Sreekanteswara Temple

Tazhekkad, Dist. Kozhikode.

Sreekanteswara Temple is a famous Shiva temple located in the heart of Kozhikode city. The great social reformer Sree Narayana Guru consecrated the temple in 1910. It is located near the Kozhikode Mofussil Bus Stand and EMS Corporation Stadium and is an important Shiva temple with historical significance.

At the beginning of the 20th century, leaders of the backward communities in Kozhikode approached Sree Narayana Guru with a wish to have a temple for worship. Following Guru’s advice, land was purchased and in May 1910 (Malayalam month of Edavam), he consecrated a Shiva Lingam here. Guru himself gave the deity the name ‘Sreekanteswara’. At a time when people from communities then considered lower castes were not allowed to enter many major temples, Guru opened Sreekanteswara Temple to everyone, regardless of caste or religion. The special tantric ritual of Shadadhara Prathishta was performed here under the guidance of Chaitanya Swami, one of Guru’s main disciples.

The place where Sreekanteswara Temple stands is said to have once been a muddy and marshy field. A Prasna Chintha conducted before the construction of the temple is believed to have revealed that a large Shiva temple named ‘Nalleeswaram Temple’ stood here centuries ago and was later destroyed, possibly due to age or wars. There is also a legend that a Yogeeswara once meditated in this area. It is believed that when Sree Narayana Guru came here to find a suitable place for the temple, he recognised the sacred presence beneath the marshland through his divine vision and chose this site. Therefore, Sreekanteswara Temple is not only a place of worship but also an important symbol of the anti-caste movement and social reform in Kerala.

The entrance to Sreekanteswara Temple has a beautiful set of steps with a traditional-style gopuram above it. After entering through the main gateway, there is a large Aanapandal with a tall flagstaff shining in a golden colour at its centre. A large temple pond is located beside the temple. In the middle of the pond is a mandapam surrounded by water, built in the style of the Palani Temple. The temple also has a spacious lawn and a natural setting around it. The Nalambalam consists of a covered passage and large walls surrounding the Sreekovil.

The Sreekovil of the temple is built in the traditional Kerala architectural style using laterite stones. It has a sloping roof covered with red tiles. Beautiful wooden carvings can be seen on the outer walls and pillars, including carvings depicting the stories of Lord Vishnu’s Dashavatara. In front of the Sreekovil is a square-shaped wooden Namaskara Mandapam, with a stone idol of Nandi facing the Sreekovil at its centre. The main deity of the temple is a Shiva Lingam made of black stone, which was brought in a procession from Kallingal Temple. The temple follows the Tantric Shadadhara Prathishta method, representing the six chakras of the human body. The presence of Swayamvara Parvati Devi is also believed to be associated with the Shiva Lingam.

In addition to the main Shiva deity, the temple has separate shrines for various other deities. Sree Ganapathi is enshrined in the south-western part of the Nalambalam, where devotees offer prayers first to remove obstacles. There are also separate shrines for Mahavishnu and Bhagavathi (Parvati) Devi inside the Nalambalam. Outside the Nalambalam, Sree Subrahmanya is enshrined in a shrine built in the style of the Palani Temple, with a beautiful stone idol of his peacock vehicle in front. Sree Dharmasastha also has a shrine outside the Nalambalam, which is especially important for Sabarimala pilgrims. The Navagrahas are installed on one side of the temple courtyard for relief from astrological difficulties. The presence of the temple founder, Sree Narayana Guru, is also specially worshipped within the temple complex.

The main festival at the temple is celebrated in connection with Maha Shivaratri. The festival begins with the hoisting of the temple flag a few days before Shivaratri, under the guidance of the Tantri and Melshanthi. Special tantric rituals, Sree Bhootha Bali and Pallivetta are held during the festival, while the temple courtyard is decorated with traditional lamps at night. Various cultural programmes, including Carnatic music concerts, classical dance performances, light music competitions and bhajans, are also held. On Maha Shivaratri, devotees can have continuous darshan from early morning until late at night. Lakshadeepam, in which clay lamps are lit around the temple in the evening, is a major attraction. Devotees observe the Shivaratri fast, recite the Shiva Purana and chant ‘Namah Shivaya’ while keeping vigil through the night. Pradosha Vratam, Mondays and Thiruvathira in the month of Dhanu are also observed with special rituals. During the Mandala season, from Vrischikam 1 to Dhanu 11, special importance is given to Dharmasastha, with Vilakku Pooja and bhajans, attracting Sabarimala pilgrims. Special prayers and remembrance ceremonies are also held on the birth anniversary (Chathayam) and Samadhi day of Sree Narayana Guru.

The main offerings at the temple include Shodashabhishekam, Mrityunjaya Mantra Pushpanjali, Dhara, Vilva Patra Archana and Vella Nivedyam. Shodashabhishekam is performed for good health, healing and long life, while Mrityunjaya Mantra Pushpanjali is offered for relief from illness and difficulties. Vilva Patra Archana using koovalam leaves, which are considered dear to Lord Shiva and Dhara are also regularly performed. Parvathy Parameswara Pooja, Swayamvara Mantra Pushpanjali and Umesanu Pooja are offered for marriage and family harmony. Udayasthamana Pooja is performed for prosperity and the fulfilment of wishes, while Maha Ganapathi Homam is conducted on the 1st and 15th of every Malayalam month to remove obstacles. Navagraha Pooja is also an important offering for relief from astrological difficulties. During the Sabarimala pilgrimage season, Sreekanteswara Temple is also one of the main centres in Kozhikode for preparing the Irumudi Kettu.

The temple is open every day from 05:00 AM to 12:15 PM and from 05:00 PM to 08:00 PM. Nirmalya Darshan takes place when the temple opens in the morning. This is followed by Dhara, other abhishekam rituals and Malar Nivedyam before Usha Pooja, which is performed around sunrise. Ucha Pooja with special offerings is conducted between around 11:30 AM and 12:00 PM, before the temple closes for the afternoon. Deepaaradhana is held at around 06:30 PM in the evening, with special importance given to the Monday evening Deepaaradhana. Athazha Pooja is performed before the temple closes at night. On major festival days such as Maha Shivaratri, the closing time may vary according to the rituals.

Key highlight :-

• The temple is within walking distance of Kozhikode Mofussil Bus Stand.
• Located 12 km from Feroke and 10 km from Beypore.
• The nearest railway station is Kozhikode Railway Station, about 2 km away.
• KSRTC and local bus facilities are available to the temple.
• Private vehicles can be parked in the temple’s parking area.
• Accommodation and food facilities are available near the temple.
• Contact number +91 4952722681.