Information of Rajarajeshwara Temple, Taliparamba, Kannur, Kerala

This temple of Rajarajeshwara is located at Taliparamba which is in the Kannur district of Kerala, in south India. This temple is dedicated to lord Shiva and is known to be one of the 108 holy temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple holds a place of high reverence amongst the other Shiva temples of Kerala. The Rajarajeshwara temple is a temple that other temples in Kerala turn to so that the problems or obstacles faced by them can be removed. This is done through a process called prasana, which is an astrological decision making tradition practiced by the temples. This temple dates back to the 11th century and is believed to have been repaired by the sage Parasurama in the years before the Kali Yuga started. This temple was also further renovated by the Mushika dynasty kings several centuries ago.

Rajarajeshwara Temple Religious Significance

This temple is another one of those temples in Kerala where non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the temple. Since this temple is one of the main temples of Shiva it is held in high reverence. This place is considered highly sanctified and blessed and therefore the traditions of Koodiyattam and Chakyar are held here. Whenever a new Koodiyattam is being directed, it is first performed here and then only in the other temples.

Men are allowed to enter the shrine here the principal diet is kept however women folk are allowed to enter only after 8 pm. It is also believed that when pregnant women visit this temple along with two other in Taliparamba, the deity of Lord Shiva at this temple assures the child has a high status while two other prominent temples blesses it with a long life and good mind as well as nature.

This temple in addition to all the daily poojas, rituals and yearly/ monthly festival celebrations also has traditional ways of entering it. The devotee first worships an idol of Krishna and then proceeds to Sree Rajarajeshwara temple to worship Sree Bhoothanatha and then the main deity. It is well organized making the praying system much more convenient for the devotees.

Rajarajeshwara Temple Mythology & History

This temple is considered to be one of the ancient "Shakti Peethams" or the place where a part of Parvati fell after Shiva's tandavam followed by herself immolation. It is said that the lingam here is more than thousands of years old and was given to the Sage Maandhata by Shiva himself. It is said that this lingam is one of the three lingams originally given to Parvati by Lord Shiva to worship. The lingam was too installed by the sage at a place which had no cremation grounds and therefore Taliparamaba was found to be it.

After the death of the sage the lingam is said to have disappeared into the earth, then his son to offered prayers to the lord and was rewarded by another lingam which too disappeared into the earth on his death. The third one is said to be given to a King of Mushaka named Satasoman who installed it in the present temple that we see. It is also believed that the Lord Rama came here to offer his reverence and worship Lord Shiva after his victory in Lanka and due to this people are still not allowed to enter the 'namaskara mandapam'.

Rajarajeshwara Temple Architectural Significance

This temple is an ancient one and is said to be renovated by the sage Parasurama and the King of the Mushika dynasty. The temple is also believed to have had two seven storied gopurams that were from an ancient era but was destroyed by Tipu Sultan. The temple is well carved and sculpted walls and pillars. The sanctum is quadrangular in shape and has a two tiered pyramidal roof. The namsakara mandapam is located just in front of the sanctum sanctorum. One peculiar feature about the temple is that it has no flagstaff like those in other temples of Kerala. One can relish the true architectural beauty and the sanctity of the temple seeking the blessing of the almighty for happy and prosperous life.