Kottiyoor Mahadeva Temple

Getting there

• By air

  Kannur International Airport at Mattannur is the nearest airport.

• By train

  Thalassery railway station is on the Mangalore-Palakkad line, the nearest station to the temple.

• By road

  Road access is from Kannur and Thalassery, and frequent buses run from Thalassery and Iritty.

Rules to know

• Men may wear a traditional mundu with a shirt and banian; a lungi is not allowed.

Why devotees come here

Kottiyoor Mahadeva Temple is a prominent Shiva temple in the eastern hills of Kannur district, Kerala. Its own website calls it one of the oldest Hindu pilgrimage spots, and it is highly revered in Kerala and neighbouring states.

Legend says the shrine is blessed with the presence of the Trimurthy, the Holy Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. The primordial mother, Devi Bhagavathy, is said to be present here as well.

Mythology places the Daksha Yaga, the sacrifice held by Daksha, at Akkare Kottiyoor. That shrine stands on the eastern bank of the river. Sati Devi is said to have ended her life in the fire at the close of that sacrifice.

The temple is known for its old structure. It is not renovated, so its old customs and traditions are not disturbed. The lingam is a swayambhoo, a form of Shiva that is believed to have appeared on its own. The temple was built after that lingam was found, but the date of construction is not known.

Festivals

• May to JuneVaisakha Mahotsavam

  The yearly Kottiyoor festival draws around 50,000 devotees. The Akkare Kottiyoor shrine across the river opens only during it.

• During the festivalRohini Aaradhana

  A ritual of the festival that is not seen in any other temple.

• During the festivalElaneer Vayppu

  Devotees offer tender coconuts, elaneer, before the swayambhoo lingam.

Tips for your visit

• If you want to see Akkare Kottiyoor across the river, plan the trip for the festival, since that shrine is open only then.
• The permanent temple is open through the year, so a visit outside the festival is possible.

Questions people ask