Cheruthazham Sree Kunninmathilakam Mahadeva Temple

The temple is said to have been established in the Treta Yuga, the second age in Hindu cosmology. While the precise historical dating of such ancient foundations remains uncertain, the temple's claim to antiquity reflects its deep roots in the religious landscape of Kannur. The shrine has retained its significance across centuries, maintaining continuous worship and ritual practice in the Cheruthazham village where it stands.

The Daily Rhythm of Worship

The temple operates according to a structured schedule of rituals that begins before dawn and concludes in the evening. Devotees wishing to observe the earliest worship can attend Nirmalya Darshanam at 3:00 AM, when the deity appears adorned with offerings from the previous night's worship. The formal ritual day opens with Usha Pooja at 4:30 AM, marking dawn worship. Morning darshan is available from 5:00 to 9:00 AM, allowing visitors to pay respects during the hours when Dakshinamoorthy is worshipped.

At noon, Ucha Pooja takes place at 12:00 PM, coinciding with the midday manifestation. The evening worship begins with Sayahna Deeparadhana at 6:30 PM, when lamps are lit as daylight fades. Evening darshan runs from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, providing access during the hours of Umamaheshwara worship. The day's formal rituals conclude with Athazha Pooja at 8:30 PM. Between these principal aartis, additional offerings such as flower presentations and sacred water are made to the deity. Visitors planning their visit should note that timings may vary on festival days and should be confirmed with the temple in advance.

Ritual Sponsorships and Offerings

The temple welcomes devotees who wish to participate actively in worship through various forms of ritual sponsorship. Udayasthamana Pooja allows a devotee to sponsor all rituals from sunrise to sunset, creating a full day of personal spiritual engagement. Tulapooja involves special ritual bathing of the deity. Thulabharam, a traditional practice where a devotee is weighed against flowers, fruits, or gold, is available by weight. On Ekadasi days—the eleventh lunar day considered auspicious in Hindu practice—devotees can offer lamps through Ekadasi Vilakku. Annadanam, the sponsoring of food for pilgrims, provides another avenue for service and contribution to the temple's functioning. These opportunities allow visitors to move beyond passive observation and deepen their spiritual connection to the shrine.

Visiting the Temple: Practical Information

The temple is located in Cheruthazham village, Mandur postal area, in Kannur District, Kerala. The address for navigation is Cheruthazham, Mandur P.O., Kannur District, Kerala 670501, with coordinates at 12.053055555556 North latitude and 75.255833333333 East longitude. The temple office can be reached at +91-085479-22487 for inquiries regarding current timings or specific rituals.

Visitors should dress modestly, following the custom observed at Kerala temples. Men typically wear traditional mundu (dhoti) or simple trousers and shirt, while women wear saree or salwar kameez. Footwear must be removed before entering the sanctum. The temple is managed by the Guruvayur Devaswom Board. As with most active temples, festival days may bring modified worship hours, so confirming timings before travel is advisable.

Reaching the Temple

Cheruthazham lies in Kannur District in northern Kerala. Visitors can use the provided coordinates and address for GPS navigation. The temple office contact number is +91-085479-22487, and staff can provide directions and answer questions about accessibility and current conditions. Those planning to visit during festival periods should contact the temple beforehand to confirm any changes to the standard darshan schedule.