Kannur
has some of the best and famous Hindu temples of Kerala.
The art and culture to a large extent is derived from
the influence of Hinduism and the temple culture. But
it is also home to an exciting mix of many other religions
and ethnic denomination. Kannur's strategic geographic
position on the Arabian sea played a large role in the
influence of seafarers on the life of this district. It
all started with the arrival of the Arab traders in the
ancient days bringing with them new ideas and ultimately
a new religion - Islam. This was followed by the Portuguese
who fortified a few important trading centres in Kannur
and surrounding areas. Christianity took roots soon thereafter.
Some of the important religious centres are,
Parassinikadavu Muthappan Temple
The Parassinikadavu
Muthappan (Shiva) Temple on the banks of the Valapatanam
river is perhaps the most important Hindu temple here.
There is an interesting story about this temple and its
deity. According to tradition the main abode of Muthappan
was Puralimala near Mattannur, near Kannur.
 The
story goes that Muthappan appeared in the form of a child
before one Padikutti Amma, The child had an insatiable
appetite for liquor, fish and meat and become a nuisance
to the family and was therefore turned out from the house.
Armed with a bow and arrow Muthappan wandered from place
to place and eventually reached Puralimala. On his way
to Puralimala, he climbed a palmyra tree to drink his
favourite portion of toddyand soon turned the owner of
the tree in to a stone when he objected to Muthappan drinking
toddy. Muthappan then completely disappeared from the
scene and nothing more was heard of him. It is believed
that he came down to Parassinikadavu.
According
to tradition, a member of the Vanan community at Parassinikadavu
found a metallic arrow on the trunk of a kanjira tree
and having felt something divine about the place, reported
the matter to the senior member of an ancient Thyiyya
family in the neighbourhood. The latter, who felt the
divine presence of Muthappan, immediately performed the
necessary ceremonies and offered worship to him. It is
an accepted dictum here, that whatever is received by
way of gifts or offerings should be spent for the benefits
of the pilgrims.
The
daily offering made to Muthappan are also different from
what they are on offer at other temples. It is quite common
to see offerings of toddy, fish and meat as nivedyams
to this deity. People of all castes and communities including
members of the Muslim as well as Christian communities
are known to donate money as vazhipadu (donations) to
Muthappan. The annual festival which falls on 1st December
provides special occasion for pilgrims to throng the Parassinikadavu
temple. The temple is 20 kms North of Kannur town.On the
way to Parassanikadavu temple is the Snake Park. A demonstration
of snakes is held every hour at Snake Park.
Thiruvangad
Temple
 The
Thiruvanagad temple, dedicated to Sri Rama is an important
temple. The temple is generally known as the Brass Pagoda
from the copper sheeting on its roof. A part of the temple
was damaged by Tipu Sultan (ruler of Mysore in the latter
part of the 18th century), but the temple itself is believed
to have been saved from destruction by a miracle. The
temple interestingly, was one of the outposts of the Thalassery
fort in the eighteenth century. Many political treaties
and agreements were signed at the precincts of this temple
between the officials of the East India Company and local
rajas. The temple contains some interesting sculptures
and lithic records. The annual festival of the temple
commences on Vishu day in Medam (April ) and lasts for
seven days.
Trichambaram Temple
The Tricharamabarm temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna.
The pratishta (consecration) here was perfomed by Sambara
Maharshi and hence is known as Trichambaram. The annual
festival at Trichambaram takes place during Kumbham-Meenam
months (March). The temple vazhipadus (offerings) like
payasam and thousand breads are believed to bless the
devotees with santhanavardhanavu (children for childless
couples). The temple is around 5 kms. South of Thaliparamba
Kottiyur
The most important pilgrim center in this district
is Kottiyur, otherwise known as the 'Varanasi of the South'.
There are two temples at Kottiyur and Ikkara Kottiyur,
lying in the deep forests. The annual festival commences
with Neyyattam on the Swati day in Edavam (May-June) and
ends with Thirukalasattu, after 28 days. A sword from
the Muthirikavu, Tavinal village, is brought to Ikkara
Kottiyur and this marks the beginning of the festival.
It is believed that this sword is the one with which Daksha
is believed to have been hacked to death and it is an
object of daily worship at Muthirikavu. This festival
is akin to the yaga performed by Daksha. The special ceremonies
connected with the festival are Neyyattam and Elaneerattam,
literally meaning the pouring of ghee and tender coconut
water respectively
Jagannatha
Temple
The
Jagannatha Temple, set up by Sree Narayana Guru in 1908,
is another important temple. It is situated on raised
ground in the midst of paddy fields and was built by raising
funds from the rich and the poor alike. Devotees of the
lower castes were permitted to worship at this temple
in 1924 during the Indepedence movement. Pooja is performed
here by non-Brahmins, according to ancient Hindu rites.
Marriages including inter-caste marriages are conducted
inside the temple. Annual festival falls in Kumbham (February-
March).
Annapurneswari
Temple
 The
Annapurneswari temple, at Cherukunnu near Thaliparambu
is believed to have been constructed by Parasurama, the
warrior sage who, the legend says created Kerala from
the seas by throwing his battle axe. According to tradition,
Annapurneswari of Kasi (Banaras) came to Cherukunnu in
a ship with three maid servants and a number of their
followers.
Mosque
at Thalassery
 The
Juma Masjid situated near the Maidan in the heart of Thalassery
town is one of the most beautiful mosques in the district.
It is believed to have been constructed by one Malik Ibin
Dinar, an Arab trader. It is said to be more than a thousand
years old and has been rebuilt in the Indo-Saracenic style
of architecture. A block of white marble in the mosque
is believed to have been brought from Mecca.
St.
Johns Church
 The
St. John's church, situated within the walls of the Thalassery
Fort, was built in 1869 with the funds provided by the
Master Attendent, Mr. Edward Brennen (Brennen Sayip).
Positioned near a summit near the sea, this church is
one of the most beautiful Anglican churches in India.
In this churchyard lies the tomb of Edward Brennen.
Kannur has several temples built in the traditional architectural
style known for its icons, lay-outs and woodcarvings.
The
Important Ones Include :
Peralassery Sri Subrahmanya Temple, Thaliparamba Siva
Temple, Trichambram Sree Krishna Temple, Annapoorna Temple
Cherukunnu, Thiruvangad Sree Rama Temple. Kottiyoor Siva
Temple, Trikkayikunnu Siva Temple-Koothuparamba, Subrahmanya
Temple -Payyanur.
The
Sree Sunderesh wara Temple at Kannur and Jagannatha Temple
at Tellicherry were established by the great saint and
social reofrmer Sree Narayana Guru. At the Thodikalam
temple, said to have been built during the 16th century,
mural paintings cover the inner walls. |
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