Venue: Kottiyur Shiva temple,Kannur

Begins on: May 18, 2008

Concludes on: June 13, 2008

Kottiyur is different. You will feel it when you step into the tranquil surroundings of the temple. Set amid a jungle area nourished by river Bavali in Kannur district, the temple is known as the Varanasi of the South. (Varanasi is a religiously prominent town on the shores of river Ganges in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The famous Vishwanatha temple here is dedicated to Lord Shiva). 

At Kottiyur, there are two temples– Akkare Kottiyur and Ikkare Kottiyur, located on the opposite banks of Bavali river. The 28 days long annual festival here commences on the Chothi asterism in the Malayalam month of Edavam (May-June) and culminates on the Chithira asterism of the Mithunam month (June- July).

The festivities at Kottiyur begin with a sword from the Muthirikavu Temple in Tavinal village being taken to the Ikkare Kottiyur temple. It is believed that this sword was the one with which the mythical character Dakshan was hacked to death by Lord Shiva and is today an object of daily worship at the Muthirikavu Temple. The temple is believed to be located on the spot of the ancient Dakshayaga.

A form of offering at the Kottiyur temple comprises pouring of ghee and tender coconut water on the granite boulder at the temple, representing the Shiva Lingam, believed to be Swayambhu (originated on its own). During the 28-day festival a huge turnout of devotees is witnessed on the occasion of certain rituals, especially for the Ilaneerveppu and Rohini Puja.

Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Thalassery, Kannur, about 44 kms.
Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode, about 93 kms from Kannur town.
Buses operate from the venue during the festival period.