Sundareswara Temple, Kannur Overview

A very popular and frequently visited temple of the south, the Sundareswara Temple in Kannur is essentially a place like heaven for all the Lord Shiva devotees. Here, Lord Shiva is worshipped and adulated as Lord Sundareswara, the 'God of Beauty'. Naming the temple Sundareswara was an attempt to remind every visitor that 'Everyone is beautiful' and that one should look for the beauty in everything. Famed as one of the largest temples in the Kannur district, this majestic temple was built in 1916, and its grandiose and splendor cannot be expressed in mere words. The interiors of this opulent temple are designed and decorated by the renowned artist and ardent Shiva devotee, Sri Chaithanyaall Swami.

Sree Narayana Guru, probably the most respected and esteemed social reformer of Kerala, who dedicated his entire life to help and uplift the deprived, came up with the initiative to build this temple and laid down the foundation brick himself. The idea behind it was to bring a social reform, where people from backward classes were no longer barred from entering places of worship. Building the Sundareswara Temple also aimed at putting an end to inappropriate methods of worship like practicing ruthless animal sacrifice and following irrational superstitions.

Annual Festival at Sundareswara Temple

The Sundareswara Temple organises an eight-day annual festival between April and May each year, and it stands to be one of the most celebrated festivals in the south. The dates of this festival follow the Malayalam calendar and start from 'Pooyam Nakshatram' during the 'Meenam' month.

The celebration of this festival is quite a pompous affair in Kannur with twinkling lights, creative decorations and cultural programs delighting the audience. On the last day of the festival, the ritual of 'Arattu' is held, i.e. the Holy Bath. This ritual is held at the Payyambalam Beach where devotees worship the lord and take a bath in the waters of the beach. After this, a celebratory procession is carried out with elephant rides and fireworks, and this marks the end of the festival.

How To Reach Sundareswara Temple

Located only 3 kms from the city center, the Sundareswara Temple in Kannur is very popular among the locals and very easily accessible by public and private transport. The Cannanore Bus Stand is only 1.3 kms away from the temple in the same lane. KSRTC has many buses going around the city, and most buses stop at the bus stand. From here, you can either walk or hail a cab or an auto to the temple.