The Vaishaka Mahotsavam, a 28-day festival held in the heart of a dense forest by the roaring River Bavali, offers an unparalleled experience unique to Kerala
June 8, 2025-July 4, 2025 -
Vaishaka Mahotsavam Kottiyoor Temple Kannur, Kannur
Hosted by the Kottiyoor temples—Akkare Kottiyoor and Ikkare
Kottiyoor—situated on the banks of the mighty River Bavali, in
Kannur district, this festival is among the most cherished in Northern
Kerala. The Akkare Kottiyoor Temple, the primary venue, opens only
during the festival days annually, from the Chothi asterism of the
Malayalam month of Edavam to the Chithira asterism of the Malayalam
month of Midhunam, typically falling between May and June.
Devotees
worship a swayambhoo lingam (self-created idol of Lord Shiva) placed on
a platform made of river stones, known as manithara. The rituals begin
with Neyyattam (pouring of ghee), initiated by bringing a sword from
Muthirerikavu in Wayanad. A captivating ritual is the Rohini Aaradhana,
where the priest embraces the swayambhoo Shiva linga. Another
significant ritual is the Elaneer Vayppu, where devotees offer tender
coconuts before the swayambhoo lingam. The festival concludes with
Elaneerattam, where the head priest pours the collected tender coconut
water over the idol.
The Kottiyoor festival is deeply rooted in
mythology and cultural traditions. According to legend, the temple is
situated where the ancient Daksha Yaga took place. Sati, consort of
Shiva, immolated herself in the yagna fire, and enraged by her death,
Shiva created Veerabhadra who destroyed the yagna and killed Daksha.
Later, the Gods, including Brahma and Vishnu, pacified Shiva, leading to
the restoration of the yagna and the granting of moksha to Daksha, who
was resurrected with a goat's head.
Vaishaka Mahotsavam - Day 1
00:00 - 23:59
Vaishaka Mahotsavam - Day 2
00:00 - 23:59
Vaishaka Mahotsavam - Day 3
00:00 - 23:59
Vaishaka Mahotsavam - Day 4
00:00 - 23:59
Vaishaka Mahotsavam - Day 5
00:00 - 23:59
Vaishaka Mahotsavam - Day 6
00:00 - 23:59
Vaishaka Mahotsavam - Day 7
00:00 - 23:59
Vaishaka Mahotsavam - Day 8
00:00 - 23:59
Vaishaka Mahotsavam - Day 9
00:00 - 23:59
Vaishaka Mahotsavam - Day 10
00:00 - 23:59
Vaishaka Mahotsavam - Day 11
00:00 - 23:59
Vaishaka Mahotsavam - Day 12
00:00 - 23:59
Vaishaka Mahotsavam - Day 13
00:00 - 23:59
Vaishaka Mahotsavam - Day 14
00:00 - 23:59
Vaishaka Mahotsavam - Day 15
00:00 - 23:59
Vaishaka Mahotsavam - Day 16
00:00 - 23:59
Vaishaka Mahotsavam - Day 18
00:00 - 23:59
Vaishaka Mahotsavam - Day 19
00:00 - 23:59
Vaishaka Mahotsavam - Day 20
00:00 - 23:59
Vaishaka Mahotsavam - Day 21
00:00 - 23:59
Vaishaka Mahotsavam - Day 22
00:00 - 23:59
Vaishaka Mahotsavam - Day 23
00:00 - 23:59
Vaishaka Mahotsavam - Day 24
00:00 - 23:59
Vaishaka Mahotsavam - Day 25
00:00 - 23:59
Vaishaka Mahotsavam - Day 26
00:00 - 23:59
Vaishaka Mahotsavam - Day 27
00:00 - 23:59
Vaishaka Mahotsavam - Day 28
00:00 - 23:59
