Taliparamba Sree Rajarajeswara Temple is located at Taliparamba
near Kannur in Kerala and the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The highly
powerful Shivling in the temple was installed by Sage Parashurama as per some beliefs. A unique
aspect of the shrine is that women enter the shrine only after 8 PM. The Shivling
worshipped in the temple has the presence of both Shiva and Bhagavan Vishnu. Astrologers of Kerala consider the temple as abode of Vyazham or Brihaspati Navagraha.
People refer to the deity worshipped in the shrine as
Perumthrikkovil Appan, Perum-chelloorappan and Thampuran Perumthrikkovil Appan.
The shrine is one of the 108 Shiva temples in Kerala.
The Shivling in the temple is so huge that puja is performed by standing.
Taliparamba Sree Rajarajeswara Temple Facts
- This is the biggest temple in Malabar region of Kerala
- It is believed that the Shivling worshipped in the temple originally belonged to Shatasomarajarishi and it was installed in the temple by Sage Agastya.
- The Thrikkovil of the temple was constructed by Shatasoma who was the son of Chandraketan, who belonged to Mushika dynasty. This is mentioned in the Mooshika Vamsam a mahakavya of Atulan.
- It is also believed that the temple was the Tali Kshetram of Perinjaloor village (one of the 64 Brahmin villages in ancient Kerala). Some therefore think that Shatasoma might have renovated the temple.
- There is controversy regarding as to who is worshipped as Sri Rajarajeshwara. Some people believe it is Sadashiva. Some people believe it is Vyazham (Brihaspati or Guru Navagraha).
- For astrologers in Kerala consider the murti as Brihaspati or Vyazham.
- The murti of the nearby Trichambaram temple arrives at Taliparamba Sree Rajarajeswara temple on Vishu and Shivratri. During this period, the murti is worshipped in the form of Shankaranarayana.
- Oil is not allowed inside the temple. Lamps are lit using ghee inside chuttambalam.
- Brahmin women do not enter the temple for worship.
- Muslims are allowed entry into the temple when there is any accident in the temple.
Worship of Shiva is Very Much Different
- Bilva leaf or Koovalam is not offered here.
- Tulsi leaf is used for puja here (a very rare offering).
- Rudrabhishekam is not performed here.
- Instead of Monday, Wednesday is the most important day here.
- Pradosham holds no special significance here.
- There is no dhaara the constant pouring of water on Shivling.
- There is no Dwajasthambam
- There is no annual festival.
- The deity is never taken out of the main temple.
- Navaka puja is performed daily here.
- The door to the shrine of Sage Parasurama on the northern side of sanctum sanctorum is never opened.
The temple, which is spread over six acres of land, is note
for two gopurams on the eastern and western sides. The shrine is also a typical
example of architectural style of Kerala.
Goddess Parvati Shrine is Never Opened - Entry to Women only after 8 PM
The shrine of Goddess Parvati is located on the western side
of the sanctum sanctorum and it is never opened.
An unusual custom followed in the temple is that women enter
the main temple complex only after 8 pm – Attazha Puja. This is because at this
time, Lord Siva is with his wife Parvati and therefore the couple will fulfill the
wishes of women.
The subsidiary deities worshipped in the temple are
- Sri Krishna
- Sree Bhoothanatha
- Yakshi
- Rishabha
The temple is located around 15 km from Pazhayangadi the
nearest railway station. Kannur is around 22 km away from the temple.
Address
Sree Rajarajeswara Temple
Taliparamba - 670141
Kannur
Kerala
Phone – 0460 203457