INTRODUCTION

Literally Malappuram means land at the top hills. Located west to Nilgiri Hills and east to Arabian Sea, Malappuram has an exciting history. The district witnessed many revolts against the British supremacy even before the emergence of freedom movement in India. The great Malabar Rebellion that took place during 1792 and the great wagon tragedy (1921) are some of the examples. Malappuram was the garrison headquarters of Zamorin. Later it became the head quarters of the European and British troops. Malappuram is famous for the cultural heritage of Kerala. It is a centre for Vedic learning, Ayurvedic treatment and Islamic Philosophy. The district is the most populated district of the State.

Religious history of the district

In the ancient days, the people followed an independent religious philosophy related with Dravidian practices. Around 3rd Century B.C., Jainism and Buddhism came into the district. It was the Jainism that set foot in the region. Both Jainism and Buddhism declined consequent on the insurgence of Aryans and by the revival of Hinduism. Efforts of Sri Sankaracharya and Bhakthi movement donated much for the promotion of Hinduism. Contributions of Thunchath Ramanujan Ezhuthachan, Melpathur Narayana Bhattathirippad and Poonthanam Namboodiri, all born in Malappuram district, accelerated the Bhakthi movement initially in the central region of Kerala and later to the whole Kerala.

 Though Christianity came to Kerala in 52 A.D., it did not make any impact on the religious thoughts of the people. The arrival of foreigners created a favourable atmosphere for Christianity, but situation did not improve till the influx of Christian immigrants from Travancore to the eastern parts of the district during the first half of 20th Century. However, Islam religion spread widely in the district after 7th Century A.D.  Communal harmony and religious tolerance are the remarkable characteristics of the people of the district.

 According to 2011 census, the population of the district is 41,10,956. The Hindu community divided into Brahmin, Kshathriya, Ambalavasis (Pushpakan, Chakyar, Poduval, Varier etc.) Nair, Ezhava, Bhillava, Nadavar, Kammalar etc. To the Hindus, worship of god is imperative and hence temple formed an integral part of their daily life. According to a survey conducted by the Census Department, the district has 1121 temples. Important temples of the district are listed below.

Antiquity and deities:

Antiquity of the temples of Malappuram district cannot be determined in terms of age of the idol or structures of the temple. The antiquity of each temple may, therefore, be decided based on legend or history. However, the Department of Census, Government of India identified 38 temples of the district as very ancient having more than two thousand years of age.  199 temples were constructed between 1st and 9th Century AD. Between 10th and 20th Century AD, 856 temples have been constructed. The department could not ascertain the antiquity of 28 temples. 

 The deities of the district are mainly Goddess Bhadrakali or Bhagavathy, Lord Vishnu, Lord Siva, Lord Ganapathy, Lord Subramanya, Lord Sastha etc based on various kalpa or sankalpa (concept). Combination of sankalpa such as Sankara-Narayana, Uma-Maheswara, Lakshmy-Narayana, Siva-Parvathy etc are also there. Number of temples based on various sankalpa is given below:

Administration:

IIn ancient periods, King or local chieftains are owned and administered temples. Some of the temples were owned by madams, tharawads or individuals. However, majority of them were under the administrative control of King or local chieftains. When the foreigners established their power in the area and powers of local rulers faded away, administration of temples was also taken over by them. In 1790, the British Government came forward with certain regulations to control the administration of temples in Malabar region. The first enactment on these lines was the Madras Regulation VII of 1817. Subsequently, the Religious Endowment XX of 1863 was enacted. Since this Act was found to be a failure, the Government brought out another one repealing the Act of 1863. Later in 1927, the Government passed the Madras Hindu Religious Endowment Act (Act II of 1927) and brought temple administration under their control. After independence, the Congress Government of erstwhile Madras State introduced the Madras Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act of 1951 to govern the temples. When the Kerala State was formed and Malabar region formed its part, this Act was made applicable to the temples of that region which includes the district. A Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Board  also came into existence. Later the Board was converted into a Department. Till 2008, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department held control over the temples. In 2008, the Government of Kerala, amended the Act and constituted the Malabar Devaswom Board. Now the following temples of the district are under the control of the Malabar Devaswom Board.

1 Alamanna Temple, Edayoor
2 Alathiyoor PerumThrikkovil Temple, Alathiyoor
3 Alayakkattu Vishnu Temple, Perinthalmanna
4 Amarambalam Samooham Temple, Thiruvaly
5 Ananthavur Temple (Padinharekovilakam), Karumarakadu
6 Arikeezhaya Temple, Manjery
7 Arimpuzha Krishna Temple, Cheruvayoor
8 Ariyanthirakavu Temple, Perumanna
9 Ashtiyil Chennamangalam Temple, Methrukkovil
10 Athrusseri Temple, Ponmundam
11 Attuthrikkovil Temple, Melattoor
12 Ayinikkadu Devaswom, Pallikkal
13 Ayirur Anthimahakalan Temple, Thavanoor
14 Baladevapuram Temple, Keezhattoor
15 Chaliyakkulam Temple, Melmury
16 Chamravattam Ayyappan Temple, Chamravattam
17 Chandanakavu temple, Kurambathoor
18 Changamangalam Temple, Pookkattoor
19 Chelakkadu Temple, Pulamanthol
20 Chembramanam Maheswara Temple, Edappal
21 Chemmanthitta Srikrishnapuram Temple, Keezhattoor
22 Chemmanthitta Temple, Amarmbalam
23 Chenthalavishnu Temple, Thrikandiyoor
24 Cherukattukavu Bharatha Temple, Ramapuram
25 Cherukunnu Bhagavathy Temple, Othukungal
26 Cherukunnu Bhagavathy Temple, Puthoor
27 Cherukuttissery Samooham Vettakkorumakan Temple, Chaliyapram
28 Cherukuttissery Vishnu Bhagavan Temple, Chaliyapram
29 Cherunellikode Temple, Melmuri
30 Cherupannikkodu Temple, Vazhayoor
31 Cheruthrikkovil Temple, Murkhanadu
32 Cheruvaikara Temple, Easwramangalam
33 Cheruvayoor Temple, Cheruvayoor
34 Chethanamkurissy Subrahmanya Temple, Anamangadu
35 Chirakkara Temple, Thrikalangod
36 Chirakkattukavu Temple, Kuruva
37 Durga Bhagavathy Temple, Muthuvallur
38 Easwaramangalam Temple, Melattoor
39 Edakkuda Temple, Edakuda
40 Ellattu Temple, Elamkulam
41 Eppikkattu Temple, Edappatta
42 Erakkara Durga Bhagavathy Temple, Marakara
43 Eranelloor Subrhamanyaswami Temple, Ozhoor
44 Eranhamanna Temple, Elamkur
45 Ganapathy Temple, Valiyakunnu
46 Govardhanapuram Vishnu Temple, Punnayurkulam
47 Govindapuram Temple, Easwaramangalam
48 Hariharamangalam Temple, Kodanadu
49 Idimoozhikal Mahaganapathy Temple, Chelembra
50 Irivetty Karinkaly Temple, Kavanoor
51 Iventhara Paradevatha Temple, kalpakanchery
52 Kadampuzha Bhagavathi Temple, Melmury
53 Kadannamanna Bhagavathy Temple, Mankada
54 Kadungallur Temple, Puliyakkode
55 Kadungothu Temple, Koottilangady
56 Kainikkattu Vishnu Temple, Perinthalmanna
57 Kaippully Samooham Temple, Melattoor
58 Kaithrukovil Temple, Athavanadu
59 Kalikavu Bhagavathy Devaswom, Karuvambram
60 Kallarmangalam Temple, Marakara
61 Kallattu Temple, Niramaruthoor
62 Kandamangalam Temple, Punnappala
63 Kanmanam Siva Temple, Kanmanam
64 Kappattu Madam (Oottu Brahmaswam), Payyanadu
65 Kappil Karinkaly Temple, Wandoor
66 Karaikatukulam Temple, Melmuri
67 Karikkadu Subrahmanyaswami Temple, Thrikalangode
68 KarinkalyTemple, Edappatta
69 Karinkappara Vishnu, Perumanna
70 Karukapra Temple, Omachampuzha
71 Karumakankavu Temple, Vazhayoor
72 Karumarakattu Temple, Valiyakunnu
73 Karuthavariyam Temple, Elamkulam
74 Karuvambram Vishnukarinkaly Temple, Narukara
75 Karuvankulangara Temple, Ozhur
76 Kathiyakavu Temple, Parappur
77 Kattuputhoor Siva Temple, Edappatta
78 Kavilmangadu Temple, Puliyankode
79 Kavukkanikkottu Alias Avinhikkattu Temple, Pulamanthol
80 Kavupra Siva Temple, Vattamkulam
81 Keeranelloor Temple, perinelloor
82 Keezhthrukovil Temple, Pandikadu
83 Kidangazhi Temple, Karuvambram
84 Kizhakke kovilakam Central Devaswom, Kottakkal
85 Kodalill Vishnu Temple, Venginikkara
86 Kodanchery Bhoothakulangara Temple, Niramaruthoor
87 Kodassery Vishnu Temple, Chembrassery
88 Koduvalliyode Temple, Mulliyamkurissy
89 Koduvayoor Subrahmanyaswami Temple, A.R.Nagar
90 Kokkur Vishnu Temple, Othalur
91 Korachamkulam Temple, Easwaramangalam
92 Kottoor Poothrikkovil Temple, Kottur
93 Kozhiyoor Siva Temple, Pazhanelloor
94 Krishnapuram Temple, Chemmalassery
95 Kulamethrukkovil Temple, Pallipram
96 Kulangara Temple, Edayoor
97 Kummil Vishnu Temple, Marancheri
98 Kunhikulangara Temple, Keraladheesapuram
99 Kurussiyil Bhagavathy temple, Vadakumbram
100 Kuruvambalam SivaTemple, Karuvambalam
101 Kuruvattissery Temple, Ozhur
102 Malankeezhnadu Temple, ChemmalasseryD
103 Malaparambathu Ayyappan Temple, Karuvambalam
104 Mammavil Temple, Pandikkadu
105 Manathala Siva Temple, Niramaruthoor
106 Manikyapuram Temple, Angadipuram
107 Mankulangara Temple, Melmury
108 Mannur Siva Temple, Malappuram
109 Marakkattiri Siva Temple, Cheruvayoor
110 Maranchery Bhagavathy Temple, Maranchery
111 Maravanchery Bhagavathy Temple, Thrikandapuram
112 Maruthil Temple, Marakara
113 Mathoor Siva Temple, Thavanur
114 Mavandiyoor Temple, Edayoor
115 Methrukovil Keezhthrukkovil Temple, Pallipram
116 Methrukovil Temple, Elamkulam
117 Methrukovil Temple, Pulamanthol
118 Moolamanna Siva Temple, Kuruva
119 Moothrukkunnu Temple, Manjery
120 Mukkuthala Bhagavathy Temple, Pallikkara
121 Mukkuthala Kannenkavu Bhagavathy Temple, Mukkuthala
122 Mundan Thrikkovil Temple, Nannamukku
123 Murkhanadu Temple, Marakara
124 Muthukurissy Temple, Keezhattoor
125 Naduvathu Temple, Thrikalangod
126 Nallurpally Narasimhamoorthy Temple, Arikode
127 Nannambra Vishnu Temple, Nannambra
128 Narasimha Temple, Valiyakunnu
129 Narumadhuram Temple, Narukara
130 Neelembrakarinkaly Temple, Porur
131 Neermangadu Temple, Vilayil
132 Neerputhoor Temple, Arakkuparamba
133 Nerumkaithakota Temple, Valiyakunnu
134 Oorakam Subrahmaniaswami temple, Vengara
135 Ozhur Vishnu Temple, ozhur
136 Pachery Bhagavthy Temple (Naduvilmadam), Edappatta
137 Pachery Vishnu Temple, Vailathur
138 Painkannoor Siva Temple, Kuttipuram
139 Palakattu Karinkaly Temple, Thrippanachi
140 Palanthol Vishnu Temple, Elamkulam
141 Palaparamba Temple, Koduvayur
142 Pallipuram Temple, Pallipuram
143 Palliyarakkavu Temple, Pulapatta
144 Palliyil Durga Bhagavathy Temple, Edapal
145 Pananhankara Temple, Puzhakkattiry
146 Pandamangalam Srikrishna Temple, Kottakal
147 Panthallur Bhagavathy Temple, Panthallur
148 Pappanoor Temple, Velimukku
149 Parambathukavu Bhagavathi Temple, Erimbiliyam
150 Parikkattiry Sriramswami Temple, Kariavattam
151 Pathapiriyam Temple, Edavanna
152 Pattukottil Temple, Murkhanad
153 Pazhanchannoor Subrahmanyaswami Temple, Valliikunnu
154 Pazhangara Durgabhagavathy Temple, Arimbra
155 Pazhedath Vishnu Temple, Melattoor
156 Perinthalmanna Siva Temple, Perinthalmanna
157 Perumanna Klari subrahmanya Swami Temple, Edarikode
158 Perumanna Mahavishnu Temple, Perumanna
159 Perumbarambu Siva Temple, Edapal
160 Perumudissery Vettakkorumakan Temple, Eramangalam
161 Pisharikkal Temple, Pangu
162 Pisharikkal Temple, Vattamkulam
163 Podiyattu Temple, Melmury
164 Ponmala Melmury Siva Temple, Ponmala
165 Ponmala Siva Temple, Ponmala
166 Pookkarathara Thali Devaswom, Edappal
167 Poolamanna Temple, Pandikadu
168 Pootharmanna Temple, Melattoor
169 Poothrukkovil Temple, Porur
170 Poothrukkovil Temple, Pulamanthol
171 Porayur Subrahmanyaswami Temple, Thrikkalangod
172 Porur Dharmasastha Temple, Porur
173 Porur Siva Temple, Porur
174 Pothanur Bhagavathy Temple, Pothanur
175 Poyilikavu Temple, Nediyiripu
176 Prabhakara Temple, kanmanam
177 Pukkattiyoor Temple, Edayur
178 Pullanur Samooham Temple, Manjery
179 Pullanur Temple, Valluvambram
180 Pulpatta Siva Temple, Pulpatta
181 Punnappala Siva Temple, Thiruvalra
182 Punnathala Temple, Kurumbathur
183 Puramannur Ganapathy Temple, Puramannur
184 Puramundakkadu Temple, Vattamkulam
185 Purandakkavu Temple, Puranda
186 Purandamanna Temple, Aliparamba
187 Puthukkulangara Temple, keraladhisapuram
188 Ramapuram Temple, Puzhakkattiry
189 Ravaramanna Temple, Angadipuram
190 Ravimangalam Temple, Chathankottupuram
191 Rayiramangalam Temple, Thanur
192 Rishiputhoor temple, Edayur
193 Rudhiramahakali Temple, Erimbiliyam
194 Saligramam Temple, Arikode
195 Sivamangalam Temple, Moorkhanad
196 Subrahmanyaswami Temple, Eravimangalam
197 Sukapuram Dakshinamoorthy Temple, Kuttipala
198 Thaikadu Vishnu Temple, Marakara
199 Thalamunda Bhagvathy Temple, Edapal
200 Thali Temple, Angadipuram
201 Thaliyil Temple, Vengara
202 Thambalakkod Temple, Keezhattoor
203 Thanalur Temple, Thanalur
204 Thelakkad Temple, Karyavattam
205 Thindilam Bhagavathy Temple, Pothanur
206 Thindilam Temple, Vadakumbram
207 Thirumanangadu Temple, Chelembra
208 Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathy Temple, Angadipuram
209 Thirumandhamkunnu Temple, Chathankottupuram
210 Thirumangadu Temple, Ozhur
211 Thirumaniyur Temple, kalady
212 Thirunarayanapuram Temple, Arakkaparamba
213 Thirunavaya Ayyappa Temple
214 Thirunavaya Temple, Thirunavaya
215 Thirurkkad Siva Temple, Valambur
216 Thiruthiyil kalam , Chelembra
217 Thiruvallikkattu Temple, Manathumangalam
218 Thiruvallur Temple, Marakara
219 Thiruvarchanamkunnu Madathilkulangara Temple, Oorakam
220 Thiruvidayikal Temple, Manjery
221 Thiyyadikkavu Temple, Mankadapallipram
222 Thonikkara Siva Temple, Valambur
223 Thottakkadu Temple, Pulpatta
224 Thozhuvanur Bhagavathi Temple, Vadakumbram
225 Thrikkaikattu Madam, Thanur
226 Thrikkaikattu Temple, Thanur
227 Thrikkaikunnu Temple, Keezhparamba
228 Thrikkalangodu Temple, Thrikkalangod
229 Thrikkalayur Temple, Areekode
230 Thrikkandiyur Siva Temple, Periyapuram
231 Thrikkattu Vishnu Temple, Chathankottupuram
232 Thrikkavu Temple, Ponnany
233 Thrikkovil Temple, Kalady
234 Thrikkovil Temple, Thozhuvanur
235 Thrikkulam Siva Temple, Thirurangadi
236 Thripakkattu Vishnu Temple, Pandikkadu
237 Thrippanachi Perumthraikovil Temple, Thrippanachi
238 Thrippatta Temple, Kadikkadu
239 Thrippoothampuzha Temple, Aliparamba
240 Thriprangottu Siva Temple, Thruprangottu
241 Thripuranthakan Temple, Malappuram
242 Thripuranthakan Temple, Valiyakunnu
243 Thumarakavu Temple, Tirur
244 Ullanam Temple, Ullanam
245 Unnimura Temple, Oorngattiry
246 Uppukavu Temple, Pathayikkara
247 Vaikathur Temple, Kattiparathy
248 Vailassery Temple, Irimbiliyam
249 Vairankodu Bhagavathy Temple, Thirunavaya
250 Vakathodi Karinkaly Temple, Manjery
251 Valamaruthur Temple, Chennara
252 Valankurissy Temple, Thazhekkad
253 Valapuram Temple, Puzhakkattiry
254 Valavil Temple, Keraladheesapuram
255 Valiyakunnu Narasimhamoorthi Temple, Valiyakunnu
256 Valiyakuttissery Vishnu Temple, Cheruvayoor
257 Valiyapoilam Temple, Pothanur
258 Vallikkavu Devaswom, Tirur
259 Vazhenkada Narasimhamoorthy Temple, Paraly
260 Vazhenkod Temple, Mulliankurissy
261 Vellamassery Temple, Thalakadu
262 Vellattu Temple, Ananathavur
263 Velliyambram Siva Temple, Puzhakkattiry
264 Vemanna Temple, Vettam

 

VETTAKORUMAKAN TEMPLE, NILAMBUR

Location: The temple is located near the Nilambur Bus Stand on the western bank of Chaliyar River.

Panchayat: Nilambur.

Village: Nilambur.

Taluk: Nilambur.

Pin Code: 679 329.

Nearest Railway Station: Nilambur/Shornur (65 km).

Nearest Airport: Kozhikode (Karipur) International Airport (85 km).

Legend/History: The temple was constructed in the 18th Century. The initial seat of the temple/deity was Nambalakot Village in Gudallur Taluk, now in Wayanad District. During the Malabar Rebellion in 1921, the temple was partially damaged. The temple is managed by the Nilambur Kovilakam (Nilambur Royal House).

Deity: Vettakorumakan (Lord Sastha) is the principal deity. Lord Ganapathy, Lord Naga, Goddess Bhagavathy are the other deities.

Time of worship: From 5.00 to 9.00 and from 17.00 to 19.30 hrs.

Festival: Pattu Ulsavam that held for 6 days from 20th to 25th Dhanu (April-May) is the main festival. 

SRI THIRUMANDHAMKUNNU BHAGAVATHY TEMPLE, ANGADIPPURAM

Location: The temple is located at Angadippuram near Perinthalmanna.  

Panchayat: Angadippuram.

Village: Angadippuram.

Taluk: Perinthalmanna.

Pin Code: 679 321.

 Nearest Railway station: Angadippuram/Shornur (28 km).

Nearest Airport: Kozhikode (Karipur) International Airport (55 km).

 Legend/History: The temple is an ancient one and the exact year of its origin is not known. In the records the name temple is recorded as Thiru Mathaamkunnu (means holy hillock from where the power of Mother Goddess glows with). The origin of the temple is associated with legend of famous Mandhathav Maharshi, a king of Soorya dynasty. He meditated for long period and pleased Lord Siva, who gave an idol of the Lord for further meditation. He installed the idol at a hillock that found suitable. But this idol was the one that used by Goddess Parvathy and it was without Her knowledge, that Lord Siva donated it to the Maharshi. When Goddess Parvathy knew about this, She deputed Goddess Bhadrakali to get it back. When Bhadrakali tried to snatch the idol from Maharshi, it has broken into two pieces. From the broken idol, Lord Siva and Goddess Parvathy appeared and gave the idol to the Maharshi with blessings. They also directed to consecrate the idol of Goddess Bhadrakali also and proper poojas offered to Her. The Maharshi consecrated the idol of Goddess also in the hillock. Since the installation of idols had been done by the Mandhathav Maharshi on the hillock, the temple is known as Thirumandhamkunnu (Holy hillock of Mandhathav). The broken idol can still be seen.

 The temple is closely associated with the Koovakkara Madam of Thiruvananthapuram. When Tippu Sulthan invaded Malabar, the idol of the Goddess was kept at the Koovakkara Madam for some time.

 Poonthaanam used to worship the deity regularly. He wrote several poems praising the Goddess.

 The temple has a special pooja at 16.30 hrs. instituted by the Saamoothiri (zamorin) of Kozhikode. The legend associated with this pooja is as follows.  Once when Samoothiri decided to conduct Kalam-pattu at the Tali Temple, his wife suggested that a similar Kalam-pattu might be conducted at the Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathy temple also. The Samoothiri did not agree to the suggestion and hence the dejected lady went on fast. On the day of Kalam-pattu, the oracle of the Thirumandhaamkunnu Bhagavathy appeared before the Samoothirippad and demanded the share of Goddess in respect of Kalam-pattu. Samoothiri got frightened and agreed not only to give the due share but instituted a special pooja also at the Thirumandhaamkunnu temple.  

 Deity: The principal deity is Goddess Bhadrakali. Having a height of 1.8 m, this is the tallest idol of Goddess Bhadrakali in Kerala. The idol has eight hands owith sword, trident, serpent, club, head of Darika, shield, bell and Vattala (a circular plate). Lord Siva in the form of Sivalinga, Lord Ganapathy, Lord Naga are the other deities. A sila (stone) idol of Mandhathav Maharshi is also installed in the complex.

 Time of worship: From 4.45 to 11.00 and from 14.00 to 20.30 hrs.

 Festival: The annual festival, otherwise known as Thirumandhamkunnu Pooram, lasts for eleven days is held in the month of Meenam.

SIVA (TALI) TEMPLE, ANGADIPPURAM

Location: The temple is located at Angadippuram near Perinthalmanna.

Panchayat: Angadippuram.

Village: Angadippuram.

Taluk: Perinthalmanna.

Pin Code: 679 321.

 Nearest Railway station: Angadippuram/Shornur (28 km).

Nearest Airport: Kozhikode (Karipur) International Airport (55 km).

 Legend/History: This is one of the renowned temples of Kerala datable back to ancient period. It is believed that the idol of the temple was consecrated by Lord Parasurama and one of the 108 Saivite temples of Kerala. Legend says that in early years there was no temple, but only a stone idol lying in the jungle. One day, a dalit woman found that her cow draining its milk on the idol and she informed the local people. They cleared the jungle and arranged for the worship of the idol. Later, a temple came into existence. Valluvakonathiri, the local ruler was the manager of the temple in the initial years, but taken over by Samoothiri (Zamorin) when the area came under his regime.  During the period of Tippu’s invasion and Malabar Rebellion, poojas in the temple were disrupted. The temple has found a place in the history in the year 1968 when the renovation work was initiated under the leadership of Sri. K.Kelappan. His request for the release of adjacent land to the temple was rejected by the Government as there was a mosque. Sri. Kelappan started agitation for his demand, but the Government decided to suppress the agitation and ordered to convert the temple as an archeological monument. A compound wall was also erected to deny access to devotees. The agitation was intensified and Sri.Kelappan went on a fast unto death. Later a court order permitted the devotees to perform worship and the Government was directed not to interfere in the rites of people. Consequentially, the agitation was withdrawn. Now the temple and mosque co-exist as a model of communal harmony. The temple administration is vested with the Tali Temple Cultural Trust formed in 1971.

 Deity: Lord Siva in the form of Sivalinga is the principal deity. Lord Ganapathy is the other deity.

 Time of worship: From 05.00 to 11.00 hrs. and from 17.00 to 20.15 hrs.

 Festivals: There is no festival in the temple, but Sivarathri is observed.  

SIVA TEMPLE, THIRUVALI

Location: Thiruvali is located 7 km west of Wandoor-Nilambur route.
Nearest Railway Station: Nilambur (7 km) / Shornur (72 km)
Nearest Airport: Kozhikode International Airport (92 km)
Panchayat: Thiruvali
Village: Thiruvali

Legend/History: It is believed that the temple existed in Thretha Yuga. Legend says that Sri Rama visited the temple while he was in exile to the forest for 14 years. Legend also tells that the idol of the temple was consecrated by Bali, hence the place was known as Thirubali which was later transformed into Thiruvali. The temple was under the control of Samoothiri (Zamorin) for a long period. Now it was vested with a committee of local people.

Deity: Lord Siva in the form Sila-linga form is the principal deity. Lord Ganapathy and Lord Sastha are the other deities.

Time of worship: From 5.30 to 9.00 hrs. and from 17.30 to 19.30 hrs.

Festival: Kalam-Patt for 3 days in the month of Dhanu is the important festival.

MAHA SIVA TEMPLE, THRIKKANDIYUR

Location: Thrikkandiyur is located about one km south-west of Thirur Municipal town.  The temple is on the bank of Ponnani River.

Nearest Railway Station: Thirur (1 KM)
Nearest Airport: Kozhikode International Airport (50 km)
Village: Thirur

Legend/History: The temple is one of the ancient temples of Kerala dated back to Thretha Yuga. It is believed that Lord Parasurama meditated here and it was He who consecrated the sila-linga idol of the temple. Legend says that the temple was neglected after some years of its establishment and ruined in course of time. Gradually the area had been covered by thick forest. One day, a dalith lady while sharpening her sickle on a sila (stone) found drop of blood on it. Hearing this, the local people conducted a prasna (astrological examination) and it was revealed that a temple established by Lord Parasurama was there. They constructed a small temple there. It is believed that all these incidents happened during first century A.D. It was in the early 9th century A.D. that the temple was re-constructed in its present form. In earlier days the administration of temple was vested with five Namboodiri families. In 1793 the administration was taken over by East India Company. However, they entrusted the temple to Samoothiri (zamorin) and thereafter the temple was under his control.

Thunchath Ramanujan Ezhuthachan, the great exponent of Bhakthi movement in Kerala and “Father of Malayalam” was born in a Nair family that located hardly 100 m. away from the temple. The site is now known as Thunchan Parambu, which is managed by the Government of Kerala. Ezhuthachan used to meditate in this temple. There is a Kanjira (Nux vomica) tree near to the temple, under which Ezhuthachan used to repose and composed all his works.  The leaves of this tree have no bitter taste.

Deity: The main deity is Lord Siva in the form of sila-linga. Lord Ganapathy, Lord Vishnu, Lord Parasurama are the subsidiary deities.

Time of worship: From 4.30 to 9.30 hrs and from 17.00 to 20.30 hrs.

Festival: Vavulsavam held in Thulam (October-November), for getting better rains, that lasts for seven days is the important festival.

KADAMPUZHA BHAGAVATHI TEMPLE, MELMURY

Location: Kadampuzha Bhagavathy Temple is situated about 3 km north east of Vettichira Junction, between Kuttippuram and Kozhikode in National Highway-17.

Nearest Railway Station: Kuttippuram (19 km) or Thirur (19 Km)
Nearest Airport: Kozhikode International Airport (50 km)
Panchayat: Marakkara
Village: Melmuri

Legend/History: The origin of the temple is related with the incident in the Mahabharatha epic. Arjuna meditated Lord Siva to obtain Pasupathasthra, a powerful weapon. Lord Siva pleased and before granting blesses, He decided to check whether Arjuna had the eligibility to hold the weapon. When Lord Siva along with Goddess Parvathy, both disguised as hunter couples, reached the spot a demon in the form of a wild boar attacked Arjuna. Both Lord Siva and Arjuna shot arrows and killed the boar. As Arjuna did not understand the real identity of the hunter, he claimed the responsibility of killing. But Lord Siva did not agree. The dispute between them grew as a battle. To his amazement, Arjuna found that his arrows were turning to flowers, on striking the hunter. Realising the hunter was Lord Siva Himself, Arjuna prostrated before Him. Lord Siva very much pleased with him and blessed with the enchanted weapon Pasupathastra. It is believed that the temple is constructed where the incident took place. 
Another legend is related with Sri Sankaracharya. When Sri Sankaracharya was travelling he noticed a glittering light amidst thick bushes and when he approached, the light moved further to the valley. He could not approach the spot due to heat emanated from it. He then meditated Lord Vishnu, who appeared and gave powers to approach the glow. When he reached near it the radiance disappeared into a small hole on the ground. It is believed that the hole is the one that made by Lord Siva with a shot of arrow to draw water to quench thirst of Goddess Parvathy while they were wandering as hunters. Realizing the presence of Goddess Parvathy and Lord Siva, Sankaracharya started poojas by offering (Ixora coccinea) flowers on the hole where the radiance disappeared. This was on Thrikarthika day of Vrischikam (November-December) month.  This ritual, known as Poomoodal, is still continuing. Sri Sankaracharya then entrusted one Namnboodiri family to establish a temple around the hole and prescribed pooja systems.  It is believed that the temple was existed in the 9th Century. The attack of Tipu Sultan and the Malabar Rebellion caused much damage to the temple. The temple was renovated in 2002. The administration of the temple is now vested with the Malabar Devaswom Board.

Deity: There is no idol in the Sreekovil. At the original seat, there is a hole of about 4 cm diameter. Its depth is not known. On the top of hole a silver cover is placed and over it a pancha loha idol is kept when poojas are done except at the time of Poomoodal.
Lord Siva, Lord Ganapathay, Lord Narasimha, Lord Sastha are the other deities consecrated in the temple. Idols of Naga and Sree Sudarshana Chakra also installed.  
Time of worship: From 4.30 to 12.30 hrs and from 15.30 to 19.00 hrs.
Special features: Poomoodal and Muttarukkal are two unique offerings of the temple. Poo in Malayalam means flower and moodal means covering. The idol of the Goddess is completely covered and hidden by flowers while offering the ritual. This commemorates the first offering of flowers by Sri Sankaracharya. Only thetty (Ixora coccinea) flowers are used for the ritual. Thetty flowers are taken with both the hands together and offered to the Goddess. This is repeated for 12 times to complete one cycle of the ritual.  On Thrikarthika day, the offering is done by the Dewasom and the public can book in advance for other days. Since this is a very popular offering one has to wait for years to fulfill the offering.   

Muttarukkal means removing obstacles. In order to offer this ritual, the devotee has to bring a coconut and hand over to the priest. The priest breaks the coconut with granite stone kept in front of the Goddess by chanting manthra and telling the name of devotee with his/her asterisk and purpose. If the coconut is broken precisely into two exact halves, the obstacle is removed, it is presumed. Otherwise, he has to bring another coconut or coconuts till it is properly broken.  The purpose of this offering varies depending on the nature of obstacle. Dehamuttu (for health), Thozhilmuttu (for employment), Mangalyamuttu (for marriage), Vidyamuttu (for success in education), Santhanamuttu (for progeny), Grahamuttu (for construction of house), Sathrumuttu (for protection from enemy) are some examples.
Festival: There is no festival in the temple. However, Thrikarthika is observed in the month of Vrichikam (November-December).

NAVA MUKUNDA TEMPLE, THIRUNAVAYA

Location: Thirunavaya is located 7 km from Kuttippuram. The Nava Mukunda Temple is just one km from the Thirunavaya on Kuttippuram – Thirur Road. The river Bharathapuzha is flown in front of the temple. Being the land of ancient Mamamkam, Thirunavaya is a place of historical importance.
Nearest Railway Station: Kuttippuram (7 km)
Nearest Airport: Kozhikode International Airport (50 km)
Panchayat: Thirunavaya

Village: Thirunavaya

Legend/History: The temple is very old one dates back prior to the period of Sage Markandeya. Legend says that a great Yaga was held by Brahmarshis under the leadership of Lord Brahma. The site of the Yaga was the southern bank of Bharathapuzha. Since many Tahapswi (saints) lived here the place is known as Thapanur, which later transformed as Thavanur. The Yaga was attended by Lord Siva and Lord Vishnu. To commemorate the Yaga ritual, two temples were constructed on the southern bank of the river (at Thavanur) dedicated to Lord Brahma and Lord Siva and a third one on the northern side of the river (at Thirunavaya) dedicated to Lord Maha Vishnu. This temple is known as Nava Mukunda temple. As the temples of all the Trinity (Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Siva) are located around Thirunavaya, the place is considered as equivalent to Varanasi and sacred for performing Bali ritual.  It is believed that Navayogis (Nine saints) (Kavi, Hari, Anthareekshan, Prabhudhan, Pipplyanan, Avihothran, Drumilan, Chamasan and Karabhajanan are the Navayogis) have consecrated the idol of the temple made of salagrama. But to their surprise, the idol was missing on the next day. Though they installed another idol it was also disappeared. Thus they consecrated eight idols and all of them vanished. Finally they consecrated the ninth idol and opened the temple before the stipulated time to find that the idol had partially descended to the earth. They prevented its further descend. It is believed that when the idol would tumble down completely into the earth, Kali Yuga will come to an end. Since Navayogis had installed the idol, the temple is known as Nava Mukunda Temple.

For many years there was no idol in the temple, except the partially visible idol. As there was no idol, Sri Sankaracharya who visited the temple with his disciples in ninth century installed an idol here. It is believed that Perumthachan renovated the Sreekovil and other parts of the temple. The construction of the Sreekovil is in such a way that the sunlight falls directly on the idol on the Vishu day. The chisel used by him is preserved at the northern side of the temple. The Pazhuka Mandapam that constructed by Perumthachan at the south east corner of the outer wall is always making confusion as to whether it lies within the wall or outside.

Pazhuka Mandapam

The temple was under the control of Valluvakonathiri, local Rajah of Valluvanad. When Zamorin attained political sovereignty over Valluvanadu, he undertook the temple administration also. Now the temple is managed by the Malabar Devaswom Board.

Deity: Lord Maha Vishnu is the principal deity. The idol of Lord is made of Panchaloha is of standing pose with four arms each bearing conch, disc, club and lotus. Goddess Maha Lakshmi and Lord Ganapathy are the subsidiary deities.

Time of worship: From 5.30 to 11.00 and from 17.00 to 19.30 hrs.  

Festivals: The annual festival that lasts for ten days is celebrated from the last day of the month Meenam (March-April). Ekadashi Vilakku is another festival celebrated on the Ekadashi day of Sukla-paksha (bright moon fortnight from new moon to full moon) in Kumbham (February-March).  Bali ritual on new moon day in the months of Karkidakam (July-August), Thulam (October-November), Kumbham (February-March) and Idavam (May-June) are important and many devotees reached here to perform vavu-bali ritual.

KOORMAMOOORTHY TEMPLE (GARUDAN KAVU), VALLAMASSERI

Location: The temple is situated about 6 km south of Thirur.
Nearest Railway Station: Thirur (6 km)
Nearest Airport: Kozhikode International Airport (31 km)
Panchayat: Thripangode
Village: Thripangode

Legend/History: The antiquity of the temple dated back to 11th Century A.D. Though the temple is dedicated to Koormamoorthy (Vishnu concept) (koorma means tortoise and koorma avathara is one of the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu)), it is famous for its sub-shrine dedicated to Garuda, son of Vinitha and Kashyapa Maharshi and vahana (vehicle) of Lord Vishnu. Legend says that Perumthachan once presented a wooden sculpture of Garuda to the Rajah. Asked whether the wooden statue had any peculiarity, Perumthachan replied that the figure would fly if an uncorrupted wife touched it. The image did not fly when touched by all the women inmates in the palace including wife of the Rajah. Perumthachan then summoned his wife and when she touched it the idol flew. While flying the holy bird saw a vellama (white tortoise) he remembered the incarnation of Lord Vishnu and descended there. The Rajah then built a temple near where Garuda saw the tortoise and consecrated idols of Lord Vishnu in the concept of korma avathara (incarnation of Lord Vishnu as tortoise) and Garuda. Since Garuda saw a vellama, the place is known Vellamasseri.

This is the only temple in Kerala dedicated to Garuda. The temple is famous for getting protection from Sarpa-dosham (evil effects of serpents). The temple was subjected to attack by Tipu Sultan and the idols had been broken. The administration of temple was vested with three Namboodiri families. In 1992, they handed over the control of temple to local Devaswom Board.

Deity: Lord Maha Vishnu with the concept of Koorma avathara is the principal deity. Garuda, Lord Karthveerarjunan, Goddess Bhagavathy, Lord Sankaranarayana, Lord Ganapathy, Lord Ayyappa are the other deities.

Time of worship: From 6.00 to 9.00 hrs and from 18.00 to 19.30 hrs.

Festivals: Mandala period (November-December) is the main festival time of the temple. 12th and 13th of the month Dhanu is very important.

HANUMANKAVU (RAMA) TEMPLE, ALATHIYUR

Location: The temple is located about 4 km from Thirur.
Nearest Railway station: Thirur (4 km)
Nearest Airport: Kozhikode International Airport (31 km)
Panchayat:  Thripangod
Village: Thripangod

Legend/History: Alathiyur is one of the 64 gramas founded by Parasurama. The temple is connected with the famous episode in Ramayana. Legend says that it was here that Sri Rama gave instructions and secret message with Choodamani (identification ring) to Hanuman before the latter left for Lanka in search of Goddess Sitha. The granite stone on the southern part of the temple is believed to be the place from where Hanuman jumped for Lanka. The temple was the village temple of Alathiyur Nambudiris. The grama had been disintegrated when Tipu Sultan invaded Malabar. When Tipu Sultan was defeated, Zamorin annexed the area to his country and the temple fell into the hands of Zamorin in 1793 AD. Now the temple is under the control of the Malabar Devaswom Board.

Deity: Sri Rama is the principal deity. Sri Hanuman, Sri Lakshman, Lord Ganapathy, Lord Ayyappa, Goddess Bhagavathy are the other deities. The idol of Sri Hanuman is in the posture of hearing the words of Sri Rama with keen attention. The idol of Sri Lakshman is installed outside the chuttambalam. This was done because Sri Lakshman is not supposed to hear the secret message that said by Sri Rama.  

Time of worship: From 5.30 to 11.45 hrs and from 17.00 to 19.00 hrs.

Festival: Thiruvona Maholsavam held in the month of Thulam (October-November) is very important. The annual festival is celebrated on the Atham asterisk of Meenom month.

KALASAMHARAMOORTHY (MAHA SIVA) TEMPLE, THRIPANGOD

Location: Thripangod is situated about 10 km south of Thirur.
Nearest Railway Station: Thirur (10 km)
Nearest Airport: Kozhikode International Airport (41 km)
Panchayat:  Thripangod
Village: Thripangod

Legend/History: The origin of the temple is connected with the story of Markandeya, son of Sage Mrkandu who had no son for a long period. The sage, therefore, did penance to please Lord Siva. Lord Siva asked the sage whether he would like to have a son having all virtues who might live only 16 years or an evil son who might live 100 years. The sage opted for the first and accordingly Markandeya was born to him. The child became a master in all branches of education, but his parents were deeply worried about his short period of life. When Markandeya enquired about the worry of his parents, he came to know the story and he started penance before Lord Maha Vishnu at the Nava Mukunda Temple, Thirunavaya. On his 16th birth day, Lord Vishnu appeared before him and advised to approach Lord Siva, who has the power to grant extension of life span. Lord Vishnu also showed him the escape route through the western door of the sreekovil to avoid Yama, the God of Death. Chased by Yama, Markandeya reached Thripangod temple and embraced Sivalinga before Yama could catch him with his rope. However, Yama threw his rope which fell on Markandeya and the Sivalinga. Lord Siva infuriated on the act of Yama in having tying the Sivalinga with rope and killed Yama. He then blessed Markandeya to be an immortal person. After this incident Lord Siva came to be known as Kalasamharamoorthy (God who killed the God of Death).

Maha Siva Temple, Thripangod is a renowned temple datable to very ancient period. It has reference in Kokila Sandesa written by Udhanda Sasthri. In the poem, the poet calls Thripangode as Svetharanya. An  inscription of the Chera King Ravi Varman, who ruled from, 917 to 944 A.D., show evidences of granting land to the temple. This confirms the antiquity of the temple. In the ancient period, the temple administration was managed by the Alathiyur Namboodiris and later by Rajah of Vettathunadu. When royal family extinct, East India Company took over the charge for some period and handed over to Zamorin. Now the temple administration is managed by a nominee of Zamorin under the overall control of the Malabar Devaswom Board.   

Deity: Lord Siva is the principal deity in the form of Kalasamharamoorthy. Other idols are that of Lord Ganapathy, Goddess Parvathy, Lord Ayyappa and Goddess Bhadrakali (of mirror type). Idol of Nava Mukunda is also installed in the temple.

Time of worship: From 05.00 to 11.30 hrs and from 17.00 to 19.30 hrs.

Festival: Sivarathri is observed with three days festival. Astami Rohini, Thiruvathira and Vishu are also celebrated.

SASTHA TEMPLE, CHAMBRAVATTOM

Location: Chambravattom is located about 11 km south-west of Thirur. The Sastha Temple is situated in an island surrounded by Bharathapuzha.

Nearest Railway Station: Thirur (11 km)
Nearest Airport: Kozhikode International Airport (42 km)
Panchayat: Thrippangod
Village: Thrippangod

Legend/History: The origin of this very ancient temple is associated with a great sage, Sambhra Maharshi. The sage used to perform meditation in this place on the bank of river. One day he saw radiance on the river bed and he identified it as the radiance of Lord Sastha. When approached he saw a small idol and he conducted initial consecration rites and installed the idol. Since the temple site is in an island, which looks like a vattom (a round space), and the idol had been installed by Sambhra Maharshi, the island is called Shambra-vattom, which later transformed as Chambravattom.

During rainy season, the temple is flooded with river water and rituals are performed by the priest after crossing the river in a canoe. The temple administration is vested with the Malabar Devaswom Board.

Deity: Lord Sastha (Ayyappa) is the main deity. There are three idols of Sri Prabha, Sri Sathyaka and Lord Ganapathy within Sreekovil. Lord Maha Vishnu, Lord Siva, Lord Suramanya, Goddess Durga are the other deities.

Time of worship: From 5.00 to 11.00 hrs and from 17.00 to 20.00 hrs.

Festival: There is no festival in the temple. However, Chuttuvilakku is performed from 1st to 11th of the month Dhanu (December-January).

DAKSHINAMOORTHY TEMPLE, SUKAPURAM

Location: Dakshinamoorthy Temple, Sukapuram is located 1 km south of Edappal and 11 km south of Kuttippuram.
Nearest Railway Staion: Kuttippuram (11 km)
Nearest Airport: Kozhikode International Airport, Karipur (60 km)
Panchayat: Vattamkulam
Village: Vattamkulam

Legend/History: This ancient temple belonged to Sukapuram grama established by Lord Parasurama. This grama was a major centre of Saivite faith. Sukapuram was famous for Vedic studies.  It is believed that the temple was established by great sage Sri Suka. The legend says that Sage Suka prescribed an auspicious time for the installation of idol in the temple. He said that a peacock would appear at the predicted time. When everybody was waiting for the arrival of peacock, a man came with peelikavadi (bow made of peacock feathers) and the people felt that the peelikavadi is equivalent to peacock. They then requested the sage to install the idol. Accordingly the idol of Lord Siva was consecrated facing each. In fact, this was before the auspicious time. At the time specified by the sage, a peacock arrived and perched on the balikkal of the temple. Sage Suka immediately installed another idol of Lord Siva in the form of sila-linga facing south with the concept of Dakshinamoorthy (God facing south). Thereafter, the temple came to be known as Dakshinamoorthy temple. It is said that four main sankalpas (concepts) are there for the deity of this temple. They are Vyakhyana Dakshinamoorthy, Yoga Dakshinamoorthy,Veenadhara Dakshinamoorthy, and Jnana Dakshinamoorthy. The temple belonged to Azhvanchery, Puzhabrath, Karuthedath, Udiyanur and Talamunda Moothedath Manas (houses of Namboodiri Brahmins). In 1990 the temple was taken over by the HR&CE Department and now it is under the control of Malabar Devaswom Board.

Deity: Lord Siva is the principal deity. Goddess Parvathy, Lord Ganapathy are the other deities.

Time of worship: From 5.00 to 9.00 hrs and from 17.00 to 19.00 hrs.

Festival: There is no festival in the temple. It had been laid down from the early days itself that no festival should be celebrated in the temple on the belief that it would disturb the meditation of Lord.