"Divine Inspiration: A Collection of Devotional Stories"

"Divine Inspiration: A Collection of Devotional Stories"

The temple is believed to be one of the most ancient and sacred places of worship in Kerala, and is considered to be a 'Kshethra' (sacred place) by the devotees.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its unique and ancient architectural style, which is a combination of the Dravidian and Kerala styles of architecture.

The temple is also known for its annual festival, the Kottiyoor Utsavam, which is celebrated for 28 days in the month of May-June. This festival is attended by thousands of devotees from all over the state.

The temple has a unique feature of "Akasha Linga" which means the Linga is installed on the top of the hill and is considered to be the main deity of the temple.

The temple has several sub-deities like Lord Ayyappa, Lord Ganesh, Lord Subramanya, and Navagrahas. Special poojas are performed for these deities as per the temple tradition.

The temple is surrounded by lush green forests, which makes it an ideal spot for nature lovers and trekkers.

The temple is believed to have been built by the legendary sage Parasurama, who is considered to be the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu according to Hindu mythology.

The temple is visited by thousands of devotees every year, who come to seek blessings and participate in the temple's many rituals and ceremonies.

The temple is also known for its unique pooja methods, which are performed by the temple priests. The rituals include Abhishekam, Alankara, Archana, Harivarasanam, Karpoora Aarathi, Malar Nivedyam, Nada, Nivedyam, Palli Unarthal, Pradosha Pooja, Sahasranama Archana, Usha Pooja, and Vahana Pooja.

The temple is considered as one of the 108 "Shiva Temples" that are associated with the legendary philosopher and saint, Adi Shankara.

Kottiyoor Vaidyanatha Temple, also known as Kottiyoor Samastanam, is a famous Hindu temple located in Kottiyoor, in the state of Kerala, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered to be one of the most ancient and sacred places of worship in Kerala.

The temple is known for its unique and ancient architectural style, and its rich history and legends. It is also known for its annual festival, the Kottiyoor Utsavam, which is celebrated for 28 days in the month of May-June and is attended by thousands of devotees from all over the state.

The temple pooja follows traditional vedic rituals which are performed by the temple priests. The rituals include Abhishekam, Alankara, Archana, Harivarasanam, Karpoora Aarathi, Malar Nivedyam, Nada, Nivedyam, Palli Unarthal, Pradosha Pooja, Sahasranama Archana, Usha Pooja, and Vahana Pooja.

The temple also has several sub-deities like Lord Ayyappa, Lord Ganesh, Lord Subramanya, and Navagrahas. Special poojas are performed for these deities as per the temple tradition.

The Kottiyoor Temple, also known as the Sri Kottiyoor Vadakkeshwaram Temple, is a Hindu temple located in the Kottiyoor district of Kerala, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for devotees of Lord Shiva in Kerala. The temple is also known for its unique architecture and is considered one of the most ancient temples in Kerala. The temple is believed to have been built by the Pandavas during the Mahabharata era. The temple complex is spread over an area of 30 acres and is surrounded by lush green forests. The temple is also known for its rich history and legend associated with it.

According to Hindu mythology, the Kottiyoor Temple has an interesting story behind its creation. It is said that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were married in this temple in a secret ceremony. The temple is believed to be the site where the divine wedding took place.

It is said that the Pandavas, the five brothers from the Hindu epic Mahabharata, built the temple during their exile. They wanted to worship Lord Shiva in secrecy and hence chose this remote location deep in the forest. However, Lord Vishnu, who was aware of their plan, informed the gods and sages about the secret ceremony. They all reached the spot and witnessed the divine wedding.

It is also believed that the temple was built by the great Hindu sage Agasthya, who was a devotee of Lord Shiva. He meditated on Lord Shiva for many years in the forest and was finally blessed with the Lord's darshan. Lord Shiva is said to have appeared before him and granted him the wish to build a temple in his honor.

Another legend says that Lord Shiva himself appeared in the dream of a local king named Keraladithya and instructed him to build the temple.

The temple is also known for the "Kottiyoor Utsavam" festival which is celebrated every year in the month of May-June. During the festival, the temple is decorated with flowers and lights, and various cultural programs are held. It is one of the most important festivals in the state of Kerala, attracting thousands of devotees from all over India.