Sreekanteswara temple Calicut is in the heart of the city. It is one of the renowned Shiva temples in Kerala. Sreenarayana Guru installed the Shivalinga at the temple in May 1910.
History of Sreekanteswara temple Calicut
Many prominent members of the Thiyya community decided in 1907 to build a Shiva temple in Calicut. Foundation stone for the temple was laid in the next year. After that, construction work gained ground with liberal contributions from devotees. Construction of the sub-temples of Lord Subrahmanya, Lord Ganapathi and Lord Dharma Shastha also progressed simultaneously.
Priests carried the Shivalinga in procession from Kallingal Kshetra where it was made. After immersion in Arabian Sea, the idol underwent more purification rituals. Finally Sreenarayana Guru installed the Shivalinga at Sreekanteswara Temple Calicut on 12 May 1910.
Architecture
Construction of the temple is in the traditional style of Kerala temple architecture. The architects have made extensive use of laterite stone which is locally available. The roofs have red clay tiles.
Kadathanattu Kunhiraman Ashari supervised construction of the temple. He was followed by Shankunni Nair Kutty Ashari and Mangalathu Krishnan Ashari. The famous sculptor Olavaara T.V. Kunhiraman Melassery currently advises on any construction or renovation work in the temple.
Deities
The principal deity is Lord Shiva. The upadevas are Lord Subrahmania, Sree Ganapathi, Sree Dharma Shastha, Maha Vishnu, Bhagavathi and Navagraha.
The temples of Subramanya and Dharma Shastha are outside the chuttambalam.
Offerings and Vazhipadus
The temple is open on all days from 5:00 am to 12:15 pm and from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
One of the main Vazipadus is Shodashabhishekam. This abhishekam is for the prevention of diseases and to gain good health. Among the Vazhipadus are Udayasthamana Pooja, Paarvathy Parameswara Pooja and Umeshanu Pooja.
Getting There
Sreekanteswara temple Calicut is walking distance from Mofussil Bus Stand (450 metres). From Kozhikode Railway station, it is 2.3 km.
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