Kottiyoor Temple Complete Guide to Darshan Timings, Pooja Rates, Booking & Accommodation
Nestled in the serene hills of Kerala’s Kannur district, the Kottiyoor Temple (Akare Kottiyoor) is a unique and ancient forest shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Unlike typical Keralan temples, this hallowed site is open only during a specific 27-day annual festival, making a visit here a rare spiritual opportunity. If you are planning a pilgrimage to this powerful Shakti Peetham in 2025, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know: from exact pooja rates and darshan timings to booking procedures and comfortable stays.
Why Kottiyoor Temple is a Sacred Must-Visit
Believed to be the location where Goddess Sati’s Aksha (eye) fell, Kottiyoor holds immense significance as a Shakti Peetha. The temple complex comprises two main sites:
- Akare Kottiyoor (Ikkare Kottiyoor): The main, permanent temple on the eastern bank of the Bavali River.
- Vadakke Kottiyoor (Umare Kottiyoor): The temporary, bamboo-and-wood structure erected on the western bank only during the Vaisakha Mahotsavam (May-June). This is the primary venue for the legendary ritual of ‘Ellum Thudiya Dinam’ (The Day of Seven Knocks).
The raw, natural setting—with rituals performed by tribal communities—offers a deeply authentic and primal spiritual experience, drawing thousands of devotees each season.
Kottiyoor Temple Darshan Timings
The temple is open only during the annual festival period, typically from mid-May to early June. For 2025, the expected dates are from May 18 to June 14 (subject to official confirmation based on the Malayalam calendar).
Daily Schedule During Festival Season
| Ritual / Event | Morning Session | Evening Session |
|---|---|---|
| Temple Opens | 5:00 AM | 5:00 PM |
| Nada Open (Darshan Starts) | 5:30 AM | 6:30 PM |
| Main Poojas (Usha Pooja, etc.) | 7:00 AM onwards | 7:00 PM onwards |
| Temple Closes | 1:00 PM | 9:00 PM (After Athazha Pooja) |
Important Note: The temple remains closed between the morning and evening sessions. “Ellum Thudiya Dinam”, the most important day, usually falls in early June. On this day, timings change drastically, with special rituals and massive crowds. Plan to arrive very early.
Kottiyoor Temple Pooja Rates & Offerings 2025 (Expected)
Participating in the special poojas is a core part of the pilgrimage. Below are the anticipated rates for 2025 based on previous years. All amounts are in Indian Rupees (₹).
Special Poojas and Rates
| Pooja Name | Significance | Expected Rate (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Usha Pooja | The morning worship with sacred ablutions. | 500 – 750 |
| Seeveli | Temple procession with ceremonial elephants. | 1,000 – 1,500 |
| Panchamruthabhishekam | Abhishekam with five holy ingredients. | 1,200 – 1,800 |
| Ganapathi Homam | Fire ritual to remove obstacles. | 800 – 1,200 |
| Mrityunjaya Homam | For health, longevity, and liberation. | 2,500 – 3,500 |
Regular Offerings (Dravya Namaskaram)
| Offering | Expected Rate (₹) |
|---|---|
| Malar (Puffed Rice) | 50 – 100 |
| Ada (Rice Cake) | 70 – 120 |
| Appam | 100 – 150 |
| Guruti (Red Offering) | 200 – 350 |
| Vella Nivedyam | 150 – 250 |
Rates are estimates. Finalized 2025 rates will be updated once officially released by the temple committee.
How to Book Poojas Online at Kottiyoor Temple
To ensure your participation in rituals, advance online booking is highly recommended, especially for major Homams.
Step-by-Step Booking Guide:
- Visit the Official Portal: Go to the Kerala Police’s ‘Temple Worship’ booking website. This is the authorized platform for Kottiyoor bookings.
- Register/Login: Create an account with your mobile number and email.
- Select Temple: Find and select “Kottiyoor Temple (Vadakke)” from the list.
- Choose Date & Pooja: Select your pilgrimage date and the pooja you wish to book from the available list.
- Make Payment: Pay securely online via net banking, UPI, or card.
- Get Confirmation: Your e-receipt and booking confirmation will be sent via email and SMS. Keep this safe for entry.
Pro Tip: Bookings usually open 2-4 weeks before the festival starts. Mark your calendar and book early, as slots for popular poojas like Mrityunjaya Homam sell out fast.
Finding the Best Accommodation: Where to Stay Near Kottiyoor Temple
Since the temple is in a remote, forested area, planning your stay is crucial for a comfortable pilgrimage.
Options Near the Temple (Walking Distance)
- Devaswom Guest Houses: The Malikappuram Guest House and other Devaswom facilities are the most convenient. They are basic, clean, and affordable. Booking opens with pouja bookings on the same portal.
- Private Lodges/Homestays: Limited options like Kottiyoor Gardens offer simple rooms. Book months in advance.
Options in Nearby Towns (20-45 mins drive)
For more amenities, consider staying in these towns and commuting by taxi/auto.
- Kannur City: Wide range of hotels, from budget to luxury (e.g., Mascot Beach Resort, Broad Bean).
- Thalassery: Good mid-range hotels and famous for its cuisine.
- Iritty & Payyanur: Closer towns with basic hotels and good connectivity.
Our Recommendation: For first-time visitors, try to secure a Devaswom guest house for ultimate convenience. Families or those seeking comfort should book a hotel in Kannur and hire a day taxi.
Essential Pilgrim Tips for a Smooth Visit
- Dress Code: Traditional attire is preferred. Men: Dhoti or Mundu (no shirt required for sacred bath areas). Women: Saree, Salwar Kameez, or Mundum Neriyathum.
- Footwear: Leave footwear at the designated racks before entering the temple precincts.
- The River Crossing: To reach Vadakke Kottiyoor, you must wade through the shallow Bavali River. Wear appropriate, quick-dry clothing and be cautious on the rocky riverbed.
- Crowds & Safety: “Ellum Thudiya Dinam” sees unprecedented crowds. Follow police instructions, avoid rushing, and keep valuables secure.
- Health: Carry water, basic medicines, and an umbrella or raincoat (weather can be unpredictable).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What are the exact 2025 festival dates for Kottiyoor Temple?
A: While based on the lunar calendar, the Vaisakha Mahotsavam for 2025 is tentatively from May 18 to June 14. The final dates will be confirmed by the temple committee in early 2025.
Q2: Can I do darshan without booking a pooja?
A: Yes. General darshan is free and open to all during temple hours. However, booking a pooja guarantees a more structured participation and sometimes a priority line.
Q3: Is there an offline booking option?
A: Yes, a limited number of pooja tickets are available at the temple counter, but they sell out within minutes. Online booking is the only reliable method.
Q4: What is special about ‘Ellum Thudiya Dinam’?
A: It is the climactic day of the festival, symbolizing the moment Lord Shiva struck the ground seven times with his staff. A powerful, all-night ritual takes place, and it’s believed that the goddess’s presence is most potent then.
Q5: How to reach Kottiyoor Temple?
A: Nearest Airport: Kannur International Airport (70 km). Nearest Railway Station: Kannur (55 km) or Thalassery (48 km). From these points, hire a taxi or take a bus to Kottiyoor.
Embarking on a journey to Kottiyoor is more than a temple visit; it’s a return to the roots of nature-based worship. By planning ahead with this guide—securing your pooja bookings, arranging accommodation, and preparing for the unique rituals—you can focus entirely on the profound spiritual energy of this timeless Shakti Peetha. May your 2026 pilgrimage be filled with blessings and peace.
Note: This guide is based on information from previous years and trusted sources. Please verify the final 2025 timings and rates on the official Kerala Police Temple Worship portal before your journey.
