Kottiyoor, a famous pilgrim
center , Situated on the eastern border of Kannur district in Talassery Taluk,
Kerala. It is famous for Temple
Festival. A very old
Siva temple also known as the Dakshina Kashi attracts Lakhs of devotees every year during the "Vaisakha"
celebrations.The idol here is considered “swayambhoo” ie., nobody
installed the idol here, but people just discovered the Siva idol there and started worshipping. There is no temple as
such sans the "thara" formed by a small heap of stones, called “Manithara”. This is the only visible signs of
the ancient temple that draws thousands of faithful every year. Many feel the Siva power is solidified as the idol here.
Neyyabhishekam, Elaneerattam (Tender Coconut water Abhisheka) are famous here. It is near by the bank of River Bavalee. The
river is considered holy by devotees.
Kottiyoor Festival is
the only one temple having the plea for Gods and Ghosts.
The
Auda Flower( white fibres flowing down and looks very much like a white beard)
is the sysmbol of kottiyoor festival, auda flowers are the beard of the ancient king Daksha, who was held a
yaga in this place. On the orders of Lord Siva, his demons beheaded Daksha. Later, conceding to the plea of Brahma and Vishnu,
Lord Siva gave life to Daksha and completed the yaga.Auda Flower is an
artificial flower made by bamboo, but it will be created only that festival season . This Auda Flower ,we can’t get
anywhere out of Kottiyoor. It has a story related” Dakshayaga” and Loard Shiva.
The festival season is
the second longest season festival in Kerala. It will be 28 days. The festival season falls during middle of May to middle
of June (Malayalam Era “EDAVA CHOTHI” to “Mithuna Chothi” ). The festival will be in rainy season
Innumerable temple rites
are performed here during the festival time of one month. Remaining period the temple is closed