Rajarajeshwar Temple

Overview

The Rajarajeshwar temple is situated 23 Km north-east of Kannur city from Kasargod 83 Km towards south. The people coming from Mangalore have to travel about 135 Km south on Kasargode – Kannur route via Manjeshwaram, Kanhangad, Nileshwaram, Payyanur, Pilathara, Pariaram to reach Thaliparamba. The nearest Railway stations are Kannur and Payyanur. Plenty of buses ply to Thaliparamba from all the above places.

About The Temple

The temple is one of the existing 108 ancient Shiva Temples of Kerala. The quadrangular sanctum sanctorum has a two tiered pyramidal roof. In front of the sanctum is the namaskara mandabam (hall). The temple has no kodi maram (flag staff) as opposed to other temples in Kerala. The balikkal has no roof but a mysterious figure is found with a peculiar face. In front is a small rectangular building with a pyramidal roof. An inscription on the temple tank indicates that the temple was renovated in 1524.

Legend and Stories

One among the trio of the temple group of Sri Krishna Temple and the Vaidyanatha temple, the Rajarajeshwar Temple also occupies a prominent place among Shiva Temples. What makes it unique is its location, Thaliparamba. It is an ancient Shakti Peetam – the place where the head of Sati (Consort of Lord Shiva) fell during the Shiva tandav (dance).

Legends have it that once Parshurama (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu) passed by an ancient shrine and was sad to see it in a dilapidated condition. Curious to know about it, he invoked Naradha and requested him to narrate the temple’s history.

Naradha narrates: Once upon a time, Sage Sanaka along with his siblings (the sons of Lord Brahma) shook up the Sun to soften its fierce intensity. The resulting dust got blended with the nectar of immortality to produce 3 spiritually powerful Shiva lingams, which were passed on by Lord Brahma to Goddess Parvathi.

Goddess Parvathi, pleased by the penance by three different kings from different eras presented one Shiva lingam to each of them with a little condition that the Shiva lingam be installed only at that place where there was no trace of death or burial.

Maandhatha, the king from the Threta Yuga, zeroed in on a small place and installed the deity there. Gradually, the lingam sank down in the earth but left its spiritual aura behind. Subsequently, the second king, Muchukundham from the Dwapar yuga was attracted to the same place but the Shiva lingam met the same fate.

The third king, Sathasoman too was naturally attracted to this place and placed his Shiva lingam there. When he saw his lingam sinking, he got worried and called Sage Agasthya for help. The sage lighted a ghee lamp before prostrating in front of the Shiva lingam. Following this, the third Shiva lingam was installed permanently and the spot became spiritually vibrant three times in magnitude.

Hearing the story, Sage Parshurama decided to revive the temple for the good of mankind. The god’s architect Vishwakarma took to the renovation work and Sage Agasthya was asked to perform the final installation. Sage Agasthya lit a ghee lamp which is said to have been burning continuously till now.

Pooja

Morning

Nada Thurakkal(opening) 5.00 pm

Natravat Pooja 7.00 am

Panthiradi Pooja 8.00 am

Ucha Pooja 9.30 am

Nada Adakkal (closing) 12.00 noon

Evening

Deeparadhana after 6.00 pm

Athazha pooja 7.45 pm

Nada Adakkal (closing) 8.30 pm

Nada Adakkal (closing) 8.30 pm

Prasad and Offering

Brass, silver or gold pots containing ghee are brought from the temple, which are then placed at the steps of the sanctum.

Festivals

Shivaratri, Puthari, Karkadaka Sankramam and Nira are some of the festivals celebrated in the temple.

Codes and guidelines

Males are allowed to enter the shrine at any time, but females are allowed only after 08.00 PM. Non Hindus are not allowed.

Accessibility

Airport

The nearest airport is Bajpe Airport.

Railways

The nearest railway station is Kannapuram.

Road

One can easily get regular buses to Thaliparamba from other major cities.

Temple Address

Rajarajeshwar Temple
Thaliparamba,
Kannur,
Kerala,