Kottiyoor Temple, Kottiyoor

Kottiyoor, Kerala

At the heart of Kottiyoor, Kottiyoor Temple offers a divine and uplifting ambience where devotees come together to seek blessings, peace, and guidance. This sacred shrine has been a beacon of faith for centuries, standing as a reminder of the community’s shared devotion and spiritual connection. From the moment one enters its premises, the calming chants, fragrant incense, and gentle temple bells create an atmosphere that soothes the soul. The temple is not only a place for prayer but also a centre for cultural gatherings, festivals, and traditional rituals that strengthen communal ties. Whether during quiet daily worship or grand celebrations, Kottiyoor Temple continues to touch hearts and minds, making it one of the most cherished spiritual destinations in Kottiyoor. It also proudly reflects the timeless traditions seen in many Ancient temples in Kerala.

Kottiyoor Temple History and Significance

Kottiyoor Temple is a prominent Shiva temple in Kottiyoor, Kannur, Kerala. It was under the Kattan dynasty of Puralimala, from which the name 'Katti-yoor' originated. This name later evolved into Kottiyoor in the local dialect. The temple is a special category temple under Malabar Devaswom board.

There are two temples in Kottiyoor, one on the western bank of the Vavali river and the other on the eastern bank. The shrine on the east bank is a temporary hermitage opened only during the Kottiyoor Vysakha Mahotsavam. The Vadakkeshwaram or Ikkare Kottiyoor on the western bank is a permanent temple complex.

The temple is situated in a densely forested area amidst a sacred grove that covers about 80 acres. Mythology says that Akkare Kottiyoor was the location of Daksha Yaga, where Sati Devi immolated herself. The Kottiyoor Perumal Temple was once the second-wealthiest temple in Kerala.

Kottiyoor Temple Pooja Timing
Kottiyoor Temple Interesting Facts
Kottiyoor Temple Nearby Temples
Other Shiva Temples
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Kottiyoor Temple Pooja Timing

Pooja Name	Timings
Nirmalya Darshanam	5:00 AM
Usha Pooja	6:30 AM
Ucha Pooja	12:00 PM
Athazha Pooja	7:30 PM

Kottiyoor Temple Location Details

How to Reach Kottiyoor Temple

By Road:

Kottiyoor is well-connected by road to major towns in Kerala. State Transport Buses and private taxis operate regularly from cities like Kannur, Thalassery, and Mananthavady.

By Train:

Nearest railway stations: Kannur Railway Station and Thalassery Railway Station. From these stations, buses or taxis are available to Kottiyoor.

By Air:

Nearest airport: Kannur International Airport (approximately 60 km away). From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Kottiyoor via Thalassery or Kannur.

Kottiyoor Temple Nearby Temples

Best time to visit (season/months):

The best time to visit is during the Vaisakha Mahotsavam festival, which typically occurs between May and June. Avoid the monsoon season due to landslides and heavy rainfall. Winters are also pleasant for visiting as the weather remains cool and comfortable.

Other Shiva Temples

Legends Beliefs

Legends and BeliefsThe Kottiyoor Temple is highly revered in Kerala and neighbouring areas. The legend goes that the shrine is blessed with the divine presence of The Holy Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva) and the primordial Mother Goddess (Bhagavathy). Kali has promised Parashurama not to enter the premises of the holy shrine.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, there are only temporary and simple-looking structures resembling hermits of sages.Sati is worshipped 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. The place is called Kottiyoor from Koodi and Uuru meaning Meeting Precinct.
Deities and Sub Deities

Deities and Sub-DeitiesThe main deity of Kottiyoor Temple is Shiva. The temple is also associated with the primordial Mother Goddess (Bhagavathy). The shrine is blessed with the divine presence of The Holy Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva).
Offerings

OfferingsAn important ritual during the festival is the 'Elaneer Vayppu' or submitting tender coconuts before the swayambhu Shiva linga. Thousands of tender coconuts carried from different parts of Kerala by the devotees are submitted. The collected coconut water is then poured on to the idol in what is known as 'Elaneeraattam'.
Architecture

ArchitectureThe temple is well known for its old structure and is not renovated to preserve the old customs and traditions. The temple is situated in a densely forested area amidst a sacred grove that covers about 80 acres. The architecture is partially in Kerala style.
Festivals

FestivalsThe Vaisakha Maholsavam festival is held every year during May - June. The twenty-eight-day festival commences with the 'Neyyattam' ritual and concludes with the Thrikkalashaattu. The festival includes rituals like 'Bhandaram Ezhunnallath', 'Elaneer Vayppu', and 'Elaneeraattam'.Rohini Aaradhana is a very important ritual where Kurumathur Brahman embraces the swayambhu Shiva linga. This is symbolic of Vishnu pacifying Shiva. A procession with two elephants carrying the idols of Shiva and Parvathi is also held.
Religious Practices

Religious PracticesThe rites and rituals of the festival symbolise Shaiva-Vaishnava-shakteya communal harmony. The 'Prathishta' of the Thruchherumana Temple was done by Parashurama. The Thruchherumana Temple worships Shiva for the entire year as the 'Swayambhoo linga' can only be worshipped during 27 days of a year.Sankaracharya classified the rites and rituals of the temple. He worshipped at the Thruchherumana temple but did not cross the river to worship the 'Swayambhoo linga' as it was not the period of Vysakha pilgrimage. This belief is strictly followed until this time.

FAQ's

Where is the Kottiyoor Temple located?

The Kottiyoor Temple is located in Kottiyoor, Kerala, India. Specifically, it is situated in the Kannur district.

Which God is Shiva?

Shiva is a major Hindu deity.

What is the best time to visit Kottiyoor Temple?

How to reach Kottiyoor Temple from near City or Town?

Nearest railway stations: Kannur Railway Station and Thalassery Railway Station. From these stations, buses or taxis are available to Kottiyoor. Nearest airport: Kannur International Airport (approximately 60 km away). From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Kottiyoor via Thalassery or Kannur.