About Shree Rajarajeshwara temple
The Shiva temple, known as Rajarajeshwara, is located in Kerala’s Kannur district, near Taliparamba. The temple is one of the 108 ancient Shiva temples that still exist in Kerala. Furthermore, it is prominent among the numerous Shiva temples in South India. It had the tallest shikhara among the temples of the time.
The weight of the top of the Rajarajeshwara temple is approximately 90 tons. Devotees in this temple use the traditional astrological decision-making process known as prashnam to resolve any issues that have arisen in other South Indian temples. The Pratunam is performed on a peedha (a raised platform) outside the temple.
History
The Rajarajeshwara Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Taliparamba, Kerala, India. It is one of Kerala’s 108 ancient Shiva temples, as well as one of the 64 Shakti Peethams, or sacred sites, where the body parts of Sati, Shiva’s consort, are said to have fallen.
The temple’s history is unknown, but it is thought to have been built over 2,000 years ago. The temple was built by the sage Parasurama, who is said to have reclaimed Kerala from the sea. Parasurama is said to have installed a Shiva lingam in the temple, which is thought to be the same lingam that is worshipped today.
For centuries, the temple has been under the patronage of the Zamorins of Kozhikode. The Zamorins were devout followers of Lord Shiva and generous donors to the temple. The Zamorins constructed the temple’s seven-story gopuram (gateway tower) in the 16th century.
The temple is an outstanding example of Kerala-Dravidian architecture. The gopuram is Kerala’s tallest structure, covered in intricate carvings and sculptures. A large rectangular courtyard, several smaller shrines, and a sacred tank are also part of the temple complex.
The temple is well-known for its annual Arattu festival, which takes place in February. The festival lasts ten days and includes a number of rituals and ceremonies. The festival’s main attraction is the procession of the Shiva lingam to the nearby Taliparamba River for a ritual bath.
The Rajarajeshwara Temple is a sacred and revered place for Hindus from all over Kerala. It is a symbol of the rich cultural and religious heritage of Kerala.