Rajarajeswara Temple Taliparamba
The Rajarajeswara Temple is located at Taliparamba in the Kannur district of Kerala, South India. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known as one of the 108 holy temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple holds the most respectable place among other Shiva temples in Kerala.
The Rajarajeswara temple Taliparamba takes refuge in other temples in Kerala so that any problems or obstacles they face are removed. This is done through a process called Prasanna, an astrological determination practised by temples. The temple dates back to the 11th century and is believed to have been repaired by Sage Parashurama in the years before the beginning of the Kali Yuga. The temple was restored many centuries ago by the kings of the Mushika dynasty.
Architectural Significance of Rajarajeswara Temple
The temple is ancient and is said to have been rebuilt by Sage Parashurama and King Mushika dynasty. The temple also has two seven-storied gopurams dating back to ancient times, but are also believed to have been destroyed by Tipu Sultan. The temple is well carved with carved walls and pillars.
The sanctum sanctorum is quadrangular in shape and has a two-tiered pyramidal roof. Namaskara Mandapam is opposite the sanctum sanctorum. A unique feature of this temple is that it does not have a flagpole like other temples in Kerala. One can enjoy the true architectural beauty and sanctity of the temple seeking the blessings of the almighty for a happy and prosperous life.
Legendary & History of Rajarajeswara Temple Taliparamba
According to the most important legend related to the temple, Parasurama encountered an ancient shrine of great spiritual power in a dilapidated state, which left him depressed and wanted to know how the shrine had fallen into such a derelict state.
To learn more about the field, he called Narada, who came here and told him about the fall of the temple. According to the story, a sage named Sanaka and others struck the sun’s disc to reduce its heat. They mixed the dust formed while stirring with amrita, the divine nectar of immortality, divided it into three parts and offered it to Brahma, Parvati and Shiva.
Parvati gave lingams to the three kings, who prayed fervently to him to call her. One of the three idols was given to Mandhata in the Treta Yuga and the other two to Much Kundu and Shatasoma in the Dwapara Yuga.
It is recommended for everyone to keep the idols in a place where no living being has died naturally or cremated. After a long search, Mandatha found a small place that matched the description and had only a small plate.
Rajarajeswara Temple Source
This area is the present Taliparamba and the statue of the king was installed. In course of time, the Jyotirlinga was buried in the earth, spiritualizing the place and ending the Treta Yuga. Then, in the Dwapara Yuga, Muchkundu assumed the second linga and the deity also gave him the same instructions for the installation process.
He too was drawn to the place where Mandhata enshrined the first linga. The second linga also melted into the earth, but he once again made the place more powerful. Then Sathasoman came and was naturally attracted to the same place and installed his Linga there. While performing the installation rituals, this idol also started sinking into the ground and the king prayed to Agastya to guide him.
Maharishi appeared and lit a ghee lamp and worshipped the Lord 12 times. When he started his 13th salutation, the lingam was firmly established and as a result, the number of prostrations became 12 and a half. Enshrining the third lingam, this place has threefold power to visit the shrine
Namaskara Mandapam
In this temple (sanctuary) there is Namaskara Mandapa (Mukha Mandapa). While returning to Ayodhya from Lanka after defeating Ravana, Lord Rama prostrated before Raja Rajeswara and continued his journey to Ayodhya. No one is allowed in this Namaskar Mandapam out of respect for Lord Rama. Allowed only for Brahmins in temples.
Rajarajeswara Temple Taliparamba Timings
Temple Timings at Morning : 04:40 am – 12:00 pm
Temple Timings at Evening : 04:00 pm – 08:30 pm
Women are allowed only after 07:15 pm to 08:30 pm in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple.
Children below 5 years are not allowed inside the sanctum sanctorum.
Special feature of this Temple
This temple is famous for its unique rituals. One such ritual is the entry of women after Athaja Puja or night worship at 7.15 pm. After worshipping Athaja, Lord Shiva is believed to be very pleased with his consort Parvati and has a benevolent temper. Men are allowed to enter the shrine anytime. Usually Mondays are considered important days to worship Lord Shiva, but here it is Wednesday. Annual festivals are not held here and the deity is not taken outside the temple premises.
Rajarajeswara Temple Taliparamba Dress Code
Mens are required to wear dhotis while entering the shrine and are not allowed to wear shirts or wear them on hands too. Women are allowed only in sarees and salwars. Modern dresses are Strictly prohibited in the temple. Cameras, Photos and Mobiles are prohibited in the Temple.
Rajarajeswara Temple Taliparamba Accommodation Details
The temple has only one guest house. And there are private hotels at a distance of 5 km from the temple.
- Hotel Horizon International
- Sneha Inn
- Hotel Samrat
- Ramis Residency
- Elite Residency
Rajarajeswara Temple Taliparamba Address
Rajarajeswara Temple, Temple Rd, Taliparamba,
Kannur dist, Kerala – 670141, India
How to Reach Rajarajeswara Temple Taliparamba
Rajarajeswara Temple is properly connected with other major cities. The nearest Railway Station is Kannapuram Railway Station which is at 8.7 kms away and Payangadi Railway station at 11.75 kms away from Taliparamba. Through buses there are many buses available to Taliparamba from the other towns of Kerala. By Air the Nearest Airport is Calicut International Airport which is 135.7kms from Taliparamba and Kempegowda International Airport is at 355.5 kms from Taliparamba.
Rajarajeswara Temple Taliparamba Photos
