Sree Rajarajeswara Temple in Taliparamba is a renowned Hindu temple. The principal deity is Lord Shiva. The temple has traditional Kerala architectural style and massive stone walls.
History of the Temple
The temple was built in the early eleventh century. According to legend, Sage Parashuraman rebuilt it long before the start of Kali Yugam. The Kolathiri kings were intense devotees of Shiva and played a considerable role in the temple’s development. Only Hindus have the permission to enter.
Architecture of Sree Rajarajeswara Temple
The main shrine of the temple has a rectangular shape. It has a two-tiered, pyramidal roof and a gold kalasham on top. The roof of the sanctum has a copper covering. In front of the sanctum is the Namaskara Mandapam. Rajarajeswara temple does not feature a kodimaram (dhvajasthambha). Intricate carvings cover the temple walls. A massive balikallu stands facing the eastern gate of the nalambalam. The foundation is built of granite to prop up the immense structure. The architecture is a distinguished fusion of Chola and Kerala architectural styles.
Sree Rajarajeswara temple is at the centre of a vast compound of six acres. A compound wall with two gopurams surround the temple. The ancient wall is an architectural wonder of enormous stones placed one above the other without any mortar in between.
A huge sculpture of Lord Shiva stands on the temple grounds. It is the largest bronze idol of Lord Shiva in India. It has a height of 14 ft and weighs 4,200 kg. The sculptor is Sree Unni Kanayi.
The Idol of Lord Shiva
An immense jyotirlingam represents lord Rajarajeswara. The jyothirlingam carries the decorations of a crescent moon, nagaphanam and trinetram. A cluster of ghee lamps hang on both sides of the sanctum. The bhadradeepam, a ghee lamp lit by sage Agasthya, is on the left side of the jyothirlingam. Silver nilavilakkus line the floor on both the sides.
Pooja Timings
The temple has two main opening sessions: 5:00am to 12:00 noon and 5:00 to 8:30 pm. Key pooja timings include Natravat Pooja at 7:00 am and Ucha Pooja at 9:30 am. Deeparadhana is after 6:00 pm and Athazha pooja at 7:00 pm. Women can enter the nalambalam only on conclusion of the Athazha Pooja, from 7:10 to 8:30 pm.
Offerings and Vazhipadu
Devotees offer Ponninkudam (gold pot) and Vellikkudam (silver pot) which are full of ghee. Special obeisances known as Ashwamedha namaskaram and Yama namaskaram, with mantras from Rigveda, are significant offerings to the lord.
Devotees extend ghee in small pots to Shiva. They place the pots on the steps (sopanam) leading to the sanctum. This is called Neyyamrithu in Malayalam.
Dress Code
Men must wear mundu and take off shirts. Women may wear sarees or salwar kameez. Lockers are available for storing valuables. Children below 4 years are not allowed inside.
Getting There
The temple is 24 km (51 min) from Kannur. The nearest airport is Kannur International Airport. It is 37.3 km (1 hr 2 min) via Mattannur-Iritty Road. Taliparamba bus stand is nearby (2 km).
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