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Uma Maheshwara Temple

The Sree Kunnin Mathilakam Mahadeva Temple, located in Cheruthazham, Kannur, Kerala, was originally known as the Sree Kunnin Mathilakam Shiva Temple. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, revered as 'Sree Kunninmathilakathappan'. Devotees worship Lord Kunninmathilakathappan as Lord Dakshinamoorthy in the morning, Lord Kirathamoorthy at noon, and Lord Umamaheshwara in the evening.

Timings

6:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Entry Fee

Free of charge

In Treta Yuga, Lord Anjaneya, the devoted envoy of Lord Sri Rama, was tasked with installing the deity of Lord Mahadeva in Rameswaram. On his journey, he placed one part of the deity in Cheruthazham, Kerala, before proceeding to Rameswaram, where he arrived late. As a result, Lord Sri Rama installed a clay deity of Lord Mahadeva in Dhanushkodi with the remaining life force. Due to its sacred significance and blessings, this land became revered by gods and saints.


In Kali Yuga, six Brahmin families constructed the main sanctum of Lord Mahadeva in Cheruthazham, where the deity is worshipped in three forms: Lord Dakshina Murthi in the morning, Lord Kiratha Murthi at noon, and Lord Uma Maheswar in the evening. Over time, neglect and foreign invasions led to significant damage to the temple. In the 1980s, temple trustees and local devotees initiated restoration efforts.


In 2011, an astrological assessment at the temple from March 7 to March 13 revealed necessary remedial actions. Subsequently, a well-organised committee was formed to restore the temple's ancient grandeur. Renovation efforts focused on the main sanctum, the Namaskara Mandapam, the four-sided building around the sanctum (nalambalam), the temples dedicated to Lord Vigneshwara and Lord Subrahmanya, and the Saraswathi Mandapa.

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Respect Dress Code: Wear modest attire covering shoulders and knees, as per temple guidelines.
  2. Observe Silence: Maintain a quiet demeanour inside the temple premises to respect others' devotion.
  3. Follow Rituals: Participate respectfully in rituals and ceremonies conducted by temple priests.
  4. Respect Photography Rules: Adhere to rules regarding photography and videography inside the temple.
  5. Dispose of Trash Properly: Use designated bins for disposing of waste and avoid littering the premises.
  6. Respect Queue System: Wait patiently in queues for darshan (viewing of the deity) without causing disturbance.
  1. No Footwear Inside: Remove footwear before entering the temple sanctum and other designated areas.
  2. No Smoking or Alcohol: Avoid smoking, consuming alcohol, or any form of intoxication inside the temple premises.
  3. No Mobile Phones: Keep mobile phones on silent mode and refrain from using them in areas of worship.
  4. No Physical Contact with Deity: Refrain from touching idols or sacred objects without permission from temple authorities.
  5. No Disrespectful Behaviour: Avoid loud conversations, arguments, or any behaviour that may disturb others' worship.
  6. No Entry During Menstruation: Women in menstruation are advised not to enter certain areas of the temple complex as per traditional practices.

Dress Code

For Men: Wear shirts or tops that cover the shoulders and chest. Preferably wear trousers, dhotis, or traditional attire like mundu (dhoti) with angavastram (shawl).

For Women: Wear tops that cover the shoulders and avoid low-cut or revealing clothing. Preferably wear sarees, salwar kameez, or long skirts and tops (with dupatta).

How to reach

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By Air: Kannur International Airport is the closest airport. From Kannur International Airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Cheruthazham.

By Train: The nearest major railway station is Kannur Railway Station. From Kannur Railway Station, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Cheruthazham.

By Road: From Kannur: Kannur is the nearest major city.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers:

  1. Valapattanam River: The Valapattanam River flows nearby, adding to the scenic beauty and cultural significance of the area.


Cities and Towns:

  1. Kannur: Kannur, the district headquarters, is approximately 14 kilometres southwest of Cheruthazham. Known for its historical significance, beaches, and cultural heritage.
  2. Thalassery: Thalassery, a historic town, is about 24 kilometres south of Cheruthazham. Famous for its colonial heritage, cuisine (especially Thalassery biryani), and cultural diversity.
  3. Mattannur: Mattannur town is around 30 kilometres southeast of Cheruthazham. Known for its traditional Theyyam performances and proximity to the Kannur International Airport.
  4. Koothuparamba: Koothuparamba town is approximately 20 kilometres east of Cheruthazham. Notable for its cultural activities and as a major commercial hub in the region.