Kottiyoor Temple – Ancient Shiva Shrine in Kerala
Kottiyoor Temple, also known as Sri Kottiyoor Mahadeva Kshetram, is a renowned Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated near Kelakam in Kannur district, it is often referred to as the "Varanasi of the South" or the "Dakshina Kashi." The temple is nestled amidst a dense jungle on the banks of the Bavali River. It comprises two temples: one on the western bank, named Ikkare Kottiyoor or Vadakkeshwaram (The Thruchherumana Temple), which is the permanent temple, and the other on the eastern bank, named Akkare Kottiyoor or Kizhakkeshwaram, serving as a temporary hermitage. The latter is opened only during the Vysakha Mahotsavam, the main festival of the temple. According to legend, Kottiyoor Temple is believed to be blessed with the divine presence of the Holy Trinity, also known as the Trimurti, consisting of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
Kottiyoor Temple - Kerala
During its heyday, the Kottiyoor Perumal Temple, ranked as the second-richest temple in the entire Kerala region, surpassed only by the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, in terms of gold and precious stones.
Among the rare shrines in India dedicated to Sati Devi, Kottiyoor Temple is highly revered, where Sati is worshipped as Shakti. The temple is renowned for its ancient structure, which has remained unrenovated to preserve the old customs and traditions. With no sanctum-sanctorum, the goddess is worshipped on the 'Ammarakkalu Thara,' a raised platform adjacent to the Swayambu Linga, where Sati Devi is believed to have committed suicide. The current rituals of Kottiyoor were established by Sri Shankaracharya. Sensing the presence of Shiva at 'Akkare Kottiyoor', he refrained from stepping on the sacred ground and instead prayed from 'Ikkare Kottiyoor' before departing.
Entry/Darshan Time
3:30 AM to 9:30 PM
Specialty
Kottiyoor Temple is among the very few shrines in India dedicated to Sati Devi, where she is worshipped as Shakti, the divine feminine energy.
As there is no sanctum-sanctorum, the goddess is worshipped on the 'Ammarakkalu Thara,' a raised platform adjacent to the Swayambu Linga, where Sati Devi is believed to have committed suicide.
Dress Code
It's advisable to dress modestly and respectfully, preferably in traditional attire, while visiting Kottiyoor Temple. It is important to note that men are not allowed to wear shirts when entering the temple premises.
Festivals
Kottiyoor Utsavam or Kottiyoor Vysakha Mahotsavam
Best Time to Visit
Throughout the year
How to reach
By Air : Kannur International Airport is the nearest airport, 43.9 Km away from Kottiyoor Temple. From the airport, you can avail of public transport or get a cab/ taxi to reach the temple.
By Train :The nearest railway station is Thalassery Railway Station, 55.6 Km away from Kottiyoor Temple. From the railway station, one can hire a bus or an auto-rickshaw to reach the temple.
By Road :Kottiyoor Temple is easily accessible by road. You can choose private transportation, take a bus, or hire an auto-rickshaw to reach the temple.