Overview
About the event
Hosted by the Kottiyoor temples—Akkare Kottiyoor and Ikkare
Kottiyoor—situated on the banks of the mighty River Bavali, in
Kannur district, this festival is among the most cherished in Northern
Kerala. The Akkare Kottiyoor Temple, the primary venue, opens only
during the festival days annually, from the Chothi asterism of the
Malayalam month of Edavam to the Chithira asterism of the Malayalam
month of Midhunam, typically falling between May and June.
Devotees worship a swayambhoo lingam (self-created idol of Lord Shiva) placed on a platform made of river stones, known as manithara. The rituals begin with Neyyattam (pouring of ghee), initiated by bringing a sword from Muthirerikavu in Wayanad. A captivating ritual is the Rohini Aaradhana, where the priest embraces the swayambhoo Shiva linga. Another significant ritual is the Elaneer Vayppu, where devotees offer tender coconuts before the swayambhoo lingam. The festival concludes with Elaneerattam, where the head priest pours the collected tender coconut water over the idol.
The Kottiyoor festival is deeply rooted in mythology and cultural traditions. According to legend, the temple is situated where the ancient Daksha Yaga took place. Sati, consort of Shiva, immolated herself in the yagna fire, and enraged by her death, Shiva created Veerabhadra who destroyed the yagna and killed Daksha. Later, the Gods, including Brahma and Vishnu, pacified Shiva, leading to the restoration of the yagna and the granting of moksha to Daksha, who was resurrected with a goat's head.
Devotees worship a swayambhoo lingam (self-created idol of Lord Shiva) placed on a platform made of river stones, known as manithara. The rituals begin with Neyyattam (pouring of ghee), initiated by bringing a sword from Muthirerikavu in Wayanad. A captivating ritual is the Rohini Aaradhana, where the priest embraces the swayambhoo Shiva linga. Another significant ritual is the Elaneer Vayppu, where devotees offer tender coconuts before the swayambhoo lingam. The festival concludes with Elaneerattam, where the head priest pours the collected tender coconut water over the idol.
The Kottiyoor festival is deeply rooted in mythology and cultural traditions. According to legend, the temple is situated where the ancient Daksha Yaga took place. Sati, consort of Shiva, immolated herself in the yagna fire, and enraged by her death, Shiva created Veerabhadra who destroyed the yagna and killed Daksha. Later, the Gods, including Brahma and Vishnu, pacified Shiva, leading to the restoration of the yagna and the granting of moksha to Daksha, who was resurrected with a goat's head.
