Kottiyoor Shiva Temple: Timings, History & Festivals celebrated

Kottiyoor Shiva Temple is one of the oldest and most famous Mahashiva temples in Kannur, Kerala, and has a great history. Nested in the banks of the River Bavali, hills and forests surround this Temple. Kottoyoor is famous for its two temples, the other of which is named Thruchherumana Kshetram. Every year, Vyshaka Mahotsavam is celebrated grandly here, which you can learn about in the following article, along with its timings, history, and other details. 

About Kottiyoor Shiva Temple:

As the name suggests, the devotees worship Lord Shiva in Kottiyoor Shiva Temple, located on the banks of the River Bavali in Kannur, Kerala. This beautiful Temple is surrounded by spectacular green forests and hills that attract tourists and devotees. The other name of the Temple is Thruchherumana Kshetram.

Kottiyoor has two famous temples: Kizhakkeshwaram, also called Akkare Kottiyoor, on the eastern bank, and Vadakkeshwaram, also called Ikkare Kottiyoor, on the eastern bank of the river Bavali. Although the Temple has few visitors throughout the year, it is closed and is grand during the annual Vaishaka Mahotsavam. This is a 28-day festival that is celebrated between May and June. 

The Shiva Lingam in this Temple has been found and is not made, which makes it a ‘Swayambhu’. Though this is the Lord Shiva temple, it is blessed by the presence of Bramha, Vishnu, and Mahashiva. Every ritual in this Temple is celebrated traditionally and grandly to celebrate divine harmony. 

Timings of Kottiyoor Shiva Temple:

Kottiyoor Shiva Temple is open only for twenty-eight days between May and June every year during Vaishaka Mahotsavam. The visiting timings of the Temple during the period of temple opening are,

Day	Timings
Monday	3:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday	3:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday	3:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday	3:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday	3:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday	3:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday	3:30 AM – 9:00 PM

Kottiyoor Shiva Temple history:

The Kottiyoor Shiva Temple’s history defines the Temple’s beauty where it says the story lies around Sati Devi, Lord Shiva and Daksha Maharaj. Daksha Maharaj, father of Sati Devi, is not happy with her daughter’s marriage to Lord Shiva. So, he initiated Yagam by inviting every god and goddess without Lord Shiva. Sati Devi visited the Yaagam even though Lord Mahadev was not happy, and later Dakhsa Maharaj insulted Lord Shiva.r

Heartbroken, Sati Devi sacrifices herself in the fire, where Mahadev opens his third eye and cuts Dakhsa Maharaja’s head in the form of Veerabahdra. Lord Bramha and Vishnu pacified Mahadev and replaced Daksha Maharaja’s head with a goat’s. This place is where the three deities met, and later, the Temple was renovated during Shankaracharya. Every year, 28 days between May and June are celebrated grandly, and hundreds of devotees participate in rituals. 

Festivals celebrated in Kottiyoor Temple:

Vaishaka Mahotsavam:

Every Hindu festival in India is almost open daily with some changes. Still, Kottiyoor Shiva Temple is closed throughout the year. This Temple is open only for twenty-eight days between May and June to celebrate Viashaka Mahotsavam, the only festival celebrated here. Sri Shankaracharya started this festival as he saw the Mahadeva. 

The 28-day festival starts with Muthirerikavu by giving a sword and ends with Thrikkalashaattu. Traditional rituals and rites are performed here, which started with the Neyyattam ritual on Chodu day. Vaishaka Mahotsavam starts on May 20th, 2024, and continues for 28 days. 

Another ritual called Elaneer Vayppu is traditionally performed, in which people bring young coconuts to the Mahashiva Lingam. During this Mahotsavam, Rohini Aradhana is performed, and ane Ezhunnallippu procession is held to carry the Lord’s and Devi Parvathi’s idols. 

Other places to visit near Kottiyoor Shiva Temple:

Kottiyoor Shiva Temple is the Lord Shiva temple, open during Vaishaka Mahotsavam and celebrated for 28 days. After blessings from the Lord, you can visit the other places near the Temple. The list of the places are,

• Muzhapilangad BeachSt. 
• St. Angelo’s Fort
• Mananthavady
• Thirunelly Temple
• Sri Ramaswamy Temple
• Thodeekulam Siva Temple

Accommodation:

There is a high chance that visitors need to stay at hotels to visit the Kottiyoor Shiva Temple in Kerala. The following list has some affordable accommodation options. 

• Mahadeva Rest House in Kottiyoor, which is Rs.350 for a double bedroom.
• Ganga Rest House is Rs.350 for a double bedroom and Rs. 750 for a hall and bedroom. 
• Kailasam Rest House has just Rs.100 for a single room, Rs.200 for a double room and Rs.750 for a hall and bedroom. 
• Tapasya Heritage
• Aaram Beach Resort
• Vrindavan Residency

How to reach?

Visitors and devotees can take three different ways to reach the traditional Kottiyoor Shiva Temple during the Vaishaka Mahotsavam. They are,

By air: Karipur International Airport is 160 km away, the closest airport to the Temple. Many private taxis will drop you off there. 

By rail: Kottiyoor Temple is closest to the Thalassery Railway Station, which is 65 Km away and has many trains. You can reach the Temple directly by private taxi or other means of transport.

By road: If you want to view the beautiful scenery near the Temple, coming by vehicle is the best option. There are many public transport options that you can take from different places.

Address and Contact Details:

For more details, you can also check out the official website, i.e. www.kottiyoordevaswom.com, of the Temple and the Mahotsavam. 

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