Kottiyoor Mahadeva Temple

Situated near the scenic Bavali River in the Iritty Taluk’s Ambayathode/Kelakam region, this ancient hill and riverbank temple is revered as a Shakti Peetha and is an important destination for devotees of Lord Shiva.

The temple is also home to deities such as Goddess Sati, Goddess Bhadrakali, Lord Veerabhadra, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma, making it a significant spiritual hub in Kerala. The temple’s architecture follows the traditional Kerala style, blending harmoniously with the lush, forested surroundings.

Kottiyoor Mahadeva Temple operates in two main sections: Ikkare Kottiyoor and Akkare Kottiyoor. The Ikkare Kottiyoor is open daily from 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, while Akkare Kottiyoor is accessible only during the festival season, with timings from 3:30/5:00 AM to 9:30/11:00 PM.

The best time to visit is during the early morning hours (5–8 AM), evening aarti, winter months (November to February), or the vibrant festival season.

Devotees can participate in free darshan and a variety of poojas, including Appam/Appapayasam, Payasam, Pushpanjali, Dhara (Abhisheka), Choroonu (Annaprasana), Aayiram Kudam, Thumba Maala/Koovala Maala, and Enna Vilakku, with poojas conducted in Sanskrit and Malayalam.

The temple observes a strict dress code: men are required to wear traditional Kerala mundu or dhoti (shirts, t-shirts, and vests are not allowed, but a shawl is permitted), while women should wear saree or salwar kameez and maintain modest attire.

The highlight of the temple calendar is the Vaisakha Mahotsavam (Kottiyoor Vysakha Mahotsavam), celebrated during May-June, when extensive annadanam (free mass feeding) is organized, and devotees receive prasadam such as Odapoo (bamboo fiber prasadam), appam, payasam, and cooked rice.

Reaching Kottiyoor Mahadeva Temple is convenient via Kannur or Thalassery by train or air, followed by road travel through Iritty, Peravoor, and Ambayathode. The nearest railway stations are Thalassery (55 km) and Kannur (65 km), while Kannur International Airport is just 43 km away.

Accommodation options include temple guest houses (Mahadeva, Ganga, Kailasam), local hotels like Hill Palace Hotel and JK Park Residency, and homestays in Kottiyoor, Ambayathode, and Kelakam. Parking is available near the temple, though the terrain is uneven and not wheelchair accessible.

Photography is strictly prohibited in ritual areas. Nearby attractions include Palchuram Falls (7 km), Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary (20 km), Paithalmala Hill Station (40 km), and Parassinikadavu Sree Muthappan Temple & Snake Park (50 km). For more information, visit the official website or contact the temple office at +91-490-2430234.