Vettakkorumakan Temple
This temple built around 200 years ago, is managed by the Royal family of Nilambur, the Nilambur Kovilakam. This grand temple constructed in traditional kerala style architecture is very visually appealing and is located in a serene landscape adjacent to the river Chaliyar.
Vettakkorumakan is the son born to Lord Siva and Goddess Parvati, when they took the "Kiratha" form (Hunter/Huntress). Arjuna underwent penance as per the guidance of Lord Krishna to please Shiva. His aim was to get the magical weapons, especially the “Pasupathasthra” from Shiva. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva and Parvathy appeared in front of him in disguise of tribal couple who were on hunting and blessed Arjuna with Pasupatha Asthra after thouroughly testing him. After blessing Arjuna, Shiva and Parvathy spent many days inside the forest in disguise of tribal hunters. During this period, they had a son born of extraordinary effulgence and that is Vettakkorumakan or 'son born during hunting', to put it roughly. The boy was very mischievous. During his hunting he killed many asuras. But making free use of his bow and arrows he also gave endless trouble to the Devas and Rishis. Unable to bear his mischief they first approached Brahma who expressed his helplessness as the boy was the son of Shiva. Then they besought the help of Shiva Himself who however dismissed them by saying that he is being a boy would be naturally naughty and he would be all right when he grew up. As a last resort they approached Mahavishnu who took the form of an old hunter and went to the boy. Vishnu displayed before the boy a golden "churika", (dagger-cum-sword) which was so beautiful that it attracted the boy who begged him to give it as a present to him. Vishnu agreed provided he would behave in a responsible manner by giving up his bow and started protecting the people instead of harming them. The boy accepted the condition and with the 'churika' took leave of his parents from Kailasa and went to the land of Parasurama, Kerala. He crossed several mountains and forests and rivers and reached North Kerala where he first entered the Balussery Fort. Hence the importance of the Balussery temple dedicated to Vettakkorumakan though the Lord later visited other places where He was revered and worshipped. Thus, Lord Vettakorumakan reached Nilambur, befriended the King and promised to remain there to protect the people from all evil forces and fates.
Location
Nilambur
Main Deity
Lord Vettakorumakan
Other Deities
Lord Ganesha, Goddess Bhagavati and Nagas.
Festivals
Pattu Uthsavam: This is a 6-day festival is held annually in the Malayalam month of Dhanu (January).
Main Offerings
Coconuts, Panakam, Thamboolam.
How To Reach
By Air: Calicut International Airport is 44.3 KM from the Temple.
By Rail: Nilambur Road Railway Station is located 4.3 KM from the Temple.
By Road: Nilambur KSRTC Sub depot is located at 1.8 KM from the Temple.