Taliparamba Rajarajeswara Temple
The Rajarajeshwara temple is a Shiva temple and is regarded as one of the existing 108 ancient Shiva Temples of ancient Kerala. It is as famous as the Shiva temples in Vaikom, Ettumanur and Trichur. The Temple is a marvellous illustration of ancient infrastructure. It is located 23 km away from the city of Kannur. It had the tallest shikhara (a spire on a Hindu temple) amongst the temples of its time. The Rajarajeshwara temple has a top of about 90 tons. The natives of Kannur also call the deity by several names such as Perumthrikovilappan and Thampuran. Lord Shiva, as worshiped in this sacred temple, is known as Sree Rajarajeswara, which means the Emperor of Emperors — the Lord Supreme. The name signifies the supreme transcendental power in the background of mysterious drama of the boundless universe. That power is invoked here as Lord Rajarajeshwara.
It is believed that Sri Rama during his victorious return from Lanka stopped here to offer worship to Lord Shiva. In honor of His presence, devotees are not allowed into the namaskara mandapam even today. This is a temple where women devotees are allowed to enter only after 8 pm. It is said that at this hour, Lord Shiva is happy in the company of his consort Parvathy, and hence quick to grant women devotees their wishes.
Taliparamba is also regarded as one of the ancient Shakti Peethams. Legend has it that the head of Sati (Goddess/ wife of Shiva) fell here after Shiva's tandav following Sati's self-immolation. Sati was the daughter of King Daksh, who had a disregard for Shiva.
The Shiva Linga here is believed to be several thousands of years old. Legend has it that Shiva gave 13 sacred Shivalingas to Parvati/ Sati to worship. Sage Maandhata, satisfied Lord Shiva with intense prayers. Shiva was so pleased that he presented one of the Shiva Lingas to him with the condition that it should be installed only at a place where there was no cremation ground. The sage, after searching all over, found Taliparamba the most sacred spot where he installed the Shiva Linga.
After his death the Linga disappeared into the earth. Then his son Muchukunda offered similar prayers to Shiva and got a second Shiva Linga, which too disappeared in course of time. Centuries passed. The third Shiva Linga was handed down to Satasoman, a king of Mushaka/ Kolathiri/ Chirakkal Royal Family, who then ruled the region. He was an ardent devotee of Shiva. On the advice of sage Agastya, he prayed to Lord Siva, who granted him the Shiva Linga. Agastya himself installed the Shiva Linga.
Oil is not allowed inside the temple. Lamps are lit using ghee inside chuttambalam.
Location
Thaliparamba
Main Deity
Lord Siva
Other Deities
Sri Krishna, Sree Bhoothanatha, Yakshi & Rishabha
Festivals
Maha Sivarathri, Vishu, Puthari (Festival of harvest season).
Main Offerings
Neyamrita, Neyvilakku, Yamanamaskaram.
How To Reach
By Air: Kannur International Airport is situated 38.7 KM from the Temple.
By Road: Taliparambu Bus Stand is 1.2 KM from the Temple.
By Rail: Payyannur Railway Station is situated 22.3 KM from the Temple.