Kannur Sundareswara temple is located at Kannur in Kerala. The temple is dedicated to Shiva or Mahadeva. The temple was consecrated by saint philosopher and social reformer, Sree Narayana Guru in 1916. The annual festival in the temple is held in Malayalam Meena Masam.
Kannur Sundareswara Temple History
The temple consecrated by Sree Narayana Guru Devan at a muhurtham between 3 AM and 3:20 AM on 11th April 1916, during the ascendancy of Pooyam (Pushya) star. Subsequently, Guru Devan's statue was consecrated in 1938 along with the Dwajasthambam (flag pole) and Deepasthambham (lamp post). The consecration of the Balikkappura (bali platform) was done in 1939, the Gaja Mandapam (elephant hall) in 1943 and the temple pond in 1946.
This is a traditional Kerala style temple with a chathura sreekovil, chuttambalam, namaskara mandapam, pond and shrines of upa devatas. There is a huge peepal tree in the temple premises. The upa devatas worshipped in the temple are Ganesha, Ayyappa, Kali, and Nagas.
The annual festival in the temple begins with kodiyettam and concludes with the arattu ceremony. The annual festival is noted for ezhunnallathu, pallivetta, caparisoned elephants, and colorful processions. The arattu is performed at the Payyambalam Beach. Elephant procession is undertaken on all seven days of the festival.
Elaneer veppu is another important puja and festival in the temple. The shrine also organizes the Karkidaka Vavu Bali tarpanam ritual.