Mridanga Saileswari Temple

This revered temple is dedicated primarily to Goddess Shakti (Amman), with sanctums for Lord Ayyappa, Lord Ganesha, and Chamunda (Sreeporkali), making it a significant destination for devotees seeking blessings from multiple deities.

The temple showcases the distinctive Kerala architectural style and is recognized as a living heritage temple, managed by a local panchayat trust.

Although the precise historical period is unknown or disputed, the temple is attributed to Sage Parashurama and has seen patronage from the Kottayam royal family and Pazhassi Raja, adding to its spiritual and cultural legacy. Darshan at Mridanga Saileswari Temple is free for all devotees.

The temple is open daily from 5:00 AM to 12:30 PM and again from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with the best times to visit being early mornings, late mornings, and during evening aarti.

The winter months (November to February) and festival seasons, especially during Pooram Mahotsavam (March–April) and Navaratri (September–October), are particularly auspicious.

A range of poojas is performed here, including Usha Pooja at 7:00 AM, Uchha Pooja at 11:00 AM, Atthazha Pooja at 7:15 PM, and Deeparadhana at sunset.

Special offerings such as Pushpanjali, Bhagya Suktha Pushpanjali, Kumkumarchana, and various types of malas and payasams are available, with prices starting from INR 10. Poojas are conducted in Sanskrit, Malayalam, English, and Tamil, accommodating devotees from diverse backgrounds.

The temple maintains a traditional dress code: men are encouraged to wear mundu, veshti, or dhoti (removal of upper garments may be required in the inner sanctum), while women should opt for sarees, salwar kameez, or long skirts with modest tops.

Casual attire is accepted in the outer premises for men. Reaching the temple is convenient, with clear road directions from Thalassery, Koothuparamba, Kannur City, and Taliparamba/Iritty. Frequent KSRTC and private buses connect Muzhakkunnu with nearby towns.

The nearest railway stations are Thalassery (35.8 km) and Kannur (44.3 km), while Kannur International Airport is just 22 km away.

Devotees can stay at the Mridanga Homestay opposite the temple or choose from hotels and lodges in Iritty and Mattannur (8–15 km away), with more accommodation options in Thalassery and Kannur.

Free morning prasadam, including ginger/black coffee and upma, is served near the pond, and traditional vegetarian meals are offered on festival days and at noon. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the inner sanctum and ritual zones, but permitted in the outer areas from a distance.

Designated parking is available a few hundred meters from the temple, though the inner sanctum may not be wheelchair-friendly due to steps. For online darshan and puja services, devotees can visit the official website at https://mridangashaileswari.org.

For further inquiries, the temple can be contacted at +91 4902406408. Nearby attractions include Palakkayam Thattu, Kottiyoor Siva Temple, Parassinikkadavu Muthappan Temple & Snake Park, St. Angelo Fort, and Muzhappilangad Drive-In Beach, making Muzhakkunnu an enriching spiritual and cultural destination.