SARADHI TRAVELS

Human relationship is cherished much and nurtured the ethics of communal harmony and enhanced cultural heritage. We can proudly and sincerely state publicly that the poisonous seeds of social evil never flourished in this small land of Rajarajeshwaran. Hindus, Muslims and Christians all breathe in a friendly atmosphere. More than mere human relationships, we can find communities loving each other, depending each other and raising the value of communal harmony and cultural heritage. The social equality can be witnessed through the involvement of Hindus, Muslims and Christians in each other's festivals and celebrations.

We can see the many of old and precious temples near in Taliparamba, there are numerous temples of Sree Muthappan, "the deity of the common man".

Rajarajeshwara Temple (also called the Brihadeshwara Temple) , Located at Taliparamba in the Kannur district, this beautiful Shiva temple is a perfect example of Chola architecture. The Rajarajeswara Temple is regarded as one of the 108 ancient Shiva temples of Kerala and has a prominent place amongst the numerous Shiva temples in South India. The Rajarajeswara Temple includes a 180 ft long vimana and consists of a quadrangular sanctum with a two tiered pyramidal roof. In front of the sanctum is the namaskara mandapam. The temple has no kodi maram (flagstaff) as opposed to other temples in Kerala.

Taliparamba is regarded as one of the ancient Shakti Peethams. Legend has it that the head of Sati fell here after Shiva's thandavam following Sati's self immolation. The Shiva linga here is believed to be thousands of years old. Legend has it that Shiva gave three sacred Shivalingas to Parvati for worship. Once sage Maandhata propitiated Lord Shiva with intense prayers. Shiva was so pleased that he presented one of the Shivalingas to him with the injunction that it should be installed only at a place where there was no cremation ground. The sage, after searching all over and found TALIPARAMBA the most sacred spot where he installed the linga. After his death the linga however disappeared into the earth. Then his son Muchukunda offered similar prayers to Shiva and got a second linga, which too disappeared in course of time. Centuries passed, the third Shivalinga was handed down to Satasoman, a king of Mushka (Kolathunadu) dynasty who then ruled the region. He was an ardent devotee of Shiva, on the advice of sage Agastya he prayed to Lord Shiva who granted him the Shivalinga. The king installed it in the present temple built by him. It is believed that Sri Rama during his victorious return from Lanka, stopped here to offer worship to Lord Shiva. In honour of his presence, devotees are not allowed into the Namaskara Mandapam even today.

Muthappan Temple: This centre of worship and faith has in store many unique practices and rituals, and the temple architecture itself stands testimony to this aspect. Located 20 km away from Kannur City and 9 km from Taliparamba a northern part of Kerala, the Parassinikadavu Muthappan Temple on the banks of the Valapatnam River attracts people from all sections of the society; irrespective of religion, caste and promotes the essence of "Vasudaiva Kutumbakam - The whole world is one family."

The origin of the Muthappan temple is connected to the appearance of a child who roamed the region with a string of interesting incidents and later vanished without a trace. The incidents up to the point of his disappearance later made the denizens feel the divine presence of Muthappan (Siva) who immediately erected a place of worship, which today is popularly known as the Parassinikadavu Sree Muthappan Temple.

The temple is also a popular destination for travellers and pilgrims to savour the charm of Theyyam a ritual that is performed here on a daily basis. Men adorning masks and costumes with a riot of colours perform this temple art form and it represents conflict between good and evil with good ultimately emerging victorious. There are devotees to Sree muthappan from all religious beliefs and backgrounds and the God is equally compassionate. The temple has many unique practices and rituals. The daily offerings of this temple include toddy & dry fish as Nivedyams to the diety. Dogs are also considered sacred and the prasadam are first offered to them. The annual festival of the Parassinikkadavu temple which falls on 1st of December draws hordes of pilgrims. District Tourism Promotion Council provides boating service in the river near the temple, amidst lush greenery and the river opening up to the sea ahead. Accommodation is also available nearby and providing with modern facilities matching their expectations and welcome all the devotees warm heartedly to this glorious land.

RAJARAJESWARA TEMPLE.

Dharmikulangara Temple is located 5 km east of Taliparamba a scenic village called MAZHOOR near Poomangalam, the village is famous for the Dharmikulangara Temple, a highly reversed shrine dedicated to Lord Balram. The temple is now managed by Trichambaram Sree Krishna Temple Committee. The main deity in the temple is Balram, brother of Sree Krishna. Legends have it that, every year Balram visits Sree Krishna at Trichambaram temple and they walk together to Pookkothu Nada. At the Pookkothu Nada they rejoice, dancing and blessing thousands of devotees who attend the festival. Only after the arrival of Balram on the 14th day, regular pujas are offered to the deity. One of the days during the Utsavam time, Idols of Sree Krishna and Balarama are taken thr0ugh the village on a procession called "Nadu Valam Vekkal". Only the eldest member of Namboodiri family is allowed to accompany the idols.

SREE MUTHAPPAN TEMPLE.

The Trichambaram temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The pratishta here was performed by Sambara Maharshi and hence the temple is known as Trichambaram. The presumption is that the temple is situated in Dwaraka. It is significant that all around the temple, the water level is high. There is an elinji tree just in front of the temple which bears no fruits but only flowers. The annual festival at Trichambaram takes place during Kumbham-Meenam months (March) begins with the Kodiyettam (hoisting of flag) and comes to an end on Meenam 6th with Koodipiriyal (ending of this Utsavam). The Utsavam is attracted by thousands of devotees every year. The temple vazhipadus like payasam and thousand breads are believed to bless the devotees with santhanavardhanavu. The temple is located about 1km, south of Taliparamba.

MAZHOOR DHARMIKULANGARA TEMPLE.

The Thiruvangad temple, dedicated to Sree Rama, is an important temple. The temple is generally known as the Brass Pagoda from the copper sheeting of its roof. A part of the temple was damaged by Tipu's troops in the 18th century, but the temple itself is believed to have been saved from destruction by a miracle. It was one of the outposts of the Thalassery fort in the eighteenth century. In its precincts were held many conferences between the officials of the East India Company and local leaders, at which political treaties and agreements were signed.The temple contains some interesting sculptures and lithic records.

The annual festival of the temple commences on VISHU day in Medam (April-May) and lasts for seven days.

SREE KRISHANA TEMPLE.

The Annapurneswari temple situated at Cherukunnu near Taliparamba, is believed to have been constructed by Parasurama. According to tradition, Annapurneswari of Kasi (Banaras) came to Cherukunnu in a ship with three maid servants and a number of their followers. Later, the goddess proceeded to the spot where the temple is now situated.

THIRUVANGAD TEMPLE.

ANNAPURNESWARI TEMPLE.

Kottiyur, One of the most important pilgrim centre in this district is Kottiyur, otherwise known as the 'Varanasi of the South". There are two temples at Kottiyur, viz., Akkara 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 workship of Muthirikavu.

This festival is a kin to the yaga performed by Daksha. The special ceremonies connected with the festival are Neyyattam and Elaneerattam, literally meaning the pouring of ghee and water of tender coconut respectively.

SREE VELUTHOOL KAVU, VADAKKANCHERY.

ST. THERESA's CHURCH, MAHE.

St. Theresa's Church, It lies on the MAHE Main Road. The most famous Christian Church in Malabar. The Church was built during French Reign and it stands as a monument to the legacy of French rule. The festival is celebrated from 5th to 22nd October every year and the important dates are 14th and 15th. It is a festival of Mahe irrespective of religion or caste.

For the entire people of Mahe consider this church as their own. The people from all over Kerala and from neighboring States Karnataka and Tamil Nadu come and visit the church during this festival.

KOTTIYUR TEMPLE

MADAYI MOSQUE

Madayi Mosque, the most interesting building at Madayi is the beautiful old mosque which was founded by Malik Ibin Dinar. A block of white marble in the mosque is believed to have been brought from Mecca by the founder himself. The grave of an Arab divine, who renovated this mosque is also seen here.