Kannur Chapter

Cherukunnu - Sree Annapoorneswary Temple

Sree Annapoorneshwari Temple, dedicated to Goddess Parvathy, is situated at Cherukunnu in Kannur district in Kerala. This is one of the two Annapoorneshwari temples in Kerala. The deity here is worshipped as the Mother Goddess who vanquishes hunger. The temple is built in one single type of rock. These polished stones are put together using a mixture of flattened rice and jaggery. There is a beautiful pond in the temple precincts. You can also see a pole or stupa in this temple. The temple festival begins on the 1st of the Malayalam month of Medam (mid-April – mid-May) and lasts for seven days

Madayi Kavu - Sree Thiruvarkkaattu Kaavu Bhagavati Temple

Madayi Kavu, formally known as Sree Thiruvarkkaattu Kaavu Bhagavati Temple, is one of the most ancient and significant temples in North Kerala, situated at Madayi in the Kannur district. Set atop a scenic hill with sweeping views of the Arabian Sea and the surrounding landscape, the temple is dedicated to Bhagavati, revered as a powerful protector and benevolent mother deity. The temple is believed to date back over a thousand years and is closely associated with the Kolathiri dynasty, which once ruled the region. Rich in history and legend, Madayi Kavu is deeply connected to Kerala’s ritualistic art forms, especially Theyyam, which is performed here with great devotion and grandeur. The annual festival of the temple is a major cultural event, drawing large numbers of devotees and art enthusiasts who come to witness elaborate rituals, traditional music, and vibrant Theyyam performances.

Vadukunda - Shiva Temple

Vadukunda Shiva Temple is an ancient and revered place of worship located in Madayi (Madai) in the Kannur district of Kerala. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is believed to be over a thousand years old and is closely associated with the early history of the region and the Kolathiri rulers. Situated on a gentle hill near Madayi Kavu, Vadukunda is considered a powerful spiritual center, where Shiva is worshipped in a serene form. The temple holds special significance for its traditional rituals, sacred pond, and annual festivals, which attract devotees from across North Kerala. Vadukunda Shiva Temple continues to inspire Shiva bhakti among its worshippers.

Cheruthazham - Hanumanambalam Sree Raghava Puram Temple

Hanumanambalam Sree Raghava Puram Temple is a renowned and sacred temple located in Cheruthazham in the Kannur district of Kerala. The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama (Sree Raghava) with Lord Hanuman worshipped with special prominence, reflecting deep-rooted Ramabhakti and Hanuman devotion. Rich in history and spiritual tradition, the temple is believed to be ancient and holds a unique place in North Kerala’s devotional landscape. The serene temple atmosphere, traditional rituals, and annual festivals attract large numbers of devotees seeking strength, protection, and blessings.

Payyanur - Sree Subrahmanya Swami Temple

One of the most famous Lord Subramanya temples in Kerala, Sree Subramanya Swami Temple at Payyanur in Kannur district of Kerala has specific architectural significance. The two-storeyed sanctum sanctorum here is in the shape of Gajaprishtam [back of an elephant]. This temple also has a 6-ft tall idol of the main deity, Lord Subramanya. Another interesting feature is its 12ft tall compound wall that is constructed in a unique style. The temple is famous for its pavitra mothiram, a uniquely crafted ring. Made only against the order, with gold and the holy darbha grass, it is worn after being sanctified at the temple.

Kanhirangad - Sree Vaidyanatha Temple

Kanhirangad Sree Vaidyanatha Temple, a Lord Shiva shrine, is where the deity is worshipped as Vaidya Nathan (curer of diseases). It is located at Kanhirangad around 6 kms from Thaliparambu in Kannur district, Kerala, and catches your attention with its unique architectural style. The temple annually celebrates two festivals in the Malayalam month of Dhanu (mid-December – mid-January). One is the Thiruvathira festival and the other is the Kaliyattam (Theyyam) festival.

Taliparamba - Sree Rajarajeswara Temple

Situated in Taliparamba village in Kannur district, this is a temple where women devotees are allowed to enter only after 8 pm. It is said that at this hour, Lord Shiva is happy in the company of his consort Parvathy, and hence quick to grant women devotees their wishes. It had the tallest shikhara (spire on a Hindu temple) amongst the shrines of its era. The two-tiered sanctum sanctorum is built in a rectangular shape with copper sheets on the roof. The entire complex is a fine example of Kerala’s temple architectural style.

Trichambaram - Sree Krishna Temple

Popularly known as Trichambaram temple, this Sree Krishna Temple in the Kannur district of Kerala is where you can see Lord Krishna in Raudra Bhavam [ferocious posture]. It houses exclusive murals and carvings that date back to the 15th and 16th centuries CE. The annual festival of the temple falls in the Malayalam months of Kumbham and Meenam (March) and it lasts for fourteen days. The festival begins on Kumbham 22nd with the ceremonial flag hoisting (kodiyettam) and comes to end with Koodipirial ritual on 6th Meenam. The festival days are marked by the performance of the ritual art of Thidampu nritham in front of the temple.

Parassinikadavu - Sree Muthappan (Harihara) Temple

Parassinikadavu Muthappan temple or Parassini Madappura Sree Muthappan temple is one of the most sacred pilgrim sites in north Kerala. Situated about 20 kms from Kannur, the temple is situated on the banks of Valapattnam river. The main deity of the temple is Sri Muthappan, a combination of two Hindu deities – Thiruvappana (Lord Vishnu) and Vellatom (Lord Shiva). The best time to visit the temple is during the first week of December, when the annual harvest festival called as Puthari Thiruvappana is celebrated by the locals. The temple provides free meals and accommodation to all the devotees. Deviating from the normal traditions, devotees offer prayers to Muthappan Theyyam artiste who becomes the embodiment of the lord. The whole exercise takes the form of conversations. The Theyyam artiste’s responses are revered and believed to be that of the deity himself. Theyyam dance is performed on a daily basis at the temple and is the primary mode of worship. Dogs are considered sacred here, as the main deity, Sri Muthappan, is believed to be accompanied by a dog always.

Akkare and Ikkare Kottiyoor - Maha Shiva Temple

Ikkare Kottiyoor temple is an ancient Shiva temple in Kannur. Though the proper name of the temple is Thruchherumana Kshethram, it is locally known as Ikkare Kottiyoor temple as it is situated on the banks of a river, close (ikkare in Malayalam) to the Kottiyoor village. The second main temple in the village of Kottiyoor is the Akkare Kottiyoor that is situated on the other side (akkare in Malayalam) of Bavali river. The Shiva linga that is worshipped in the temple is believed to have been discovered, rather than created by human hands, and is therefore known as Swayambhu (self-born). The temple was built after the Swayambhu lingam was found. It is believed that the shrine is blessed with the divine presence of the Holy Trinity (Lords Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva) and the rituals practised here celebrate this divine harmony. The important festival of the temple, Vaisakha Maholsavam, falls during the months of May – June and is celebrated for 28 days. The Akkare Kottiyoor temple is opened only during this festival.

Kottiyoor Sree - Maha Ganapathi Temple

Sree Maha Ganapathi Temple is a revered and ancient shrine located in the sacred Kottiyoor region of the Kannur district of Kerala. Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, worshipped here as Maha Ganapathi, the temple holds a special place in the spiritual traditions of North Kerala. Set amidst the serene natural surroundings associated with the legendary Kottiyoor temples, this shrine is believed to be a powerful center for removing obstacles and bestowing wisdom and prosperity. Devotees visit the temple to seek blessings for success, harmony, and auspicious beginnings, especially before undertaking important life events.

Muzhakkunnu - Sree Mridanga Saileswari Temple

Popularly known as Muzhakkunnu Mridanga Saileswari Temple, this is one of the most famous shrines dedicated to Goddess Durga in Kerala. Situated at Muzhakkunu in Kannur district, the Goddess here is believed to have two forms – Mridangaleswari and Sreeporkali. Popular lore suggests that long ago, a Mridanga, a percussion instrument, fell on this spot from the heavens. Thus this site got the name 'Mridangashaila Nilayam' which means, the place where the Mridanga fell. Later on, it also came to be known as Muzhakkunnu. The temple is the family deity of the royal dynasty of Kottayam (Kannur) and is the family temple of the legendary Pazhassi Raja. It was here that the renowned royal Kottayathu Thampuran composed famous Kathakali (dance drama) plays such as Bakavadham, Kirmeeravadham, Kalyanasaugandhikam and Nivathakavacha Kalakeyavadham.

Thodikkalam - Shiva Temple

Believed to have been constructed some 2000 years ago, Thodeekulam Shiva Temple allures art lovers with its vibrant murals and exquisite structural integrity. The murals here feature various tales from Indian mythology and epics. The temple has around 150 mural paintings spread over 40 panels and covers a 700 sq feet area of the four walls of the sanctum sanctorum. The paintings mainly focus on legends related to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.

Thiruvangad - Sree Rama Swami Temple

One among the five temples dedicated to Lord Rama in Kerala, the Thiruvangad Sree Ramaswamy Temple is unique in every aspect. Known as ‘Brass Pagoda’ due to the copper sheeting of its roof, the temple holds many intriguing sculptures and lithic records. Noted for its intricate wood carvings, terracotta artwork and mural paintings carved on wooden planks on its ceilings, the shrine is a perfect example of artistic excellence. The presiding deity is Lord Vishnu and the idol here is carved out in Krishna Shila (Black Stone). The annual festival of the temple begins on Vishu day (Kerala New Year) in Medam (mid-April – mid-May) and lasts for seven days. The temple is located at Thalassery in Kannur district of Kerala.

Thrikkaikunnu - Mahadeva Temple

Sree Thrikkaikkunnu Mahadeva Temple is situated at Kottayam near Koothuparambu in Kannur district, Kerala. The temple has two sreekovil (sanctum santorum) and is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the other for Lord Perumal (different form of Lord Shiva).

Peralassery - Sree Subramanya Temple

This is an ancient Lord Subramanya temple, situated in Kannur district in Kerala. It is renowned for its matchless architectural splendour and is a treat for art lovers. The temple pond is a marvelous spectacle because it is constructed like a well with numerous steps descending into it. Legend has it that Lord Rama consecrated the Subramanya idol in the temple in Treta Yuga (the second of four yugas or ages of humankind). Before that, the temple was dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. Currently, there are two temples in the same compound, one dedicated to Lord Ayyappa and the other, to Lord Subramanya.