We started early morning around 6AM from Kadirur and reached Sree Rajarajeswara temple at around 7AM. As Darsan timing was from 7:45AM only we went to Kanjirangad Sree Vaidyanatha temple and then we came back by around 7:50AM to Sree Rajarajeswara temple.
Sree Rajarajeswara Temple, Thaliparamba:
Rajarajeswara temple is a Shiva temple located in Taliparamba in the Kannur district. Lord Shiva here is known as Rajarajeshwara, the Emperor of Emperors. The temple is one amongst the 108 Shiva Kshethrams to be built by Parashurama and is considered a Shaktipeetham, as it is believed to be the place where the head of Goddess Sati fell off.
If any problem is encountered in the other temples of South India, devotees seek a solution in this temple through a prasna, a traditional method of astrological decision making. The prasna is conducted on a raised platform which is located outside the temple.
The temple has a large number of customs which are followed here without the rationale being questioned. One such custom is the entry of women post the Athazha Pooja or the night worship which happens around 7.15 PM. Even though men are allowed to enter the shrine during the daytime, women are not allowed during morning hours, they can enter the sanctum only after the Athazha Pooja is completed. It is believed that after the Athazha Pooja, Shiva is in a state where he is very pleased and in gracious temper, accompanied by his consort Parvathi. This is considered an auspicious time for women to enter the premises as they would get to worship not only Shiva but also Parvathi Devi.
Children above 4 years are only allowed inside the temple. Men are expected to wear dhotis and are not allowed to wear shirts or carry them in their hands while entering the shrine. There is a stand kept outside the main complex where they can hang their shirts. Handbags or any other bags are also not allowed inside the shrine, you can keep them at the cloakroom located outside the temple complex.
The timings for Darsan are furnished below.
It is believed that if you are visiting Sree Rajarajeswara temple you have to visit Kanjirangad Sree Vaidyanatha Temple also.
Kanjirangad Sree Vaidyanatha Temple, Thaliparamba:
The temple is located at Kanhirangad, 6-km from Thaliprambu. This temple is devoted to Lord Shiva. He is worshipped here as the curer of diseases. Skin and eye diseases get cured here by offering Bhajan (god praising songs) in this temple. The annual Thiruvathira festival in the Malayalam month of Dhanu (which falls between December – January) is popular. Shivarathri is a main festival which is in the Malayalam month of Kumbam (which falls between February - March).
Another religious occasion is the Aaru Njayar, Sunday that falls on the 6th day of any Malayalam month. It is believed that the temple was built on this day.
The temple also has an annual Kaliyattam festival on 10th of the Malayalam month Dhanu (December). Valiya Bhagavathy Theyyam and Ullattil Bhagavathi Theyyam are the Theyyams performing here.
There is a temple pond which is located outside the temple complex.
After our visit to Sree Rajarajeswara temple we went straight to Thrichambaram.
Thrichambaram Sreekrishna Temple, Thaliparamba:
Trichambaram Temple is a Sree Krishna temple located at Taliparamba. The temple is believed to have got the name from Thiru Shambara or the holy Shambara in reverence to Maharishi Shambara who is supposed to have meditated here. Here visitors get to view Lord Krishna in Raudra form (ferocious posture) after the Kamsavadham (killing of the demon king Kamsan).This temple is considered equal in status to the famous Guruvayur Temple and is also called North Guruvayoor.The annual festival starts in the Malayalam month of Kumbham 22 (which falls on March 6 consistently) with the Kodiyettam and ends on Meenam 6 (which falls on March 20) with Koodipiriyal. During the festival season for 11 days, Thitambu Nriththam is performed which is held at Pookoth Nada 1 km from Trichambaram temple.
There are two beautiful temple ponds here. One of them is filled with Lotus flowers.
Outside Thrichambaram temple there is also a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
After visiting the temple we had our breakfast from Indian Coffee house and off we went to Parassinikkadav.
Parassini Madappura Sree Muthappan:
Parassinikadavu Sri Muthappan Temple is an ancient temple located almost 20 kilometers away from Kannur. The temple is famous for its unique rituals and practices. Located on the gorgeous banks of Valapatnam River, the presiding deity of this temple is Sri Muthappan. It is believed that Muthappan is a manifestation of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The idols carries a bow and arrow. Many devotees irrespective of religion, caste and creed visit this pilgrim center to offer prayers to the deity. A unique feature of this ancient shrine is that the traditional art form, Muthappan Theyyam is performed here as a ritual every day. Pilgrims who wish to enjoy this art can visit this temple.
Dogs are considered sacred here as it was the vehicle of the deity.The temple offers free meals to all the visitors here. Prasadam will be served throughout the day. The main prasadam here is a preparation of Red cow beans with coconut slices.
Devotees here engage in a conversation with ‘Muthappan Theyyam’ who is considered as an embodiment of the lord. His responses are revered and believed to be the words of the Lord himself.
In Parassinikadavu we can see the two idols, the Valiya(big) Muthappan or Thiruvappana and Cheriya(Small) Muthappan or Vellattam. The first wears fish shaped crown representing Lord Vishnu and the later wears a green crown with a crescent moon representing Lord Shiva. Thiruvappana and Vellattam Theyyam are performed every day, early morning and in the evening.
In the month of Thulam there is Putharivellattam and in the month of Karkadam there is Aandupooja. The main offerings in the temple are Thiruvappana, Karimkalasam, Oottum Vellattam,Payinkutti Vellattam, Payinkutti, Vilakkum Mala, Choroonu and Thulabharam.
There is also a boat service available from Parassinikkadav now.
After visiting the temple off we went to Snake Park which is very nearby Parassinikkadav temple.
Parassinikkadav Snake Park:
The Snake Park is located at Parassinikkadav, which is 2 kilometres from National Highway-17. This is the only snake Park available in Kerala. The Parassinikadavu Snake Park is home to over 150 different species of reptiles like crocodiles, monitor lizards and snakes- both venomous and non-venomous. Snakes including the spectacled cobra, King cobra, Russel Viper, Krait and Pit Viper are living in the park.
Besides snakes, park also provides shelter to crocodiles, monitor lizards, porcupines, jackals, foxes, eagles, storks, peacocks, monkeys and many varieties of fishes. There are statues of different animals along the entire park, but the most famous figure among them are Steve Irwin's statue holding a crocodile and a statue of Hawk and Cobra.
Entry fee - Rs. 30 per head
We visited Palakkayam Thattu in a different day but all the destinations mentioned in the blog can be covered in a single day.
Palakkayam Thattu:
Palakkayam Thattu is a scenic and serene hill station in Kannur district. Come prepared to encounter the rough terrains on off-road. So better to go there in an off-road friendly two or four-wheelers. If you don't have an off-road friendly vehicle do not worry there is a pick and drop jeep service available downhill. If you are trekking lover you could also go for the option but be prepared to sweat it out for couple of hours. If you are opting for jeep you can park your vehicle at downhill for a parking fee of Rs. 20/-. There is another route to reach the uphill which will take about 8 kilometers more drive and we came to know about this on our way down.
We opted for jeep as we drove out swift to this place. Travel to the uphill took only 15-20 minutes. On reaching the entrance we took the entry pass. Whether you like it or not you have to climb the rest of the hill on your own. Yes, definitely that calls for a trekking. On the way up we saw some adventure rides but none of them was opened for the visitors. We also saw some tents but again they were not maintained properly and are in ruins.
There are two view points in the hilltop were there is a man build frame which is apt for taking some pictures. These frames are called as 'two eyes' of Palakkayam Thattu. Once you reach the top you could feel that you are standing between the vast blue canopy and the green earth and you could feel the tender breeze and take in the impeccable view. Tucked away in the verdant greenery of the Western Ghats and soaring at an altitude of 3500 feet above sea level, Palakayyam Thattu is one of the beautiful hill stations in Kerala.
Now coming to the timing to visit the place. We made a mistake by visiting here around 2:30 PM when the sun was at it's peak. Any time after 4PM or early morning hours would be apt to reach the destination.
Rates are as follows:
Jeep - Rs. 700
Parking - Rs. 20
Entry fee - Rs. 35 per head
For more details visit our VLOG:
https://youtu.be/VaT1ROyVTa0
Sree Rajarajeswara Temple, Thaliparamba:
Rajarajeswara temple is a Shiva temple located in Taliparamba in the Kannur district. Lord Shiva here is known as Rajarajeshwara, the Emperor of Emperors. The temple is one amongst the 108 Shiva Kshethrams to be built by Parashurama and is considered a Shaktipeetham, as it is believed to be the place where the head of Goddess Sati fell off.
If any problem is encountered in the other temples of South India, devotees seek a solution in this temple through a prasna, a traditional method of astrological decision making. The prasna is conducted on a raised platform which is located outside the temple.
The temple has a large number of customs which are followed here without the rationale being questioned. One such custom is the entry of women post the Athazha Pooja or the night worship which happens around 7.15 PM. Even though men are allowed to enter the shrine during the daytime, women are not allowed during morning hours, they can enter the sanctum only after the Athazha Pooja is completed. It is believed that after the Athazha Pooja, Shiva is in a state where he is very pleased and in gracious temper, accompanied by his consort Parvathi. This is considered an auspicious time for women to enter the premises as they would get to worship not only Shiva but also Parvathi Devi.
Children above 4 years are only allowed inside the temple. Men are expected to wear dhotis and are not allowed to wear shirts or carry them in their hands while entering the shrine. There is a stand kept outside the main complex where they can hang their shirts. Handbags or any other bags are also not allowed inside the shrine, you can keep them at the cloakroom located outside the temple complex.
The timings for Darsan are furnished below.
It is believed that if you are visiting Sree Rajarajeswara temple you have to visit Kanjirangad Sree Vaidyanatha Temple also.
Kanjirangad Sree Vaidyanatha Temple, Thaliparamba:
The temple is located at Kanhirangad, 6-km from Thaliprambu. This temple is devoted to Lord Shiva. He is worshipped here as the curer of diseases. Skin and eye diseases get cured here by offering Bhajan (god praising songs) in this temple. The annual Thiruvathira festival in the Malayalam month of Dhanu (which falls between December – January) is popular. Shivarathri is a main festival which is in the Malayalam month of Kumbam (which falls between February - March).
Another religious occasion is the Aaru Njayar, Sunday that falls on the 6th day of any Malayalam month. It is believed that the temple was built on this day.
The temple also has an annual Kaliyattam festival on 10th of the Malayalam month Dhanu (December). Valiya Bhagavathy Theyyam and Ullattil Bhagavathi Theyyam are the Theyyams performing here.
There is a temple pond which is located outside the temple complex.
After our visit to Sree Rajarajeswara temple we went straight to Thrichambaram.
Thrichambaram Sreekrishna Temple, Thaliparamba:
Trichambaram Temple is a Sree Krishna temple located at Taliparamba. The temple is believed to have got the name from Thiru Shambara or the holy Shambara in reverence to Maharishi Shambara who is supposed to have meditated here. Here visitors get to view Lord Krishna in Raudra form (ferocious posture) after the Kamsavadham (killing of the demon king Kamsan).This temple is considered equal in status to the famous Guruvayur Temple and is also called North Guruvayoor.The annual festival starts in the Malayalam month of Kumbham 22 (which falls on March 6 consistently) with the Kodiyettam and ends on Meenam 6 (which falls on March 20) with Koodipiriyal. During the festival season for 11 days, Thitambu Nriththam is performed which is held at Pookoth Nada 1 km from Trichambaram temple.
There are two beautiful temple ponds here. One of them is filled with Lotus flowers.
Outside Thrichambaram temple there is also a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
After visiting the temple we had our breakfast from Indian Coffee house and off we went to Parassinikkadav.
Parassini Madappura Sree Muthappan:
Parassinikadavu Sri Muthappan Temple is an ancient temple located almost 20 kilometers away from Kannur. The temple is famous for its unique rituals and practices. Located on the gorgeous banks of Valapatnam River, the presiding deity of this temple is Sri Muthappan. It is believed that Muthappan is a manifestation of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The idols carries a bow and arrow. Many devotees irrespective of religion, caste and creed visit this pilgrim center to offer prayers to the deity. A unique feature of this ancient shrine is that the traditional art form, Muthappan Theyyam is performed here as a ritual every day. Pilgrims who wish to enjoy this art can visit this temple.
Dogs are considered sacred here as it was the vehicle of the deity.The temple offers free meals to all the visitors here. Prasadam will be served throughout the day. The main prasadam here is a preparation of Red cow beans with coconut slices.
Devotees here engage in a conversation with ‘Muthappan Theyyam’ who is considered as an embodiment of the lord. His responses are revered and believed to be the words of the Lord himself.
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| Prasadam |
In Parassinikadavu we can see the two idols, the Valiya(big) Muthappan or Thiruvappana and Cheriya(Small) Muthappan or Vellattam. The first wears fish shaped crown representing Lord Vishnu and the later wears a green crown with a crescent moon representing Lord Shiva. Thiruvappana and Vellattam Theyyam are performed every day, early morning and in the evening.
In the month of Thulam there is Putharivellattam and in the month of Karkadam there is Aandupooja. The main offerings in the temple are Thiruvappana, Karimkalasam, Oottum Vellattam,Payinkutti Vellattam, Payinkutti, Vilakkum Mala, Choroonu and Thulabharam.
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| PC: Google |
There is also a boat service available from Parassinikkadav now.
After visiting the temple off we went to Snake Park which is very nearby Parassinikkadav temple.
Parassinikkadav Snake Park:
The Snake Park is located at Parassinikkadav, which is 2 kilometres from National Highway-17. This is the only snake Park available in Kerala. The Parassinikadavu Snake Park is home to over 150 different species of reptiles like crocodiles, monitor lizards and snakes- both venomous and non-venomous. Snakes including the spectacled cobra, King cobra, Russel Viper, Krait and Pit Viper are living in the park.
Besides snakes, park also provides shelter to crocodiles, monitor lizards, porcupines, jackals, foxes, eagles, storks, peacocks, monkeys and many varieties of fishes. There are statues of different animals along the entire park, but the most famous figure among them are Steve Irwin's statue holding a crocodile and a statue of Hawk and Cobra.
Entry fee - Rs. 30 per head
We visited Palakkayam Thattu in a different day but all the destinations mentioned in the blog can be covered in a single day.
Palakkayam Thattu:
Palakkayam Thattu is a scenic and serene hill station in Kannur district. Come prepared to encounter the rough terrains on off-road. So better to go there in an off-road friendly two or four-wheelers. If you don't have an off-road friendly vehicle do not worry there is a pick and drop jeep service available downhill. If you are trekking lover you could also go for the option but be prepared to sweat it out for couple of hours. If you are opting for jeep you can park your vehicle at downhill for a parking fee of Rs. 20/-. There is another route to reach the uphill which will take about 8 kilometers more drive and we came to know about this on our way down.
We opted for jeep as we drove out swift to this place. Travel to the uphill took only 15-20 minutes. On reaching the entrance we took the entry pass. Whether you like it or not you have to climb the rest of the hill on your own. Yes, definitely that calls for a trekking. On the way up we saw some adventure rides but none of them was opened for the visitors. We also saw some tents but again they were not maintained properly and are in ruins.
There are two view points in the hilltop were there is a man build frame which is apt for taking some pictures. These frames are called as 'two eyes' of Palakkayam Thattu. Once you reach the top you could feel that you are standing between the vast blue canopy and the green earth and you could feel the tender breeze and take in the impeccable view. Tucked away in the verdant greenery of the Western Ghats and soaring at an altitude of 3500 feet above sea level, Palakayyam Thattu is one of the beautiful hill stations in Kerala.
Now coming to the timing to visit the place. We made a mistake by visiting here around 2:30 PM when the sun was at it's peak. Any time after 4PM or early morning hours would be apt to reach the destination.
Rates are as follows:
Jeep - Rs. 700
Parking - Rs. 20
Entry fee - Rs. 35 per head
For more details visit our VLOG:
https://youtu.be/VaT1ROyVTa0
