Kottiyoor Temple is a famous pilgrimage site located in Kannur district, Kerala. The temple is situated in a serene and dense forest area and is known for its unique traditions and rituals. One of the notable features of the temple is that it remains open to devotees only during the annual festival, known as the
Kottiyur Vysakha Mahotsavam, which typically falls between May and June. During this time, thousands of devotees visit the temple to seek the blessings of the deity. For the rest of the year the temple remains closed. The temple's natural surroundings and spiritual significance make it a sacred destination for many.THE TWO TEMPLES
The Kottiyoor temples are situated on opposite banks of the Bavali River. There are two temples Akkare Kottiyoor and Ikkare kottiyoor. Akkare kottiyoor opens for 28 days during the annual Vaishakha Mahotsavam festival (May-June), while Ikkare Kottiyoor remains closed during this time. The Akkare Kottiyoor Temple's unique setup, with the deity on a natural stone platform and no formal structure, adds to its mystique. The contrast between the two temples – Akkare being open only during the festival and Ikkare being active year-round – creates an interesting dynamic.The temples' picturesque setting amidst the Sahya Mountain range and the Bavali River's medicinal waters enhances the spiritual experience. The natural beauty surrounding the temples likely contributes to the festival's popularity and allure. The combination of spirituality, nature, and tradition makes the Vaisakha Mahotsavam festival a unique and captivating experience for devotees.
The temple's history is related with Daksha Yaga. The story revolves around Sati Devi's tragic demise where Dakshaprajapati, not happy with his daughter’s marriage Lord Shiva, decided to conduct a yaga without informing Sati and Shiva. and Lord Shiva's subsequent wrath, culminating in the destruction of Daksha and his eventual beheading. The narrative highlights the divine presence of the Trinity – Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Sati Devi unaware of his intention, visited the site, and was insulted by her father. Hurt and humiliated, she committed suicide. Devastated and enraged by this act, Lord Shiva did the thandavanirtham (destructive dance) and decapitated Daksha. Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and other gods came to pacify Lord Shiva. Later, Shiva replaced Daksha’s head with a goat’s head. Therefore, this place is said to have the divine presence of trinity: Lord Shiva, Lord Brahma, and Lord Vishnu. The festival started with neyyattam and concludes with elaneerattam where the deity is bathed in tender coconut water.
ONGOING FESTIVAL UPDATES
Heavy rains in Kerala caused significant disruptions at the Kottiyoor Temple, impacting the annual Vaisakha festival. Road traffic is heavily congested due to rain and mud, causing delays for devotees attending the festival. Some areas near the temple are experiencing flooding, with the water level in nearby rivers rising.
A 3-year-old boy died in a traffic jam while being rushed to the hospital in Kannur. The child was reportedly suffocated due to the massive crowd and couldn't breathe, ultimately succumbing to the ordeal. This incident has sparked outrage over the lack of traffic management in the area. The Kottiyoor Temple, where this incident likely occurred, attracts large crowds, especially during festivals like Vaisakha Mahotsavam.
By-
Amalendu k
Student,
Journalism and Mass Communication
Amity University Mumbai
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