The temple's main deity is Lord Shiva (Mahalingeswara), revered through age-old Kerala traditions, with sub-deities including Lord Ayyappan and Lord Ganapathy.
Panayal is renowned for its vibrant Theyyam art, a ritualistic performance involving intricate costumes, music, and devotional invocation that brings divine energy to the shrine's annual festivals.
Festivals
The Temple has a number of festivals. The important ones are :
Mahashivaratri Maholsavam
Mahashivaratri Maholsavam at Sree Mahalingeswara Temple, Panayal—held in Kumbham (February-March)—is a spiritually immersive festival marked by sacred rituals and cultural vibrancy. The celebrations begin with Abhishekam, the ceremonial bathing of Lord Shiva's linga, followed by Jaladhara.
Annual Festival
Annual festival at Sree Mahalingeswara Temple in Panayal unfolds during Dhanu-Makaram (December-January), beginning with the solemn Kalavara Nirakkal ritual, where the ceremonial boundary of the festival begins. Over several days, devotees partake in Annadanam (community feasts), observe Thulabharam (votive weighing), and witness the sacred Sheeveli (procession of priests with camphor-lit lamps). Deeparadhana brings the celebration to a close with the temple aglow in a ritual of waving lamps, symbolizing divine light and fraternity in its riverside setting.
Contact Address: Sree Mahalingeshwara Temple, Panayal - Podippallam Road, Panayal, Kasaragod, Kerala 671316
Phone Number: 9447387755
