Sweet Memories: June 2013

Sunday 16th June 2013 4:00 AM, sky was clear there were no sign of rain, I kicked off my Blackbird, destination was Kottiyoor the famous temple nestled under the thick forest. I had to pick my friend Ravi from his home because his Hunk was lend to Prajwal and Karthik and they planned to join us at Cherkala at 5:oo AM.

One the way In N.H 66

As soon as we cross Cheruvathur rain begin and after crossing Payyannur it gone worst and visibility was zero we were forced to switch our position lamp to High beam. Around 7:00 A.M reached Taliparamba, from here one has to take diversion from NH66 to to SH36 (Iritty - Thaliparamba Road).

Checked for the Hotel to take breakfast but no one was opened at last found a small Tea shop in front of Hospital and order a cup of Tea which was just enough to keep warm from the rain, Ravi planned to eat Pazhampuri (Banana fry) but Karthik told it was not fresh it was definitely yesterdays so dropped it.

Akkare Kshetram

Around 7:15 headed towards Kottiyoor via Srikandapuram, Iritty, at Iritty find one decent hotel and stopped for breakfast. After taking fresh Appam and yesterdays samosa (No doubt Karthik told it was yesterdays) headed toward Kottiyoor. Winding road goes between rubber plantation and forest was superb, it was really joy to ride winding road on rain season.

At 10:00 AM reached Kottiyoor and succeeded to found a parking area, it was full of mud and slush. After changing the dress - yes to enter the temple premises one has to wear Dhoti and cover the chest with Torth (Bath towel), begin explore the Kottiyoor.

Kottiyoor Mahadeva Kshetram located in Kannur district border to Wayanad, it was also called as Dhakshina Kashi, temple is located in the bank of River Bavali which comes flowing form the thick forest of Wayanad. on river side there was temporary shops built to take care of our bags and belongings.

River Bavali

After crossing the river a small lake called 'Thiruvanchira' was there at temple has located in middle of it, and it was open during the time of Vaishaka Festival only after that entry was restricted.

Sahya mountain valley gives good back ground to the bridge

Temple

Ravi...

Priest giving Theerham (Holy water) to the devotees

Mythology

Sati, daughter of Daksha had married Shiva against the wishes of her father. Daksha performed a great yaga with sole aim of insluting the lord Shiva, he invited all gods and godesses except his son in law Shiva, against Shivas's wish Sati attended Yaga and insulted by her father and Immolated herself in the Yaga fire.

Temporary sheds are demolished after the festival

Due to this Shiva was anger and opened his third eye. Then appeared Veerabhadra with 1000 arms with weapons he destroyed Daksha's sacrifice and cut off his head.

Since the Yaga was stopped. Gods feared that many difficulties may arise due to incomplete Yaga so they went Kailas along with Brahma and Vishunu to convince Lord Shiva, then Shiva reached yaga place and restored the same.

Chakyar Kuthambalam

Daksha's head was destroyed in the Yaga fire and was replaced by a goats head, and he pleaded to Shiva for his arrogance and was given Moksha.

Passage connects temple to River Bavali

After the Yaga, every one went back and Lord Shiva took the form of Swayambhu Linga next to where Sati devi immolated in the yaga fire. Since Thrimoories are met together this place it was also known as Koodiyoor (Koodi in Malayalam meet or join) and this becaome Kottiyoor.

Temple Sorroundings

Deep Discussion on river bank...

The Bridge

Taking Bath on River

After visiting this place visited Ikkare Kshetram locate opposite side of the River and started our return journey.

Auda Flowers

These Auda flowers are made by Bamboo and it was made only in this festive season, devotees buy these flowers and hang at their home for years.

Streets of Kottiyoor

Toy shops

Ikkare Temple

Kids.....

Rain rain every where...

Around 12:00 PM started our return journey and near had lunch near Iritty. After crossing Irrity

there was a sign board showing Pazhassi Dam, road was badly maintained but short distance does not irritates.

Hats off.........

Valapattanam River

We visited Pazhassi Dam, one can take their vehicle through dam and no permission required to entered the premises. It was build by former PM Mr. Moraji Desai in 1979 for Irrigation purpose as well as drinking water of Kannur.