Bandbaajabarat at 06:23, 27 October 2025

2025-10-27T06:23:36Z

New page

{{short description|Shiva temple in Kerala, India}}
{{For|'''Kottiyoor Festival''' |Kottiyoor Vysakha Mahotsavam}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2018}}{{Use Indian English|date=July 2018}}
{{Infobox Hindu temple
| name =
| image = Ikkare Kottiyoor Temple1.jpg
| image_upright =
| alt =
| caption = Main shrine at Kottiyoor surrounded by sacred grove
| map_type =
| map_caption = Location within Kerala
| coordinates = {{coord|11|52|22.29|N|75|51|39.18|E|type:landmark_region:IN|display=inline,title}}
| native_name = Thruchherumana Temple (തൃചേരുമന ക്ഷേത്രം)
| country = India
| state = [[Kerala]]
| district = [[Kannur district]]
| location =
| elevation_m =
| deity = [[Shiva]]
| festivals= [[Kottiyoor Vysakha Mahotsavam]]
| architecture = Partially Kerala style
| temple_quantity =
| monument_quantity =
| inscriptions =
| year_completed = Unknown
| creator = Unknown
| temple_board = [[Devaswom boards in Kerala#Malabar Devaswom Board|Malabar Devaswom Board]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Temples under Malabar Devaswam Board, Division : Thalassery|url=http://www.malabardevaswom.kerala.gov.in/images/pdf/div_thalassery.pdf|publisher=Malabar Devaswam Board|access-date=10 August 2013}}</ref>
| website = http://kottiyoordevaswom.com/
}}

'''Kottiyoor Temple''' is a prominent [[Shiva]] temple in [[Kottiyoor]], [[Kottiyoor|Kannur]], [[Kerala]], India. Vadakkeshwaram Temple is the common name of the temple from ancient times, but some of the local people address the temple as Ikkare Kottiyoor as it is on the bank of the river close to the [[Kottiyoor|Kottiyoor village]], to differentiate it from the shrine in the other side of the river. Thruchherumana Kshetram is also another name by which temple is known. The temple is a special category temple under Malabar Devaswom board.<ref>{{cite web|title=Major Temples under Malabar Devaswam|url=http://www.malabardevaswom.kerala.gov.in/index.php?option=com_atomicongallery&folder=Important+Temples&Itemid=69|access-date=10 August 2013}}</ref>

There are two temples in [[Kottiyoor]], one on the western bank of the [[Bavali river|Vavali river]] and the other one on the eastern bank. The shrine on the east bank (Kizhakkeshwaram or Akkare Kottiyoor) is a temporary<ref>{{cite news|title=These women weave coconut fronds to eke out a living|url=http://newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/These-women-weave-coconut-fronds-to-eke-out-a-living/2013/04/29/article1566236.ece1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130508162735/http://newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/These-women-weave-coconut-fronds-to-eke-out-a-living/2013/04/29/article1566236.ece1|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 May 2013|access-date=10 August 2013|newspaper=The New Indian Express}}</ref> hermitage (Yaga shrine) opened only during the [[Kottiyoor Vysakha Mahotsavam]]. The Vadakkeshwaram or Ikkare Kottiyoor (The ''Thruchherumana Temple'') on the western bank of the river is a permanent temple complex like all other temples. It remains open throughout the year except for the 27 days of Vysakha festival. The temple is situated in a densely forested area amidst a sacred grove that covers about 80 acres. Mythology says that Akkare Kottiyoor, the shrine on the eastern bank of the river, was the location of Daksha Yaga, at the conclusion of which [[Sati Devi]] immolated herself in this place.<ref>{{cite web|title=New Kottiyoor|url=http://kottiyoordevaswom.com/about/newKottiyoor.html|publisher=Kottiyoor Devaswom|access-date=10 August 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130811103649/http://kottiyoordevaswom.com/about/newKottiyoor.html|archive-date=11 August 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The Kottiyoor Perumal Temple was, in its heyday in terms of gold and precious stones, the second-wealthiest Temple in the entire Kerala region (second only to the [[Padmanabhaswamy Temple]] which even with its smaller five vaults opened, lays claim to [[Padmanabhaswamy Temple treasure|the largest collection of gold and precious stones ever]], as well as being the wealthiest place of worship in the world). Kottiyur Perumal's collection of gold and precious stones has been stored since time immemorial in the 'Karimbana Gopuram' of the "Ikkare Kottiyoor" Temple.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Viruthiyel |first=Joseph Varghese |date=1982 |title=Migration and social structure in rural Kerala |url=https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/13886/13/13_appendix.pdf}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Bitstream |url=http://lsi.gov.in:8081/jspui/bitstream/123456789/5747/1/27978_1981_CAN.pdf}}</ref> Kottiyoor Perumal also owned over 30,000 acres of forest-lands in Kannur District.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jspui |url=http://lsi.gov.in:8081/jspui/bitstream/123456789/5747/1/27978_1981_CAN.pdf}}</ref>

The Thruchherumana Temple was built after the Swayambhoo lingam was found; however the exact date of construction of temple is not known; the pilgrimage has been taking place for many centuries.<ref>{{cite news|title=Festival time at Kottiyur|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/festival-time-at-kottiyur/article4796628.ece|access-date=10 August 2013|newspaper=The Hindu}}</ref>

==Significance==
[[File:Ikkare Kottiyoor Temple2.jpg|thumb|Ikkare Kottiyoor temple with sacred tree in the front.]]
[[File:Ikkare kottiyoor temple.jpg|thumb|Inside the shrines varanda.]]
The Kottiyoor Temple is highly revered in Kerala and neighboring areas of adjoining states. The legend goes that the shrine is blessed with the divine presence of The Holy Trinity or The Trimurthy (Brahma - Vishnu - Shiva) and the primordial Mother Goddess ([[Shakti|Bhagavathy]]), due to this [[Kali (demon)|Kali]] (the personification of Kali Yuga), has promised [[Parashurama]] in the presence of Trimurthy in not entering the premises of the holy shrine.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://kottiyoordevaswom.com/about/parashuramasEntry.html |title=Kottiyoordevaswom - Shiva Kshetram |access-date=12 August 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130811193116/http://kottiyoordevaswom.com/about/parashuramasEntry.html |archive-date=11 August 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Kottiyoor is one of the most sacred shrines of [[Shakti]]. There are very few shrines in India for [[Sati Devi]] among which Kottiyoor is one. As it is forbidden to build any permanent structures abiding by religious principles, there are only temporary and simple-looking structures, which resemblance what would look like hermits of sages. As there is no sanctum-sanatorium, Sati is worshiped as [[Shakti]] in 'Ammarakkalu Thara', a raised platform adjacent to the Swayambhoo linga where [[Sati Devi]] immolated herself. This is believed to be the temple of the origin of the [[Shakti Peethas]]. As it is the confluence of the presence of all the known [[Hindu]] Divinities, the place is called Kottiyoor from Koodi and Uuru meaning Meeting Precinct.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://kottiyoordevaswom.com/about.html|title=Kotiiyoor Temple is one of the oldest hindu pilgrimage spot in the planet. The temple is located in southern India, north part of Kerala state. Kottiyoor Temple situated on the beautiful Sahya mountain range valley and is blessed with abundant natural beauty}}</ref>

The temple is well known for its old structure and is not renovated so as to not disturb the old customs and traditions of the temple.

===Social participation===
[[File:Odappu.jpg|thumb|Odappu, a "flower" made of bamboo pieces instantly is a thing every devotee buys from the temple to his home to be hung there for a year. Here is a shop selling the same.]]
The Kottiyoor Pilgrimage has far reaching participation from the entire society. The Hindu communities in the region bring the raw materials as a ritual each year from even more than a hundred of kilometer away by walking. Each community have been delegated specific duty by the Kottayam (Pazhassi) royal family, and has not been re-delegated from the inception. They consider this as a right given to them and exercise their part as a duty. This has been happening as a ritual for ages and is centuries of years old tradition. The pilgrimage has become a part of their culture. The temple is located in a serene dense forest which is now declared as a Wild Life Sanctuary by Government of Kerala.<ref>{{cite news|title=Wildlife sanctuary area in Kannur increases|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/wildlife-sanctuary-area-in-kannur-increases/article1772084.ece|access-date=11 August 2013|newspaper=The Hindu}}</ref>

The rites and rituals of the festival is a symbol of Shaiva-Vaishnava-shakteya communal harmony. Rohini Aradhana <ref>{{Cite web |url=http://kottiyoordevaswom.com/rituals/rohiniAaraadhana.html |title=Kottiyoordevaswom - Shiva Kshetram |access-date=11 August 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130811151614/http://kottiyoordevaswom.com/rituals/rohiniAaraadhana.html |archive-date=11 August 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> is considered one of the sacred rituals during the Vysakha Mahotsavam where the head of the Vaishnavite family named 'Kurumathoor', conduct 'Aalingana pushpanjali' to the ''Swayambhoo linga'', this is to commemorate Vishnu embracing Shiva to pacify him, who was in deep sorrow when he found the burned dead body of his beloved wife [[Sati Devi]].

===Thruchherumana Temple origin===
The 'Prathishta'(i.e. the installation of idol) of the Thruchherumana Temple, was done by [[Parashurama]] on the opposite river bank of the ''Swayambhuu linga''. The Thruchherumana Temple has its objective to worship Shiva for the entire year as the ''Swayambhoo linga'' on the other bank of the river can only be worshiped during 27 days of a year. [[Sankaracharya]] had classified the rites and rituals of the temple. He came to the Thruchherumana temple and worshiped there but he did not cross the river and worshiped the ''Swayambhoo linga'' as it was not the period of Vysakha pilgrimage. This belief is strictly followed until this time, of not going to the premises of ''Swayambhoo linga,'' or Akkare kottiyoor, if it is not the Vysakha pilgrimage time. Sankaracharya made ablutions in the Vavali river and prayed from the west bank of the river without crossing and continued his journey.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://kottiyoordevaswom.com/about/newKottiyoor.html |title=Kottiyoordevaswom - Shiva Kshetram |access-date=10 August 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130811103649/http://kottiyoordevaswom.com/about/newKottiyoor.html |archive-date=11 August 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Legends==
A pious Namboothiri of Kalakkatt Illam (one of the four major ''Mantravada'' (Sorcery) lineages of Kerala)<ref>{{cite web|title="Manthravaadam" (Conjuration / Sorcery)|url=http://www.namboothiri.com/articles/manthravaadam.htm|publisher=namboothiri.com|access-date=14 August 2013}}</ref> was returning from Kottiyoor. To pray for ''Sandhya vandanam'' in ''Manathana Shrine'' he took bath in the pond, after which a young lady from the adjacent bay offered him ''Taali'' (herbal shampoo), and told that she would apply it onto his forehead. He immediately recognized that she was none other than ''Bhadrakali'' and showing his head would mean his death. He folded his hand in front of her and said any thing given by The Mother is nectar. He took the shampoo and drank it. Devi was pleased with him and presented him with three sacred insignia which he installed in three temples in the Kannur region.

==Associations with other Temples==
The [[Muri (food)|Puffed rice]] (Pori or Malaru) is prepared at "Pullancheri Illam", and handed over to the temple from Narasimhaswamy temple, Pala, near Muzhakunnu <ref>{{Cite web |url=http://kottiyoordevaswam.com/rituals/purakkuvam.html |title=Kottiyoordevaswam - Shiva Kshetram |access-date=11 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927230417/http://kottiyoordevaswam.com/rituals/purakkuvam.html |archive-date=27 September 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Kottiyoor Temple is also closely associated with the [[Thirunelli Temple|Tirunelli MahaVishnu Temple]] in Wayanad District, about 54 km from Kotttiyoor It was from Tirunelli that rice was given to Kottiyoor for Vysakha Mahotsavam and returned after the festival. This has been discontinued but rites are performed in both temples to continue the tradition.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://thirunellitemple.com/temples_nearby.php|title = Thirunelli Maha Vishnu Temple}}</ref> It is believed that [[Bhutagana|Bhuta Ganas]] carry the presents of Tirunelli Perumal to Vysakha Mahotsavam. Once a Bhuta tried to steal a present and the Perumal cursed him to become a rock.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://thirunellitemple.com/temples_nearby.php|title = Thirunelli Maha Vishnu Temple}}</ref> The Sacred sword of Veerabhadra is brought for the Kottiyoor Festival from "Mutherikavu" a nearby temple.

Tons of firewood are used for the Kottiyoor festival in the shrine. Not even for a single year until now has it been required to remove the excess ash from the altar. All the essentials needed for ''Ammarakkal Tara'' is brought from ''Manathana shrine''. Sacred swords also come from ''Chapparam Bhagavathi temple''. Pooja vessels, ornaments etc., come from ''Karimbanagopuram''.

==Rites and Rituals schedule==
Present day rituals of Kottiyoor were set out by Sri Shankaracharya. With his spiritual vision, he felt the presence of Shiva at 'Akkare Kottiyoor' and not willing to pollute the holy ground with the touch of his feet, prayed from 'Ekkare Kottiyoor' and left.
[[File:Bamboo flower maker at her shop at Kottiyoor.jpg|thumb|Bamboo flower maker]]
The Vaisakha Maholsavam festival is held every year during the months of May - June. The twenty eight-day festival commences with the 'Neyyattam' ritual on the 'chodi' Day in Edavam (rishabham) and concludes with the Thrikkalashaattu. The Vaisakha Maholsavam celebrations begin with the ritual of bringing a sword from Muthirerikavu from Wayanad. On the following day, on Visakham star, Bhandaram Ezhunnallath ritual is held. Ornaments and Pooja vessels of pure gold and silver are brought from the nearby Manathana village to Kottiyoor.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://kottiyoordevaswom.com/bhandaram-yezhunnallathu.html|title = Kotiiyoor Temple is one of the oldest hindu pilgrimage spot in the planet. The temple is located in southern India, north part of Kerala state. Kottiyoor Temple situated on the beautiful Sahya mountain range valley and is blessed with abundant natural beauty}}</ref>
[[File:Bridge connecting Kottiyoor temple.jpg|thumb|The bridge]]
An important ritual during the festival is the 'Elaneer Vayppu' or submitting tender coconuts before the swayambhu Shiva linga. On this special day, thousands of tender coconuts carried from different parts of Kerala by the devotees are submitted. The following day, the Namboothiris of the temple collect water from tender coconuts in pure gold and silver pots and then the Chief Priest pours the collected coconut water on to the idol in what is known as 'Elaneeraattam', also called the 'Rashi velli'.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://kottiyoordevaswom.com/ilaneerattam.html|title = Kotiiyoor Temple is one of the oldest hindu pilgrimage spot in the planet. The temple is located in southern India, north part of Kerala state. Kottiyoor Temple situated on the beautiful Sahya mountain range valley and is blessed with abundant natural beauty}}</ref> Rohini Aaradhana is a very important ritual which is not seen in any other temple. Kurumathur Brahman (The senior most member of Kurumathur family considered the embodiment of Vishnu in the ritual) embraces the swayambhu Shiva linga as part of the ritual. This is symbolic of Vishnu pacifying Shiva Who is saddened by the loss of Sati.

As a part of the festival, a procession (Ezhunnallippu) is held with two elephants carrying the idols of Shiva and Parvathi. After the procession, the elephants are fed well (Aanayootu) and given a formal farewell.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://kottiyoordevaswom.com/index.php/rituals|title=Kotiiyoor Temple is one of the oldest hindu pilgrimage spot in the planet. The temple is located in southern India, north part of Kerala state. Kottiyoor Temple situated on the beautiful Sahya mountain range valley and is blessed with abundant natural beauty|access-date=15 November 2013|archive-date=4 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140504121618/http://kottiyoordevaswom.com/index.php/rituals|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The 'Thammangadan Nambiar' Family (The Vediyara Chandrothu Family), a sub-branch of the [[Travancore Royal Family|Thiruvithamkur]]/[[Mushika Kingdom|Kolathiri]] Royal Family), used to (and still do) have by tradition, exclusive right to being the first to have their Ghee offered to the Deity for 'Abhishekam', during the "Naallam Thurakkal" ritual, at the [[Kottiyur]] [[Shiva]] Temple, believed to be the site for the famous [[Yajna]] of [[Daksha]]. "Villippalan Kurup" is the name, by which the member of this Family, performing the ghee-offering ritual is known.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://kottiyoordevaswam.com/rituals/naallamThurakkal.html |title=Kottiyoordevaswam - Shiva Kshetram |access-date=25 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927230209/http://kottiyoordevaswam.com/rituals/naallamThurakkal.html |archive-date=27 September 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Temple Dress code==
Men: Traditional Mundu, Shirt and Banian allowed. Lungi not allowed. Women: Salwar Kameez Allowed, Saree, Set Mundu, Skirts and Blouse allowed.

==Access==
[[File:Kottiyoor-way to akkare kottiyoor.jpg|thumb|Going to Akkare Kottiyoor]]The national highway passes through [[Kannur]] town. [[Mangalore]] and [[Mumbai]] can be accessed on the northern side and [[Cochin]] and [[Thiruvananthapuram]] can be accessed on the southern side. The road to the east of [[Iritty]] connects to [[Mysore]] and [[Bangalore]]. The nearest railway station is [[Kannur railway station|Kannur]] on Mangalore-[[Palakkad]] line. There are airports at [[Kannur International Airport|Kannur]], [[Trivandrum International Airport|Thiruvananthapuram]], [[Mangalore Airport|Mangalore]], [[Calicut International Airport|Calicut]] and [[Cochin International Airport|Cochin]].

Palchuram
*[[Ambayathode]]
*[[Kottiyoor]]
*[[Kottiyoor Vysakha Mahotsavam]]
*[[Thalassery]]
*[https://goo.gl/maps/GixYwifY8oyysNvcA St.Sebastian's Church, Kottiyoor]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Kottiyoor Temple}}

* Temple Administration Official Portal: http://kottiyoordevaswom.com/
* Malabar Devaswam Board, Government of Kerala: http://www.malabardevaswom.kerala.gov.in/

{{Kannur district}}

{{Shaivism}}
{{Shiva temples}}
{{Hindu temples in Kerala}}

[[Category:Shiva temples in Kerala]]
[[Category:Hindu temples in Kannur district]]
[[Category:Villages near Iritty]]
[[Category:108 Shiva Temples]]

Kottiyoor Temple - Revision history

Bandbaajabarat at 06:23, 27 October 2025