Sree Kottiyoor Siva temple, Kottiyoor

Kottiyoor, situated on Sahyaadri mountains, also known as Dakshina Kashi(Vaaranasi)or Kashi of the south, is believed to be the place where series of great sacrificial rites were performed by Daksha. Once he held a great yaaga known as Bruhaspathi havanam. For this yaaga, he did not invite his daughter Sathi devi and Lord Siva. Different reasons for not inviting them are given in Sapthama skanda of Devi Bhaagavatham and dwitheeya skanda of Vaamana-puraana. Whatever may be the reason. Sathi Devi went to attend the yaaga in spite of warnings from the Lord. Lord Daksha ignored her. In great despair, she prepared an altar of fire and ended her life. Hearing this tragic incident, Lord Siva got infuriated and beat his matted hair on the ground, from It two deities Viz. Goddess Bhadrakaali and Lord Veerabhadra emerged. They were directed by the Lord to proceed to the yaaga-saala. They disrupted and destroyed the yaaga-saala and killed all including Daksha. All Rishis, devas etc were in fear. At that time, Lord Brahma with other devas approached Lord Siva and prayed to shed His anger. Satisfied with their prayers. Lord Siva became calm and agreed to restore life of Daksha. As his head could not be traced, head of a lamb was fixed on Daksha’s body and he was revived. By the grace of Lord Siva, Daksha completed the yaaga.

The site of the yaaga was subsequently covered with dense forests. Centuries later a band of Kurichyas, the hill tribes living around Kottiyoor, were hunting deer when an arrow struck a granite stone and blood oozed out. This strange phenomenon puzzled the hill tribes and they reported the incident to the eldest member of the nearby Patinnathath Illam and also to the kaaranavars/ elders of Kulangarathth, Aakkal, Karimpanakkal, Chaththoth and Thittayil tharavad. All of them assembled at the site. The Nampoothiri, well-versed in thanthric lore got an intuition that an idol is lying at a particular spot. The members of the Nair families who accompanied him were asked to dig there. To their great surprise, they found a swayambhoo idol. It is believed that God himself appeared In the yaaga-bhoomi for showering blessings on all. The present trustees are said to be the descendants of these Nair families.

The place where the swayambhoo idol was found is known as Akkara Kottiyoor in the midst of waters of Baavali or Vaavali river. As the moolasthhaanam is not accessible always another temple was built in the ancient period on the southern side of the Vaavalippuzha. This place takes the name Ikkara-Kottiyoor which is at a distance of 3 km. Both these places together constitute the Kottiyoor temple. During the festival days, the idols of Lord Siva and the Goddess of Ikkara-Kottiyoor are taken to the Akkara Kottiyoor and the shrine is closed,though the idol of Goddess Bhadrakaali continues to be there. The gopuram of Kottiyoor temple at Manaththana deserves special mention since from here start the limits of the Akkara-Kottiyoor on the southern side. It is also associated with the temple-festival which is described later.

According to the guidelines issued by the High Court the administration of the temple was vested with a Board of Trustees appointed by the HR&CE Department consisting of nine members ie. four hereditary trustees and five non-hereditary members. The hereditary members are elder member of Kolangarathth, Karimpanakkal, Akkal and Thittayil tharavad. The non-hereditary members comprise the senior-most thanthri among Kozhikkaattiri and Nandyaarvalli manas, Raaja of Kottayam kovilakam or his representative. one Hindu Revenue Officer not below the rank of a Tahsildar, President and Secretary of the Kottiyoor Perumaal Sangham. The four herditary trustees are required to be present at Akkara-Kottiyoor during the entire festival period since they are not only trustees but also the temple guardians who decide rituals as per custom.

The details of structures of Akkara-Kottiyoor (Akkara – Other side of the river bank) and Ikkara-Kottiyoor (Ikkara – near side of the riverbank) temple are as follows:

Akkara-Kottiyoor

The extent of the present area of Akkara-Kottiyoor is 42 acres of forests of which 12 acres constitute the temple complex. There are no permanent structures for this temple except tharas (platforms). During festival days. 34 temporary sheds are erected.

A temporary thatched shed is built on manithara, facing east, which has the swayambhoo idol of Lord Siva. Though the idol faces east the theertham and prasadam to devotees are distributed by the priest facing west. No shed is erected on Ammarakkal, the spot where Sathi Devi ended Her life in the altar. but it has a lamp covered with a glant size olakkuda (an umbrella made of netti panayola ie. palmyra leaf). The thidappali at the south of manithara, is a semi permanent shed with laterite stone pillars and palmyra-leaf roof. Bhandaarathara (vaal-ara), at the south-eastern side and facing north is a semi permanent building with laterite wall and wooden ceiling. All essential items used for the rites are kept above the ceiling of this structure. A peepul tree also stands on the north of Ammarakkal thara, besides the Bhandaarathara. All these tharas are surrounded by the sacred waters of Vaavalippuzha, known as Thiruvanchira, which takes the form of a square pool having three outlets to the river, on east, west and south-east. The ancient name of Thiruvanchira was Rudhiranchira which is believed to have been formed by the blood which gushed out at the time of beheading Daksha. During festival days a barricade is built around the manithara, thidappali,vaalara and Bhandaarathara by using cadjan leaves.

During festival season, eight temporary sheds are built to the north of the western-most outlet meant for Chaththoth-kayyaala (2nd Ooraalar). Occhar (vaadyakkaar). Kozhikkottari (thanthri). Patinnatt (Nampoothiri), Ezhillakkaar,Kovilakam kayyaala, Executive Officer, besides the Police outpost. On the southern side of this outlet are the sheds for Peru-Nair. Officer, Warrier, Nambishan, aakkan (3rd Ooraalan). Kolangava (1st Ooraalan). Thittel (4th Ooraalan), Pantheerati-kaambram Nampoothirippad, usha kaambram Nampoothirippad and Paniyoor Nampoothiri. On the south-eastern side are the sheds for Khalasha mandapam, Aashari and Kottera kaavu. To the south-west of Khalasha mandapam are the portions of sheds for Paloonnam, Kanakka pillai. Nanthyaarvalli (thanthri). To the north of eastern outlet are the sheds for Peruvannaan,Puramkalavan and Kuricchyan. It is a unique feature that persons of different classes responsible for celebrating the festival reside at the same place. Each one has certain privileges and rites in the temple. There are no facilities for the stay of devotees at the temple site.

Ikkara-Kottiyoor

The Ikkara-Kottiyoor temple owns 31.55 acres of which 7.50 acres constitute the temple-complex. The pattern of construction of this temple complex is different and looks like the traditional naalukettu with an agra mandapam and an inner courtyard. The garbhagruham is at the rear side. The naalukettu has three entrances and is built with laterite stones and tiled-roof. The square garbhagruham at the rear side is of saandhaara type. On either side. there are rooms. One of the rooms has a door to the outside. A deepasthambham stands at the front. There is no well for the temple but water is taken from the theerthakundam.

Gopuram

The Kshethra-gopuram (called Karimpana gopuram) at Manaththana (12 km. from Ikkara-Kottiyoor) deserves special mention. It is here that the valuable thiras and traditional costumes are kept under safe custody.

There is no scope for any carving and painting at Akkara Kottiyoor as there are no structures here. However, at Ikkara-Kottiyoor, there are some exquisite wood carvings on the ceiling of the agra-mandapam depicting Ashta-dikpaalakars, penance of Himavaan,birth of Paarvathi, Paarvathi-swayamvaram, episodes on kiratha arjuniyam, Ananthashayanam, parrot, flower, revolving bangle etc. At the projected ends of rafters mural paintings of leaves, creepers and flowers are depicted.

As stated earlier, the idol at Akkara-Kottiyoor is swayambhoo of sila linga type, facing east, with a height of about 30 cm. The deity is known as Kottiyoor-Perumaal. The Ammaarkkal thara, facing west, is also important as it is the place where Goddess Sathi Devi ended Her life in the burning altar. The sword of Sree Veerabhadra, believed to have been used for beheading Daksha is kept in the thara facing west.

At the shrine of Ikkara-Kottiyoor. there are pancha-loha idol of Lord Siva in linga form (height about 16 cm.). The idol of Goddess Paarvathi (16 cm.)made in pancha-loham, has two arms with lotus bud in right hand and the left arm in suspending posture. The mirror type sila idol of Sree Porkkali Bhagavathi (Bhadrakaali) has a height of 10 cm. During festival days the pancha-loha idols of Lord Siva and Paarvathi are taken to Akkara-Kottiyoor.

Poojas at Akkara-Kottiyoor are held only for one month ie. from chothi (Swaathi) nakshatram in the month of Idavam to Chithira nakshatram in the month of Midhunam. During this period the temple is kept open throughout the day.

The Ikkara-Kottiyoor temple is kept open on all days (except during the festival days at Akkara-Kottiyoor) from 6 AM to 8 PM Three poojas are held on the days of opening ie.
Usha pooja at 8 AM
Uchha pooja at 1 PM
Aththaazha pooja at 7PM

The main offerings at Akkara Kottiyoor are neyyamruth abhishekam,elaneer-abhishekam, jalaabhishekam and kalasaabhishekam. The main prasandams distributed are kalabham, ashta-bandham, ghee from Abhishekam, ilaneer, oda-poovu and Oda vadi, Aayiram-kutam (jalaabhishekam by 1000 pots), pushpaanjali, maala-chaarththal etc are the other vazhipadu. Of these the oda-poovu are believed to be the beard of Daksha which was taken out by Bhootha-ganas of Lord Siva.

At Ikkara-Kottiyoor, the main offerings are appam, Sharkara payasam, pushpaanjali and koovala-maala. Of these,appam is very popular.

The vaishakha-mahothsavam held for 27 days from Chothi nakshatram of Idavam to Chithra nakshatram of Mithunam attracts more than fifteen lakhs of devotees. However, women devotees are not allowed to go to Akkara-Kottiyoor on the last three days of the festival..

The rituals of Kottiyoor have mainly seven angams (distinct ones) and four upa-angams (subsidiary ones). The angams are
prakkuzham
neerezhunnallath
neyyaattam
bhandaramezhunnellal
ilaneeraattam
kalavaravu and
kalabhaatam

while upaangams are aaraadhana on Thiruvonam, Revathi, Ashtami and Rohini days.

The preliminary preparations for the festival commence on the Vishakam nakshatram in the month of Medam ie. one month prior to the commencement of the festival-period. On this day at Ikkara Kottiyoor, the ritual known as prakkuzham or purakkuvam is done. Prakkuzham means measuring of paddy,rice and beaten-rice called nel-alavu, ari-alavu and avil-alavu respctively. On the same day purificatory and other thanthric rites (Ghuda pooja/Esoteric Pooja) are held at the Aayillyaar-kaav by the Patinnatt Nampoothiri. The nivedyam is known as appada ( There is a belief that whoever feels this appada sour on tasting it will die within a year le, before the next uthsava). After these rites, the kaaranavars/elders of four ooraalar familles are given prasaadam. On the same day, the yaaga-parichaarakas (cooks) are hondured at karimpana gopuram by the ooraalars. Then both ooraalars and parichaarakas reach Ikkara-Kottiyoor temple, well before the commencement of the rite known as neerezhunnellathth.

By dusk on the Chothi nakshatram of Idavam, the first day of commencement of the festival, a sword which is daily worshipped at Muthireri-kaavu in Thavinnal village of Mananthavaadi taluk is taken to the Ikkara-Kottiyoor temple by the priest of that temple. The belief is that this sword was used by Sree Veerabhadra to cut the head of Daksha prajaapathi. After beheading Daksha, Sree Veerabhadra threw away the sword and it fell at the site of Muthireri kaavu.

At the same time agni (fire) is brought by Thetannoor Warrier from the Jaathiyoor matham of Marthonkara (Kuttiyaadi) of Vatakara taluk, after observing strict vrutha/fasting. The agni is then taken to Ikkara-Kottiyoor under the leadership of Patinnatt Nampoothiri. Then after purificatory rites, the lamp at Akkara-Kottiyoor known as chothi vilakk is lit. It is significant that the wicks for these lamps are made and brought from the Sree Theru Ganapathi temple of Koothuparambu by Maniyan Chettiyaar. These wicks are specially prepared after observing vrutha/fasting

The next ritual is naalam-thurakkal which denotes the removal of ashta bandha which had been used to cover the swayambhoo idol in the previous year. It is followed by Neyyamruth abhishekam of the swayambhoo idol performed by usha-kaambram Nampoothiri. The ghee for the abhishekam is brought by four traditional Nair families of Iruvanat,Pallippaalan (Kurup, Kuttiyaattoor and Thammangaatan (Nambyaar)). Those who bring ghee to the temple are known as neyyamṛuthakkaars and they have to observe the customary vrutha/fasting and other rituals. They will have to wait at Ikkara Kottiyoor till the muhoorththam for entering Akkara-Kottiyoor comes.

On the next day, ie. on Vishakam nakshatram, the ornaments and swords of the deities are brought from Karimpana gopuram in procession by the Kutipathis (store keepers). Ezhillakkaars (belonging to seven Nair tharavaads) to Akkara Kottiyoor. This ritual is followed by ari alavu for the rites, abhishekam, prasanna pooja, sreebali and sreebhoothabali.

The daily routine starts with jalaabhishekam followed by usha-pooja by usha kaambram Nampoothirippaat and Pantheeradi-pooja by Pantheeradi Kaambram Nampoothirippad. In the evening there are the rites like sahasra kumbhaabhishekam, navakam, panchagavyaabhishekam and athaazha pooja. All these items are done by Kozhikkaattiri Bhattathirippad and Nanthyaarvalli Nampoothirippad. The daily rites end with sreebali and sreebhoothabali.

On the Thiruvonam nakshatram, paalamurth-abhishekam is the important rite. The milk is taken from Karoth by the sthhaani Nairs after observing vrutha/fasting. The milk is taken in mulam-kutti (bamboo-goblet) covered with a scorched plantain leaf. The bearers of milk also have to wear caps made of plantain leaves and take it to the site under palmyra-umbrellas. The abhisheka of this milk (paal-methaattam) is then done by the thanthri after mixing the milk with pancha-gavya.

On the eighth day of Thiruvonam nakshatram, they keep the tender coconut before the deity, known as ilaneer-vepp and offer kaanikka before returning home after worshipping the deity. Lakhs of pilgrims come to the temple for worship on this day. The devotees, mainly of Thiyya community, observe vrutha/fasting from Vishu-day. Though all can place ilaneer (tender-coconut) and gingelly oil, seven families have some special privileges for this. These families are Eruvatti, Aayiraththi. Mutisisseri, Mekkilleri, Kuttiyan, Theyyan and Kuttiyaatithantayaan. Of them, the privilege of bringing ilaneer and copper-pot full of gingelly oil on head from the Eruvatti Sree Vettakkorumakan temple rests with the Eruvatti-thantayaan. The custom of taking these items in procession led by a person from anoottaan community has been followed for centuries. He is called Annoottaan sthhanikan and he wears the dress of Sree Veerabhadra. The vaadyakkaars belong to traditional families. The devotees also have special caps made of arecanut-palm-leaf with pearls fixed to coloured hanging threads.

The important ritual on the next day (Avittam nakshatram) is the Muththappan varavu (arrival of Bhootha-ganas to the yaaga bhoomi )accompanied by Kuri cchyas. At the specified muhurtham, ezhillakkaars enter the Bhandaarappura, take the sword of Sree Veerabhadra and honour the Muthappan and bid him farewell.

Revathi and Rohini nakshatram are also important. The aaradhana on Rohini nakshatram is the privilege of Kurummathoor illam. From the Makam day women are prohibited to enter the Thiruvaanchira, The main thanthri alone is allowed to sit on the manithara. Nalloraan sthhaanikan accompanied by 13 persons of Kushava community, proceed to the manithara after observing vrutha/fasting .Continuing the vrutha at Thiruvaanchira, they wear valkala (cloth made of bark) and holy ash smeared all over the body. Each one enters the manithara independently and worships the deity at night in secret and takes prasadam from the thanthri and leaves in disguise after taking food. These rites are held for three days ie. on Makam. Pooram and Uthram nakshatram.

On Aththam nakshatram, 1000 kalasams are offered. On the next day morning abhishekam of the swayambhoo idol is done. Thereafter a macchan (a sthhaneekan) takes out the bhadra deepam from the shed at manithara and the shed is uprooted and its materials are put in the holy waters of Vaavali river. Then the kalasaabhishekam is held. Thereafter dakshina to thanthris is given by Ooraalars.

Taking the sword back to Muthireri temple is the next ritual. All the idols. and ornaments are then taken back to the respective locations besides performing a yaathra-bali at the Ikkara Kottiyoor temple. Then the Adiyanthrakkaaran takes food from manithara, and pollutes it. This pollution continues till the next season. Koothu, paathakam are also held as part of the rituals.

The above description of this festival is very brief and covers only the sallient features.

Akkara Kottiyoor has a swayambhoo idol and as such no details are available on the first priest who attended to the initial rites of the temple. At Ikkara-Kottiyoor, the idols are not consecrated but only placed there during off-season of festival at Akkara Kottiyoor. The present thanthris of the temple belong to Thekkedath mana of Chalakudy (thrissur district) and Chumarath Manakkal of Pattambi (Palakkad district). The saanthikkaars of Akkara-Kottiyoor are Nampoothiris belonging to three hereditary families while those of Ikkara-Kottiyoor are two non-hereditary members of Namboothiri community.

Situated 64 km. north-east of Thalassery and 70 km. south-east of Kannoor, Kottiyoor is a very ancient temple of great celebrity. The route from Thalassery is via. Kooththuparamba Peravoor-Manaththana-Kanicchaar and Kelakam. The road from Kannoor via. Mattannoor-Iritty joins the Thalassery Kottiyoor road at Peravoor. Both these roads are tarred. Baavaali river or Vaavalipuzha, a tributary of Valapattanam river, surrounds the moolasthhaana (known as Akkara-Kottiyoor). Limited facilities for stay are available at the rest house owned by the temple at Ikkara Kottiyoor. Apart from Thalassery and Kannoor, facilities for stay are also available at Kooththuparamba and Peravoor (on Thalassery road) and at Mattannoor (on Kannoor road).