lord Shiva is worshiped.

Sati Devi attended the yajna against the wish of her husband. But there, Daksha insulted Lord Shiva in front of everyone. Sati Devi was deeply hurt by this and self-immolated. When Lord Shiva heard about this, sent Veerabhadra to destroy the yajna and killed Daksha. He then carried the corpse of Sati Devi, wandering the whole world and creating havoc. Lord Vishnu intervened and cut the body into different pieces. The place where it fell came to be known as Shakti Peetha.

Every temple around the world celebrates happy moments, but this festival celebrates the grief of Lord Shiva and his separation from Sati Devi.

As years passed, this sacred land was surrounded by thick, lush forest. The Kurichiya tribe community was hunting in the forest. So, one boy, to sharpen his knife, was striking the stone. To his astonishment, blood started oozing from the stone and immediately informed Nambootiri, who was well versed in Tantrik traditions.

Through his divya darshan, he came to know that there is swayambu linga beneath the earth. Then, he called upon four Nair families who hailed from Manathan village.

Altogether, they walked to the spot where blood was found. To this, they poured water, ghee, and milk to clean the stone and stop the blood. But they failed in their attempt. Finally, succeeded with tender coconut water.

They then approached a renowned astrologer and were informed that this was the sacred land where the Daksha Yaga took place. Besides this, is the the place where Sati Devi performed Atmahudi, and another spot where Swayambhu Shiva Linga was located.

Adi Shankaracharya visited this place, laid down strict rules and traditions. The spot where Swayambhu Linga is present is called Akkare Kottiyoor, and a temple established to perform Nitya Puja was called Ikkare Kottiyoor.

Ikkare Kottiyoor is also known as Thruchherumana Kshethram, located towards the west bank of the river Bavali. The vigraha of this temple was consecrated by Lord Parashurama. Kali Purusha promised Parashuram that he would not enter the premises of this temple. Thus, Kottiyoor is not affected by the ill effects of Kali.

Ikkare Kottiyoor is the famous Shiva temple nestled on the banks of the river Bavali. It is also known as Thruchherumana Kshethram. Here in this divine place, Lord Shiva is worshiped. This temple resembles the traditional Kerala style of architecture, featuring the Nalukettu style.

This simple yet spiritually profound architecture design showcases sloping tiled roofs for sustaining heavy rainfall, wooden structures, and laterite stone walls with intricate carvings and stands as a timeless beacon of divinity, tradition, and culture of Kerala.

Sreekovil, or garbhagriha, is square-shaped with sloped roofing and represents the beauty of Kerala architecture.

Akkare Kottiyoor

Akkare Kottiyoor is a temporary open-air structure constructed during Vaishaka Mahotsavam, built using naturally available materials like bamboo, wood, and thatched coconut leaves.

Swayambu Lingam is placed over a raised platform known as the Manitatara and shielded by the Olakuda (palm leaf umbrella). It is also covered by a small hut made using a bamboo framework and a coconut leaf roof. These are bound using coir ropes. Metal fasteners or kinds of binders are not used.

Timings: 5:30 AM to 8:00 PM.

This temple remains closed during Vaishaka Mahotsavam.

Akkare Temple

Timings: Open 24×7 during Vaishaka Mahotsavam (28 days).

Akkare Kottiyoor is open only during the Vaishaka Mahotsavam festival, while Ikkare Kottiyoor is open daily throughout the year.

Rajarajeshwara Temple: It is an ancient prominent Shiva temple, located in Taliparamba, Kannur, Kerala.

Madayi Kavu Temple: It is a Badrakali Temple, located in Madayi, Kannur.

Annapoorneshwari Temple: It is also known as Cherukunnilamma Temple. It is the place where goddess Annapoorneshwari is worshiped, located in Cherukunnu, Kannur, Kerala.

By Railway: The nearest railhead to reach Kottiyoor Temple is Thalassery Railway Station (55.6 km away). From here, you can hire an autorickshaw, taxi, or cab. Also, there are frequent bus facilities available.

By Road: Kannur is well-connected by road from major nearby cities like Kozhikode, Mangaluru, Kochi, and Bengaluru, making travel convenient for visitors and pilgrims.