About Sundareswara Temple
Opening Hours: Monday - Sunday: 05:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 05:00 PM - 08:15 PM
Prime Day & Hours: Monday; morning
Suggested Duration: 2 hours
Tickets: Free Entry
Nearest Railway Station: Kannur Railway Station, about 2 km away
Nearest Airport: Calicut International Airport, about 116.4 km away
Nearest Bus Stop: Koyili AKG Bus Stop, about 600 meters away
Located in the village of Talap in the Kannur district, Sundareswara Temple in Kannur is a sacred Hindu temple dedicated to lord Shiva. It was made by the Thiyyars of Kannur in 1916 and was consecrated by Sree Narayana Guru. This temple is not only known as a place for worship but also a symbol of Kerala’s spiritual movements, making it one of the best places to visit in Kerala. The temple offers a peaceful environment with its minimalist design, red-tiled roofs, and sanctum made in Kerala style, which welcomes everyone in this temple, regardless of caste or creed.
Sree Sunderaswara Temple truly comes alive during its ten-day Arattu Mahotsavam. The whole place is filled with energy, there are vibrant processions, the beat of traditional drums, and rituals attracting people. This is the time when devotees feel the presence of their deity.
For people who are exploring Kerala's heritage, the Sundareswara temple offers an enriching experience. It mixes tradition with legacy, and is an unmissable spot that helps grow spiritually and feel the inner presence of oneself.
Sundareswara Temple Highlights
• Visit Sundareswara Temple, Kannur, for its deep spiritual environment and historical ties with Kerala’s social reform movements.
• Attend the famous Arattu Mahotsavam, which is a 10-day cultural festival with rituals, music, and vibrant processions.
• Observe Kerala-style architecture with red-tiled roofs, whitewashed walls, and a peaceful courtyard.
• Learn about Sree Narayana Guru, the visionary who initiated this temple as a part of his social reform mission.
How To Reach Sundareswara Temple
By road:
- By car/taxi - The Sunderaswara is about 1.8 KM away from Kannur city center, you can reach there in around 5 minutes via Tulichery Rd. Visitors can also take a taxi from the city centre to the Sunderaswara Temple.
Best Time To Visit Sundareswara Temple
Peak Season (October to February)
- Weather Insights: Pleasant and cool with lower humidity, ideal for temple visits and evening rituals.
- Things to Do: Attend daily poojas, explore the temple’s architecture, or plan during Arattu Mahotsavam for full cultural immersion.
Moderate Season (June to September)
- Weather Insights: Monsoon showers bless the region, making the surroundings fresh but occasionally limiting mobility.
- Things to Do: Visit during off-peak hours to enjoy the quiet ambience, meditate in the temple courtyard, and explore indoor rituals.
Low Season (March to May)
- Weather Insights: Hot and humid with daytime temperatures above 35°C.
- Things to Do: Opt for early morning visits to avoid heat, combine temple visits with coastal drives nearby, and attend special summer rituals.
Sundareswara Temple Other Essential Information
Know Before You Go
- Dress respectfully, as this place holds religious and spiritual importance.
- Check the temple timings before visiting so that you do not witness closed gates.
- Keep an eye on Arattu Mahotsavam dates in advance to witness the cultural events.
- Make sure to take permission from the authorities before clicking pictures, as taking photos might be prohibited.
Attend the Arattu Mahotsavam festival
Get a chance to attend the Arattu festival held annually in March-April. This is a 10-day celebration that is celebrated with colourful processions, cultural music, and rituals at night, turning the temple into a cultural hub. Devotees walk barefoot with offerings and indulge in local art forms like theyyam and thira. With this festival, the symbolic bathing of the deity in the sea is also marked.
Explore the legacy of Sree Narayana Guru
Visitors can learn about the temple’s foundation story, tied to Sree Narayana Guru. He was one to break all the caste barriers and open this temple to all. You can still find his teachings being chanted in the temple’s practices. It is a great place to reflect on Kerala’s religious and social evolution.
Watch a traditional pooja during twilight
Witness the temple’s evening artis, which are beautifully done with oil lamps, flowers, lighting diyas, and rhythmic chants. The soft lighting and the temple bells set a soulful mood. You can stay in the temple after sunset to experience how it glows in warm lamplights.
Tourism Board Alliances
Sundareswara Temple FAQs
Why is the Sundareswara Temple considered important in Kannur?
The Sundareswara Temple is an important religious place for its spiritual energy and reformist roots. This was founded by Sree Narayana Guru in 1916 and represents Kerala’s traditional values and culture. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and attracts devotees who are seeking mental peace, healing prayers, and attend the annual Arattu Mahotsavam, which is widely celebrated.
When is the Arattu Mahotsavam festival held at the temple?
The Arattu Mahotsavam is the temple’s biggest annual celebration held during the Malayalam months of Meenam (March-April). This festival lasts ten days and ends with the ceremonial bath of the idol of Lord Shiva. During this festival, the temple is filled with energy and includes poojas, music, processions, and traditional performances.
Are non-Hindus allowed inside the Sundareswara Temple?
Yes, the Sunderaswara Temple is open to all and is known for its discrimination-free environment. It was founded by a social reformer who believed in equality. This temple welcomes all visitors irrespective of their religion or caste.
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