History:

is a Hindu temple situated in Thalikunnu, Kozhikode district of Kerala, India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is one of the oldest Shiva temples in Kerala, believed to have been established in the 8th century CE by the sage, Vasishta Muni. The temple is believed to be the birthplace of the famous Malayalam poet Thunchaththu Ramanujan Ezhuthachan. The temple is also noted for its mural paintings and stone carvings. The festival of Shivarathri is celebrated here with great devotion and excitement. It is one of the best temple in Kerala which you must visit.

Facts:

1. The Thalikkunu Shiva Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located in Thalikkunu, a village in Thrissur district of Kerala, India. 2. The presiding deity of this temple is Lord Shiva, who is also known as Thalikkunu Mahadeva. 3. It is believed that the temple was built around 500 years ago by the great sage Parasurama. 4. Legend has it that Parasurama, the legendary creator of Kerala, established this temple to appease the Lord Shiva and to regain his family’s honour, which he had lost due to the curse of sage Durvasa. 5. Thalikkunu Mahadeva temple is a major religious centre where thousands of devotees visit and offer prayers every year. 6. The temple is built in the traditional Kerala architecture and has two sanctums, one dedicated to Lord Shiva and the other to Goddess Parvathi. 7. The temple hosts many festivals annually, including Mahasivaratri, Vishu, Onam, Navaratri, Thiruvathira and various other rituals related to Lord Shiva. 8. The temple also consists of a sacred tank/pond known as Thalikkunu Theertham, located at the eastern side of the temple. It is believed that bathing in this holy lake will bring immense peace and prosperity in life. Here are some facts about the Kerala temple.These facts will help you understand why it is oldest temple list of the best temples in Kerala

Worship Method:

The Thalikkunu Shiva Temple in Kerala is one of the most venerated temples for Hindu worshipers. The temple is visited by devotees from far and wide and worships are performed as per the customary Kerala rituals. Kerala worship of Hindu deities, focusses mainly on the puja rituals accompanied by the chanting of mantras and the offering of offerings (such as fruits, flowers, incense etc). The aim of most pujas is to invoke the divine grace of Lord Shiva and seek blessings from him. Prayers made before the Lord Shiva have a special significance in the Thalikkunu Shiva Temple and are usually made with the offering of a coconut or ripe banana offered with the right hand. Devotees also perform the ritual of 'Abhishekam' or pouring water on the Shiva Lingam. The water represents Shiva's divine blessings which purify and heal the soul. Apart from this, devotees also perform 'Shodashopachara' or 16 offerings which include flowers, sandalwood paste, perfumes and various other items. Devotees also perform 'arthi' or waving an oil lamp around the Shiv lingam and offering flowers, fruits and coins. The traditional 'Sheethal' or Shiva Pooja is also performed at the Thalikkunu Shiva Temple by offering items such as fruits, coconuts, flowers and rice. In the evening 'deeparadhana'- a special offering to Shiva is conducted with 'deepam' or lighted lamps being waved around the deity and songs of worship being sung. This ritual signifies the end of the pooja and the devotee bows with gratitude to the Lord. The Thalikkunu Shiva Temple also has a unique custom for the Devi, called 'Kanyadaanam'. In this ritual, unmarried women offer their obeisance and prayers to the Devi, seeking her blessings. The other unique feature here is the 'Manataams' or processions of Lord Shiva in their decorated forms. a procession of the Lord is taken out and all the devotees join along and chant the glory of Shiva. The procession culminates at the river nearby, where the Lord is put inside the water and allowed to float. This procession brings out the devotion of all the devotees present towards Lord Shiva. This most visited temple in Kerala

Opening Timing:

The Thalikkunu Shiva Temple usually opens from 4 AM to 11 AM and from 5 PM to 8 PM. top temples in Kerala

How to reach:

Thalikkunu Shiva Temple is located in Kozhikode district of Kerala. The easiest way to reach the temple is by bus. Thalikkunu is situated 8 kms away from Koyilandy, a major town of the district. Regular buses ply from Koyilandy to Thalikkunu making it convenient for travelers. Another way to reach Thalikkunu Shiva Temple is by hiring a cab or taxi. There are plenty of taxis available from Koyilandy to reach the temple. famous temples in Kerala