Interesting Kottiyoor Temple, Kerala

Temporary structure. Kottiyoor templeKerala Tourism

\Kottiyoor Temple is a prominent Shiva temple in the state of  Kerala. There are two temples in Kottiyoor - one on the western bank of the Bavali river - and the other  being  on the eastern bank. The tradition has it the temple   on the east bank (Kizhakkeshwaram or Akkare Kottiyoor) is a temporary  place of worship (Yaga shrine). It is opened only during the Vysakha festival. The  temple on the west bank Vadakkeshwaram or Ikkare Kottiyoor (The Thruchherumana Temple) is a permanent one  like other Hindu temples. It is situated in a densely forested area amidst a sacred grove  covering about 80 acres. The interesting fact is it remain closed throughout the year except for the 27 days of Vysakha festival. 

Bavali River Kottiyoor Temple on the bankss. malabar - blogger

The temple has been known as Vadakkeshwaram Temple aince ancient time, but it is locally referred to as Ikkare Kottiyoor as it is on the bank of the river close to the Kottiyoor village; in order to differentiate it from the shrine in the other side of the river, Thruchherumana Kshetram is the proper name of Kottiyoor temple. The temple is a special category temple under Malabar Devaswom board.

According to the Hindu mythology, it was here at Akkare Kottiyoor, the shrine on the eastern bank of the river - the location of Daksha Yaga, Sati Devi immolated herself and thus committed suicide.

Kottiyoor, Kerala. alchetron.com

The presiding deity Shiva is in the form of Swayambhoo lingam  and the temple was built over it. The date of construction and consecration of the temple is not known as the temple records are not clear. However, the pilgrimage to this temple has been around for centuries.
The Kottiyoor Temple is a highly revered temple in Kerala and neighboring areas of adjoining states  as the temple is believed to have been  blessed with the divine presence of the Holy Trinity or The Trimurthy (Brahma - Vishnu - Shiva) and the primordial Mother Goddess (Bhagavathy). On account of their holy presence,  Kali (the personification of Kali Yuga), promised Parashurama in the presence of Trimurthy in not entering the premises of the holy shrine.
Ikkare Kottiyoor.

The Vadakkeshwaram Kottiyoor Temple.speakingtree.in

Above image: The Vadakkeshwaram or Ikkare Kottiyoor (Thruchherumana) Temple on the westbank of the river, is a permanent  structure. It opens  for the 27 days of the Vysakha festival; rest of the 
year tt is closed. It is set in the middle of a wooded area.  ..................  

The Vadakkeshwaram Kottiyoor Temple.speakingtree.in

 

Above image: In this temple there is no Srikovil -no sanctum-sanctorum; Sati is  being worshipped as Shakti in 'Ammarakkalu Thara', a raised platform next Lord Shiv (swayambhoo lingam). Here  Sati Devi is said  to have committed suicide.  ............

Among the most prominent Sakthi shrines in India, Kottiyoor is one of the most sacred one. It is forbidden to build any permanent religious structures near-by, hence,  there are only temporary and simple-looking structures that are similar to  hermits of sages. Here, Sati is worshiped as Shakti in 'Ammarakkalu Thara', a raised platform adjacent to the Swayambhoo linga where Sati Devi is believed to have committed suicide. There is no grabagraha/ Srikovil in this temple.This place,  Shakti Peetha is the  confluence of all the known Hindu Divinities. hence, the place is called Kottiyoor from Koodi and Uuru meaning Meeting Precinct.
\ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kottiyoor_Temple