Kottiyoor Temple, located in the lush forests of northern Kerala’s Kannur district, is a unique pilgrimage destination deeply rooted in myth, nature and ancient ritual. The site is made up of two shrines: the permanent complex on the western bank of the Bavali River known as Ikkare Kottiyoor, and the seasonal sacred hermitage on the eastern bank called Akkare Kottiyoor which opens only during the annual Vaisakha Mahotsavam.
Legend has it that this is the place of the sacred Daksha Yajna, where Sati Devi gave up her body and Lord Shiva reacted in fury—thus the place holds huge spiritual significance. The setting is pristine: forested hills, the flow of the Bavali river, and minimal built structure at the seasonal shrine add to the mysticism. The temple board runs the site under the name Kottiyoor Devaswom which monitors rituals, offerings (vazhipadu) and guest accommodation.For 2025, planning a visit means choosing either a regular darshan at Ikkare (which operates year-round) or scheduling for the annual festival period at Akkare (usually late May to June) when the full rites and seasonal shrine open.
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Overview Table KottiyoorTemple
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Temple Name | Kottiyoor Temple (Kottiyoor Mahakshethram) |
| Location | Kottiyoor village, Kannur District, Kerala, India |
| Deity | Lord Shiva (Swayambhu Linga at Akkare, Idol at Ikkare) |
| Shrine Details | Two shrines: Ikkare (western bank) year-round; Akkare (eastern bank) seasonal during festival |
| Major Festival | Vaisakha Mahotsavam (approx May–June) |
| Booking / Offerings | Vazhipadu bookings, E-services for rituals available |
| Usual Temple Timings | Early morning till evening (see next section) |
| Accommodation | Guest houses and lodges in the temple complex & nearby forest enclave |
| Ideal Visit Period | Festival season for full experience, or off-season for calm darshan |
| Contact / Board | Kottiyoor Devaswom Board, P.O. Kottiyoor, Kannur – 670 651 |
Temple Timings 2025
Below are the standard or frequently cited timings for darshan and temple access at Kottiyoor. Please note during the major festival season some timings may vary or additional sessions may be held.
| Session | Timing (approx) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Morning Opening | ~5:30 AM | Nada Thurakkal (temple gates open) |
| Morning Darshan | ~5:30 AM – ~10:30 AM | Especially during festival at Akkare |
| Afternoon Session | ~4:30 PM – ~7:00 PM | Evening offerings slot during festival |
| Year-round Ikkare Timings | ~5:00 AM – ~8:00 PM | Quiz from travel article |
Important: Since the major shrine (Akkare) is open only during the festival period, if you go off-season you will find only Ikkare shrine active. Always check latest notices from the Devaswom.
Sevas & Darshans – Timings & Prices
Here are some of the offerings (vazhipadu) and darshan types available at Kottiyoor Temple, with approximate price ranges for 2025.
| Seva / Offering | Timing / Slot | Approx Price (INR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pushpanjali / Pushpa Pooja | All day | ₹10 approx | Basic flower offering |
| Neyy Abhishekam | Morning slot | From ~₹30-₹40 approx | Ghee abhishekam to Shiva Linga |
| Deepasthambham (Neyy or Enna) | Afternoon or specific slot | ~₹1,351 (for Neyy) approx | Lamp offering |
| Swarna Kudam / Velli Kudam | Special slot | ~₹1,500 or above for Swarna Kudam | Gold/Silver vessel offering |
| Oru Nerathe Pooja | Special slot | ~₹251 approx | One-time Poona offering |
Note: These are indicative and may vary during festival, and some offerings might be available only during the festival period at Akkare. Always check current rates at the temple counter or official website.
How to Reach the Temple
By Road:
Kottiyoor is reachable via Kannur district roads in northern Kerala. It lies in a forested area of the Western Ghats, with scenic approach. According to a travel guide the temple is ~64 km from Thalassery via Koothuparambu and Nedumboyil for those coming from the southern districts
By Rail:
The nearest major railway station is Thalassery (for example) though train station details are less commonly listed and road travel is usually needed from the station.
By Air:
The closest major airport is also at a distance; because of the forest location of the temple, the last leg is always by road. (One reference via Tripnetra suggested the route from the airport).
Local Transport & Access:
Once you reach Kottiyoor village, there are parking areas, guest houses, and the temple processes both the western and eastern bank shrines. During the festival the eastern side (Akkare) has special arrangements. Access within the forest may involve walking short stretches.
How to Book Darshan / Tickets for 2025
Booking for Kottiyoor is somewhat different compared to many urban temples:
- The Devaswom Board offers an online booking facility for “Vazhipadu” (offerings) at both Akkare and Ikkare shrines via their portal.
- For general darshan year-round at Ikkare, often no advance booking is required, though queues may form.
- For the annual festival at Akkare (Vaisakha Mahotsavam) one might need to arrive early, and some offerings are booked offline at counters during that period.
- Steps: Visit official website (Kottiyoor Devaswom), navigate to e-pooja/e-services, select shrine (Akkare or Ikkare), select date and offering type, make payment, obtain receipt or e-ticket. Make sure you carry the receipt and ID proof when visiting.
- Check for updated notices on the website or temple board especially for festival days when special arrangements, shift in access, footwear removal, and forest-area security checks apply.
Nearby Attractions
Here are places you can visit around Kottiyoor – simple language.
- Bavali River & Sacred Forests: The Bavali river flows beside the temple and adds a serene backdrop for nature walks.
- Iruppu (nearby waterfalls and forest trails): The forest surroundings make for peaceful strolls, especially outside the main festival rush.
- Thalassery town: On your way to or from the temple you can stop at Thalassery for local food, markets and heritage sights.
- Western Ghats viewpoints: The region around Kottiyoor is part of the Sahya mountain range – great for scenic vistas, especially in early morning or just after rain.
- Local village culture: Staying overnight gives you a chance to observe rural life in the forest fringe, local rituals, traditional Kerala cuisine and perhaps some Theyyam performances in season.
Important Instructions for Visitors & Dos and Don’ts
Dos:
- Arrive early, especially during festival season (May-June) to avoid long waits and secure good darshan.
- Wear modest, comfortable clothing; since the setting is forested, wear non-slippery shoes and appropriate attire.
- Carry water, snacks (if permitted) and a small first-aid kit given the rural location.
- Respect forest surroundings — keep quiet, avoid littering, stay on marked paths.
- For the seasonal shrine (Akkare), follow the board’s directions, earthen pathways and possibly simplified facilities.
- Book your offering (vazhipadu) in advance if you want a special ritual. Use the online portal when possible.
Don’ts:
- Don’t assume urban-style facilities everywhere – especially during the festival in the forest, infrastructure may be basic.
- Don’t ignore signs prohibiting vehicles beyond certain points or restricting footwear in sacred zones.
- Avoid entering restricted zones of the forest or river banks without guidance.
- Don’t carry large luggage or heavy gear that can slow you down in the forest terrain.
- During festival days do not expect calm, quiet darshan: large crowds, long queues, forest roads and limited parking may mean delays.
- Don’t rely solely on mobile connectivity – some areas may be weak in signal strength.
Accommodation Options
Here are suggested stay options near Kottiyoor – budget to moderate level.
| Accommodation | Location | Type | Budget Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temple Guest Houses | Kottiyoor village | Basic lodging | Budget |
| Forest Lodges / Homestays | Around temple & forest fringe | Homestay / Lodge | Moderate |
| Hotels in Kannur or Thalassery | Towns ~ 60-70 km away | Hotel | Mid-range |
*Since Kottiyoor is in a forested pilgrimage zone, rooms fill up quickly during the festival period. Off-season booking is easier and often more peaceful.
FAQs about Kottiyoor Temple 2025
Q1. Is the temple open year-round?
Yes, the Ikkare (western bank) shrine remains active year-round for regular poojas, but the eastern bank (Akkare) shrine opens only during the annual Vaisakha Mahotsavam (typically late May to June).
Q2. Do I need to book darshan in advance?
For general darshan at Ikkare no booking may be needed, but for special offerings (vazhipadu) and festival visits, advance booking online or early arrival is strongly recommended.
Q3. What are the popular offerings and their cost?
Offerings include Pushpanjali (~₹10), Neyy Abhishekam (~₹30-₹40), Deepasthambham (Neyy ~₹1,351) and special Swarna Kudam (~₹1,500 or above) among others. Always check current rates.
Q4. When is the best time to visit?
If you want the full ritual experience of Akkare shrine, visit during the Vaisakha Mahotsavam (May–June). For a less crowded, calmer trip, visit Ikkare shrine off-festival.
Q5. Are there special dress codes or forest guidelines?
No strict dress code is always publicized, but as a forest pilgrimage site modest dress is recommended, comfortable shoes are wise, and avoid noisy behaviour or straying from paths.
Q6. Can foreigners visit?
Yes – the site is open to all devotees and visitors regardless of nationality. Respect for nature, rituals and quiet is appreciated.
Q7. What transport is best?
Reach by road via Kannur/Thalassery; rail and air options exist but final leg is by road through forest areas, so plan accordingly.
Q8. Are there lodging facilities near the temple?
Yes – basic guest houses and lodges near the village and forest fringe. Book early during festival times.