Image Credits: VM Padam
Ponmeri Shiva Temple is situated in Vatakara, Kozhikode, Kerala, India. It’s renowned for its temple to Lord Shiva, a prominent Hindu deity. What distinguishes this temple is its special sub-temple honoring Lord Brahma.
History of Ponmeri Shiva Temple
In the eleventh century AD, the Kadathanad Kings initiated the construction of this grand temple. Employing the expertise of the celebrated architect Perumthachan, they envisioned a majestic Mahadeva Temple. The temple’s sanctum-sanctorum boasts a striking shivalinga adorned with a golden covering. However, a disagreement between the ruler and the architect halted the project, leaving the temple incomplete. Legend has it that this dispute birthed a well-known Malayalam proverb, symbolizing the enduring incompleteness of the temple’s construction. Presently, endeavors persist to enhance the temple’s external architecture. Organizations like the Kshetra Samrakshna Samathi are actively involved in its renovation and development.
Legend has it that a disagreement arose between the king and the chief architect, resulting in the architect abandoning the project and placing a curse on the shrine, ensuring its perpetual incompleteness. Even today, some aspects of the temple’s construction remain unfinished.
Tipu Sultan and Ponmeri Shiva Temple
During an attack by Tipu Sultan and his troops, the outer structures of the temple were destroyed. As they attempted to breach the main sanctum, a woman named Changaroth Pennooty Varasyar, responsible for cleaning the temple courtyard, fervently prayed to Lord Shiva for protection. Suddenly, a flame manifested in the sanctum and repelled the soldiers from the temple complex. Since that incident, worshippers have revered Ponmeri Shiva as “Thiyyannoorappan,” meaning the lord of fire.
Deities (Gods) and Sub Temples of Ponmeri Shiva Temple
What sets Ponmeri Shiva Temple apart is its diverse pantheon of deities. Alongside Lord Shiva, the temple precincts house statues venerating Vishnu, Brahma, Bhagavathi, Ganapati, Adithya (Surya), Shankaranarayana, Boothathevar, Murugan, Krishna, and Ayyappa. This eclectic ensemble fosters a vibrant spiritual ambiance within the temple complex. Locally, Lord Shiva is affectionately referred to as ‘Thiyyannur Appan’. Festivals of Ponmeri Shiva Temple.
Ponmeri Shiva temple’s sanctum is renowned for its exquisite sculptures, with the Parvathi Parinayam being the most famous among them. The annual festival at the temple is celebrated with great fervor, featuring traditional melam music, caparisoned elephants, processions (ezhunnallathu), Kerala temple folk arts, and various pujas and rituals. Special abhishekams (ritual baths), dhara (continuous pouring of sacred liquid), mantras, and pujas are performed during the annual Shivratri festival, adding to the spiritual significance of the occasion.
Ponmeri Shiva Temple Address
Location Address: Villyappalli, Vatakara Villiappally Road, Kozhikode – 673542
Closest Towns: Villiapally, Ayancheri & Orkatteri
Closest Railway Station: Vatakara Railway Station
Closest Airports: Kannur Airport & Calicut Airport
Ponmeri Shiva Temple Contact Details
Ponmeri Shiva Kshethram Phone Number: 0496 2534600
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