1. Sri Rajarajeswara Temple, Taliparamba
Shree Rajarajeswara Temple is a Maha Shiva Temple located in Taliparam. Lord Shiva blesses the devotees as Rajaraja. Here Lord Shiva is also worshiped in Shankaranarayana Bhava. The Shiva Lingam here is about 1000 years old. Shree Rajaraja is also known as Lakshipuresan and Chellur Puresan.
Men can always enter the temple, women are allowed to enter only after the evening puja called ‘athaazha pooja’, after 7 pm. Lord Shiva is said to be happy in the company of his consort Parvati at this hour and thus grants female devotees their wishes quickly.
Shree Rajaraja temple is a temple without a flagpole, another special feature is that no ‘koovalam’ is used here to worship Lord Shiva. At a distance of 400m from the temple, there is a temple pond with an area of more than 4 acres on the south side and this pond is known as Ashramat Chira. There is a shrine of Sri Krishna near to the way to pond It is believed that where one should pray first.
Historical background:
The present Shiv Lingam was installed by the Agastya Maharshi, by the demand of Mushika king Satasoman. Shivalinga can be seen only during Abhishekam time and at other times fully covered with jewels.
It is believed that Lord Rama along with Goddess Sita came to Shree Rajaraja Kshetham after Ravana Nigraha and performed pujas and entered the namaskar mandapam and offered prayers. Since then no one has entered the Shree Rajarajeswara Namaskar Mandapam and prayed
Temple Darshana Timing (Visiting Time): 5 AM to 12 noon; 5 PM to 8.30 PM (Ladies 7.00 PM to 8.30 PM (depends)).
Festival Time: The Rajarajeswara Temple does not host annual festivals. It is believed that there were conducted festivals lasting from Shivaratri to Vishu. But now there are no such festivals and even today there are special pujas on the first and last day to commemorate those festivals
How to reach
Nearest Bus Stand: Thaliparamba Busstand (7 min (2.0 km) via NH 66 and Pulimparamba – Manthamkunu – Palayad – Taliparamba Road)
Nearest Railway Station: Kannapuram Railway Station (24 min (12.3 km) via Cherukunnu Thara-Keizhara-Vellikkeel Rd),
Kannur Railway Station (54 min (22.7 km) via NH 66)
Nearest Airport: Kannur Airport (1 hr (37.4 km) via Mattannur – Iritty Rd)
2. Parasshinikadav Muthappan Temple
Parasshinikadav Muthappan Temple or Parasshini Madapura Sri Muthappan Temple is one of the most sacred pilgrimage centers in North Kerala. This temple is situated on the banks of Valapatanam river. The main deity of the temple is Sri Muthappan. The temple provides free meals and accommodation to all the devotees.
Deviating from the usual rituals, devotees pray to the Muthappan Theyam, Theyyam artist who becomes an avatar of the Lord. Lord Shiva is worshiped here as Thiruvaappan or Big Grandfather and Lord Vishnu as Vellattam or Little Grandfather. One can directly tell their problems to their grandfather’s Theiyakolam and seek relief. Theyam dance is performed daily in the temple. Dogs are considered sacred here as it is believed that Sri Muttappan is always accompanied by a dog.
Historical background:
Padikuttyamma and Iyenkara Vazhunnor of Eruvessi village in Kannur district, She was a perfect devotee of Shiva, they made many offerings and prayed due to childless grief. Finally, one day Mahadev gave a dream vision to his dear devotee Padikuttyamma. Next day at Thiruvanchira in Kottiyur when Padikutty Amma was taking a bath she get a child by the grace of Shiva. That is Lord Muthappan, Legend has it that Lord Shiva and Vishnu reside in Madappuras as Muttappa to bless the devotees.
Muttappan’s life was not according to Illame’s methods. Walking with ordinary people and hunting wild animals and eat fish and meat are against the illame’s method but he is loved by the locals. Although Vazhunnor was against all this, the mother forgave everything and loved her son because of her filial love. Finally, he was asked to leave the house. ThenMuthappan shows his original Kalabhairava form and revealed the purpose of incarnation. Seeing the fire from those eyes, the mother was afraid and asked her son to always wear ‘Poikkannu’ i.e covered his eyes with silver eye. Muthapa still blesses the devotees with ‘Poikkannu’
Temple Darshana Timing (Visiting Time): Nata is open from 5 AM to 8 PM. It is not closed during the day time.
Festival Time: Celebrating the annual harvest festival called as Puthiri Thiruvappana in the month of December.
How to reach
Nearest Bus Stand: Parassinikadavu Busstand (4 min (900.0 m) via Parassinikadavu Temple Road)
Nearest Railway Station: Thalassery Railway Station (1 hr 5 min (36.8 km) via Thalassery Rd)
Kannur Railway Station (40 min (19.8 km) via Chirakkal – Mayyil – Kololam Rd/Puthiyatheru – Kambil – Mayyil – Sreekandapuram Rd/Puthiyatheru – Mayyil – Kololam Rd)
Nearest Airport: Kannur Airport (50 min (30.0 km) via Mattannur – Iritty Rd)
3. Sri Mridangashaileshwaridevi Temple, Muzhakunkunnu
Sri Mridangashaileshwaridevi Temple is located in Muzhakunkunnu, a very ancient village in Kannur. It is one of the most popular shrines of Goddess Durga in Kerala. The Goddess here is believed to have two forms, Mridangaleswari and Sriporkali. This temple is one of the grandest of the 108 Durga temples dedicated by Parasurama. This temple is believed to be the family temple of Veera Pazassirajah. The architecture of this temple reflects the traditional Kerala temple style. Here you can see the intricate woodwork and sloping roofs that characterize temples in Kerala.
Historical background:
Mridanga Shailam is the place where Mridangam or mizhava came down from Devaloka. A legend has it that Mahadevi appeared as Swayambhu in the form of Mridanga and Parasurama performed Pratishta by invoking that spirit. In the south-east side of the sanctum sanctorum is the Goddess Mizhav in the form of Swayambhu.
Kathakali was also created by Lord Kottayam in this temple. Attakatha Bakavadham, Kirmiravadham, Kalyana Saugandhikam and Nivatakavacachalakeyavadham were also composed in this temple.
It is also a history that when Tampuran tried to organize the costumes in Kathakali, he did not like the female form, so he meditated here and later the goddess herself appeared in the temple pool and showed him the form. Even today, the same female form is present in the Kathakali without any change.
Legend has it that the Purali kings performed Balitarpatanam to the goddess before going to war in the cave temple on the western side of the temple. Today this cave temple does not exist. There are only remnants of it.
Temple Darshana Timing (Visiting Time): Morning – 05:00 Am to 12:30 Am Evening – 05:00 Pm to 08:00 Pm
Festival Time: Annual Festival Named Poora Mahothsavam in Meenam Month (March-April)
How to reach
Nearest Bus Stand: Iritty Busstand (23 min (11.3 km) via Iritty – Nedumpoil Rd)
Nearest Railway Station: Thalassery Railway Station (1 hr (35.9 km) via Thalassery – Mysore Rd and Uruvachal – Kakkayangad Rd),
Kannur Railway Station (1 hr 16 min (43.8 km) via Kannur – Mattannur – Coorg Rd)
Nearest Airport: Kannur Airport (33 min (20.8 km) via Kannur – Mattannur – Coorg Rd/Mattannur – Iritty Rd)
4.Peralassery Subramanya Temple
Peralassery Subramanya Temple is an ancient Subramanya temple located in Kannur district of Kerala. This temple is famous for Worshiping snakes and offering eggs to the snakes. Peralassery Subramanya Temple is a classic example of traditional Kerala temple architecture. There are two temples in the same compound, one for Ayyappan and the other for Subrahmanya in Peralassery Subramanya Temple.
Another special feature of Peralassery Subramanya Temple is the wide pool spread over 75 cm. The temple pool is a wonderful sight as it is built like a well with many steps. Thulasamgramam is another important festival in this temple and it is also known as ‘Kaveri Samgramam’ and it is believed that the Kaveri river water will flow in the temple pond on that day. Main days are ‘Ayilyam, shashti, Sankramam’ in this temple.
Historical background:
Legend has it that, during the Treta Yuga (the second of the four ages of mankind), Lord Rama, Lakshmana and Hanumaan came here and feels the presence of Lord Subyramanya, and he said Hanumaan to bring an idol of Subramany. As Hanuman did not reach the auspicious moment to enshrine the idol , Rama took off his big bangle and enshrined it. So this place named ‘Peruvalassery’ and later it became Peralassery. Before that this temple was dedicated to Ayyappan. At present, there are two temples in the same compound, one for Ayyappan and the other for Subrahmanya in Peralassery Subramanya Temple.
Temple Darshana Timing (Visiting Time): Nata is open from 4 AM to 12.30 PM and 4.30 PM to 8 PM.
Festival Time: The yearly main festival is conducted in the month of ‘Dhanu‘ (Dec-Jan) and will be for eight days which is commenced with the flag hoisting. The morning ritual on all festival days include elephant procession and Kazhchasheeveli folowed by Thidambu nritham and panchavadyam.
How to reach
Nearest Bus Stand: Thalassery Busstand (29 min (13.9 km) via Thalassery – Irikkur Rd)
Nearest Railway Station: Thalassety Railway Station (26 min (13.3 km) via Thalassery – Irikkur Rd)
Kannur Railway Station (40 min (19.8 km) via Chirakkal – Mayyil – Kololam Rd/Puthiyatheru – Kambil – Mayyil – Sreekandapuram Rd/Puthiyatheru – Mayyil – Kololam Rd)
Nearest Airport: Kannur Airport (27 min (16.3 km) via Thaze Chovva Mattannur Rd and Thalassery – Irikkur Rd)
5.Thiruvangad Sree Ramaswamy Temple, Thalassery
Thiruvangad Sree Ramaswamy Temple is situated in the heart of Thalassery Town. It is one of the five major temples dedicated to Lord Rama in Kerala. The Pratishtha is the form of Lord Rama with unbridled anger after who defeated the demon brothers Kharan, Dushan and Thrissiras and their ten thousand army within three quarter of an hour. This temple is famous for its sculptures and the Kiratarjuna series in the Sri Rama Swamy Temple shrine is admirable, The wall paintings s are also another visual experience.
The temple is commonly known as Brass Pagoda because of the copper sheet on the roof of the temple. A part of the temple was damaged by the forces of Tipu Sultan in the 18th century. It is belived that Parasurama enshrined Rama Idol in this temple. There are two Shiva temple at the north side of the main temple. Annual festival of Thiruvangad Sree Ramaswamy Temple is just as same as the Thrissur pooram. Thiruvangad Sree Ramaswamy Temple is situated on an elevated site with an area of 2.75 hectares. Another attraction of this temple is the temple pool known as ‘Chira’ spread over one hectare.
Historical background:
Once when Sage Agastya was going for his bath, the demon Swethan and Neelan attacked him and cursed Agastya to degenerate in anger. It is believed that in order to get rid of the curse, Neelane was asked to sit for bhajan in the Tali Shiva temple and Swethan to Thiruvangad Shiva temple. after 3 years of Bhajan was performed in the present-day North Shiva temple and then Swethan became Sweta Maharshi. Frmer name of this place is Thiruvan Kadu later became Thiruvangad
Swethan enshrined Shiva is a ferocious form so to appease its anger another Shiva Pratishta is made facing it.
Temple Darshana Timing (Visiting Time): Nata is open from 5 AM to 12 PM and 5.30 PM to 8. 30 PM.
Festival Time: The annual festival of the temple is celebrated on “Vishu” (the first day of the Malayalam New Year) in the Malayalam month of Medam (April), and lasts seven days.
How to reach
Nearest Bus Stand: Thalassery Busstand (5 min (1.3 km) via Thalassery- Kodiyeri Rd)
Nearest Railway Station: Thalassery Railway Station (7 min (1.8 km) via Town Hall Rd)
Nearest Airport: Kannur Airport (46 min (26.7 km) via Thaze Chovva Mattannur Rd)
6.Jagannath Temple, Thalassery
Thalassery Jagannath Temple is a famous Shiva temple in Kannur district of Kerala. 1908- On February 13, Sree Narayana Guru performed the consecration of this temple. The main deity is Lord Shiva. The temple is made in the style of Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha. The idol is made of Panchaloha by famous sculptor Thavarali. This temple is known for its unique architectural style and vibrant festivals, particularly the annual Jagannatha Rath Yatra, which attracts many devotees.
The Jagannath temple in Thalassery, founded by the Guru, is open to all devotees irrespective of caste and creed. Visitors are welcome to participate in the rituals and festivals of the temple while respecting local customs and dress patterns. A statue of the guru was included in the temple complex in 1927, It is the only temple dedicated to Sree Narayana Gurudev during his lifetime.
The annual festival at the Jaganatha Temple in Thalassery is the Jagannatha Rath Yatra, typically held in the Malayalam month of Meenam (March-April). During the annual Jagannatha Rath Yatra at Jaganatha Temple in Thalassery, typically around 2 to 4 elephants participate in the procession. The exact number can vary each year based on the festival’s scale and arrangements.
The Jagannath Temple in Thalassery has a remarkable temple pond measuring about 0.5 to 1 acre.The pond is an integral part of the temple complex and is used for ritual purification and various ritual activities. Apart from this, the temple complex also houses a museum dedicated to the works of Sree Narayana Guru
Temple Darshana Timing (Visiting Time): Nata is open from 04.30 am to 12.30 pm 05.00 pm to 08.00 pm
Festival Time: Annual festival at the Jaganatha Temple in Thalassery is the Jagannatha Rath Yatra, typically held in the Malayalam month of Meenam (March-April)
Nearest Railway station: (Jagannath Temple Gate Railway Station, Not all trains has stop) Thalassery Railway Station (10 min (3.5 km) via Mukund Maller Road and Panvel – Kochi – Kanyakumari Hwy)
Nearest Bus Stand: Thalassery Bus Stand (9 min (3.0 km) via Panvel – Kochi – Kanyakumari Hwy)
Nearest Airport : Kannur Airport (50 min (27.9 km) via Thalassery – Irikkur Rd)
7.Ikare Kotiyur temple
Ikare Kotiyur Temple is an ancient Shiva temple in Kannur. Although the proper name of the temple is Tricherumana Kshetra, it is locally known as Ikare Kotiyoor Temple as it is situated on the banks of the Vavali river close to Kotiyoor village. It is believed that the Shiva Lingam worshiped in the temple is not man-made but Swayambhu [self-born]. The temple was built after the discovery of Swayambhu Lingam. The temple is believed to be blessed with the divine presence of the Holy Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva).
Kottiur has two temples, one on the west bank and the other on the east bank of the Vavali river. Ambalam (Akkare Kotiyur) on the east coast is a temporary ashram (monastery) that opens only during the Kodiyur Vaisakha Mahotsavam. Ikare Kottiyur (Tricherumana Temple) on the west bank of the river is a permanent temple. Ambalam (Akkare Kotiyur) on the east coast is closed throughout the year except for the 27 days of the Vaishakh festival. ‘Akkare Kotiyur’ is situated in the middle of a forest area spread over 80 acres.
Historical background:
Mythology says that Akkare Kottiyoor, was the location of Daksha Yaga, at the conclusion of Yaga Sati Devi the doughter of Daksha immolated herself in this place. Therefore, Kotiyur is one of the most sacred shrines of Shakti. As construction of permanent buildings is prohibited here, there are only temporary and simple structures that look like the hermitage of sages. Sati is powerfully worshiped on the elevated platform ‘Ammarakalu Thara’ adjacent to Swayambhu Lingam, where Goddess Sati is self-immolated. This temple is believed to be the origin of the ‘Shaktipeeth’.
Temple Darshana Timing (Visiting Time): Ikkar Kotiyur Nata is open from 5.00 am to 08.00 pm
Festival Time: The annual Vaishaka Mahotsavam (Kottiyoor festival) is celebrated for twenty-eight days and it falls during the months of May and June.
Nearest Railway station: Thalassery Railway Station (1 hr 22 min (55.9 km) via Thalassery – Baveli Rd)
Kannur Railway Station (1 hr 22 min (55.9 km) via Thalassery – Baveli Rd)
Nearest Bus Stand: Thalassery Bus Stand (1 hr 25 min (54.6 km) via Thalassery – Mysore Rd and Thalassery – Baveli Rd)
Nearest Airport : Kannur Airport (1 hr 7 min (42.3 km) via Sivapuram – Maloor – Peravoor Rd and Malayora Hwy)
8.Sree Krishna Temple, Trichambaram
Trichambaram Sri Krishna Temple is a famous Sri Krishna temple in Thaliparamba, Kannur district. Parasurama built the Trichambaram Sri Krishna temple and installed here the Krishna idol in the form of Krishna coming after killing Kamsa so here Lord Krishna in ferocious posture (Raudra Bhavam).
Trichambaram Sri Krishna Temple is famous for its murals and carvings, the temple has 15th and 16th century carvings and murals. The temple complex has a Jaladurga deity in the middle of a pond and this temple is one of the 108 Durga temples of ancient Kerala. There are three ponds near this temple.
Historical background:
After Ravana’s Nigraha, Krishna freed Devaki and Vasudevar and asked for their wishes, telling them to see Krishna and Balarama’s childhood, and they agreed to play ‘Balaleelas’ in the forest east of the Lakshmipuram (Rajarajeswara temple) temple west of Sahyaparvata. Knowing this, Sage Sambara built an ashram there and prayed to Lord Vishnu. Children Krishna and Balarama playing before Parasurama, Vishnu, Brahma, Rajarajeswara and Devaki Vasudevar. Delighted, Devaki and Vasudeva danced with Krishna and Balarama on their heads. After the dance, Parasuraman requested Krishna to come here every year with his mother and father and play like this to grant moksha. It is believed that Parasurama then built a beautiful temple there and installed Krishna idol. The area where Sambara sage Vishnu did penance came to be known as Sreesambaram. Later it became Trichambaram.
Trichambaram Sri Krishna Temple where elephants cannot enter. it is belived that On their way to Madurai, Kamasam commissioned a killer elephant named Kuvalayapeetam to kill Krishna and Balarama. at the end of the fight Krishna killed that elephant Kuvalayapeetam, so no elephant is allowed in this temple premises.
Temple Darshana Timing (Visiting Time):05.00 AM – 12.00 Pm & 05.00 Pm – 08.00 PM
Festival Time: The yearly main festival is conducted in the month of ‘kumbam-22’ (March) which is commenced with the flag hoisting and ends on Meenam 6 with Koodipiriyal. In between these dates, for 11 days, Thitambu Nriththam (a form of dance with the idols of Krishna and Balarama) is held here.
Nearest Railway station: Kannur Railway Station (44 min (20.9 km) via NH 66)
Nearest Bus Stand: Thaliparamba Bus Stand (4 min (1.1 km) via NH 66 and Trichambaram Temple Road)
Nearest Airport : Kannur Airport (55 min (35.4 km) via Mattannur – Iritty Rd)
9.Annapoorneshwari Temple, Cherukunnu
Annapurneswari Temple is located in Cherukunni in Kannur. The main deity here is Vishnu, But the temple is dedicated to Goddess Annapurneswari, the goddess of prosperity and nourishment. She is worshiped here as the mother goddess who quenches hunger form of Sri Parvathi. The temple is built in one single type of rock. These polished stones are put together using a mixture of flattened rice and jaggery.
The idol of the goddess is in the form holding an anna potra in one hand and a golden spoon in the other. The temple serves meals two times daily. It is believed that the Goddess herself personally performs the duties of cooking and feeding to her devotees. According to legend, centuries old Cherukunnu Annapoorneshwari Temple, is one of the 108 Devi Temples established by Parasurama. It is believed that Lord Shiva of Taliparamba Rajarajeshwar temple, would come to Cherukunnu Annapoorneshwari Temple every day after the dinner puja to visit his wife Annapoorneshwari. There is a beautiful pond in this temple and it spread around 2.5 acres in area.
Historical background:
Seeing that the people were suffering due to crop destruction and famine, King Kolathiri prayed to Annapurneswari and asked her to bless him by coming here to end the famine in his country. It is believed that Goddess Annapoorneshwari of Kashi heard that prayer and came to the land of Kolat with three other Goddess and many devotees in a ship with many seeds.
Temple Darshana Timing (Visiting Time):05.00 AM – 12.00 Pm & 05.00 Pm – 08.00 PM
Festival Time: The yearly main festival ‘Vishu vilakku’ is conducted in the Malayalam month of Medam, the festival is celebrated from Meda Sankrama to Medam 7th.
Nearest Railway station: Pazhayangadi Railway Station (13 min (6.9 km) via Payangadi-Valapattanam Rd/Pazhayangadi Rd/Pilathara-Pappinisseri Rd)
Nearest Bus Stand: Pazhayangadi bus stand (11 min (5.9 km) via Payangadi-Valapattanam Rd/Pazhayangadi Rd/Pilathara-Pappinisseri Rd)
Nearest Airport : Kannur Airport (1 hr 9 min (41.0 km) via Kannur – Mattannur Rd/Kannur – Mattannur – Coorg Rd)
10.Sree Subramanya Swami Temple, Payyanur
Popularly known as ‘Perumal Temple’, Payyanur, Sree Subramanya Swami Temple is a famous temple located in Payyanur city at the northern tip of Kannur district. Subrahmanya, the main murti, is placed facing east in the pose after defeating Tarakasura. This idol is six feet tall. Saffron-clad monks and upanayanam-clad Kshatriyas are not allowed inside the temple. It is also interesting to note that there is no flagpole here. The Elanji tree in the temple compound always flowers but never bears fruit.
The temple also has a Parasurama deity. Therefore, Payyannur Subramanyaswami Temple is a temple where Parasuramasanas are followed. Saffron-clad ascetics and upanayanam kshatriyas are not allowed in. There are many rules such as no royal insignia, no elephants for festivals, no pappadam for feasts are some of them.
This temple and the land is famous for the ring called ‘Payyannur Pavithrakattu’, it is a ring made by using gold and ‘dharba grass’ and made by order. It is worn after worshiping at the temple.
Historical background:
It is believed that the Subrahmanya temple was built by Vishvakarma on the request of Parasurama to eradicate the diseases of the land he built. The temple was completely destroyed during Tipu’s campaign and the present temple was built by ‘Ramaghata Mushikan’ using the gold coin gifted by Charaman Perumal.
Temple Darshana Timing (Visiting Time): 04.00 AM – 12.00 PM & 05.00 PM 0 09.00 PM
Festival Time: There is no such festivals, The main celebration of this temple is the Samaradhana Mahotsav, which is held for two months from the first day of the malayalam month Vrishchikam.
Nearest Railway station: Payyanur Railway Station (9 min (3.4 km) via Main Rd and Subrahmanya Swami Temple Rd)
Nearest Bus Stand: Payyanur Bus Stand (5 min (1.4 km) via Subrahmanya Swami Temple Rd)
Nearest Airport : Kannur Airport (1 hr 42 min (58.2 km) via NH 66)
Note: We cannot determine the cronological order of famous temples in kannur considering the value of each temple. Anyway these are the best and famous ten temples in kannur.
