It consists of two temples situated on opposite banks of the Vavali River. The eastern bank temple, known as Kizhakkeshwaram or Akkare Kottiyoor, functions as a temporary hermitage and is open only during the annual Kottiyoor Vysakha Mahotsavam.
On the western bank lies the permanent temple complex, Vadakkeshwaram or Ikkare Kottiyoor (Thruchherumana Temple), which remains closed throughout the year except for the 27 days of the Vysakha festival. Kottiyoor is revered as one of the most sacred Shakti shrines in India, specifically dedicated to Sati Devi.
Festivals
The Temple has a number of festivals. The important ones are :
Vaisakha Maholsavam
The Vaisakha Maholsavam festival, held annually during the months of May and June, is a significant event at Kottiyoor Mahadeva Temple. This twenty-eight-day festival begins with the Neyyattam ritual on the Chodi day in the Malayalam month of Edavam (Rishabham) and concludes with the Thrikkalashaattu ceremony. The celebrations commence with the ritual of bringing a sacred sword from Muthirerikavu in Wayanad, followed by the Bhandaram Ezhunnallath ritual on the Visakham star day.
Elaneer Vayppu
Elaneer Vayppu is the ritual of submitting tender coconuts before the Swayambhu Shiva Linga. On this special day, thousands of tender coconuts, carried by devotees from various parts of Kerala, are offered at the temple. The following day, the temple's Namboothiris collect the coconut water in pure gold and silver pots. The Chief Priest then pours the collected coconut water onto the idol in a ceremony known as Elaneeraattam, also referred to as the Rashi Velli.
Contact Address: Kottiyoor mahadeva Temple, Kottiyoor, Kannur, Kerala 670651
