Cherukunnu Sree Annapoorneswary Temple — Attraction in Kalliasseri Block

This is one of the very famous devi temples of Malabar near the village of Chirakkal which is near the town of Kannur. It is believed that Goddess Annapuneswari of Benares wanted to visit South India. When Lord Shiva was apprehensive that she may settle down there, it seems she assured him that she would appear before him as soon as he wants her. So she was sent in a golden boat accompanied by Kalarivathukkal Amma and Madayi Kavil amma. When they reached Chirakkal , Goddess Annapurneswari liked the place so much that she decided to stay there. She bid farewell to the boatman who also stayed back there. People believe that the famous Olingara Jama Masjid was built by him. Cherukunnu means small hill but the temple is on the plane surrounded by five small hills. Another interpretation is that it was originally “Choru kunnu” meaning hill of cooked rice. When the Goddess decided to settle down in Cherukunnu she decided to choose to have her temple in the same compound as that of a Krishna temple which was built by Parasurama. People believe that the temple is made of bricks which are joined by a paste of Jaggery and beaten rice. The temple was rebuilt in 1994 a Chirakkal king called Avittam thirunal Rama Varma Raja.Next to the temple is a very big temple pond( Ambala kulam) . Once we enter the temple we first see the temple of Lord Krishna and the famous Annapurneswari temple is behind this temple. One possible reason is possibly due to the ancient Namboodiri belief that their women should not be seen directly. However there is a small hole in the outside wall through which the Goddess can be seen clearly , by even people who do not choose to enter the temple. Another peculiarity of this temple is the existence of a mirror idol (Kannadi Bimbam ) of the Goddess in her sanctum sanctorum. Annadanam (Giving free meals) is the most important aspect of this temple. It is believed that nobody who enters the temple should return hungry. Every day before the temple is closed at night, the high priest asks , all the people there , whether they are hungry three times and in olden times, it seems three packets of food is tied on the tree outside so that even the late comers can also eat something. But with the implementation of the Land reform bill, the temple is not in a position to supply food to al the visitors. So the visitors either take Trimadhuram or Payasam in side the temple before leaving it. Vishu Vilakku (the first of meda masam(April- may) is the major festival in this temple. It is celebrated for a period of one week with bursting of crackers and the procession of the goddess on an elephant. The Goddess takes three rounds of the temple and then visits the village . And there is a dance by a Brahmin carrying the idol of the Goddess. This dance is enacted in front of the temple. People believe that Goddess descends on the Brahmin and makes him dance prettily to the tunes. At this time the temple would be shining with lighted lamps. The Puna prathishta( the second consecration) day of the temple is celebrated in the month of Kumbam (February march) on Pooyam day. Shiva Rathri and Mahga Navami are also celebrated in...

Annadaanam is offered in the Morning & Evening after Daily Temple Rituals. Nada Opening 5:00 PM Deeparadhana At the Time of Sunset Athazha Pooja for Shri Krishnan 7:15 PM Athazha Pooja for Bhagavathy 7:45 PM

Ganapathihomam – 6:00 AM Usha Pooja for Shri Krishnan – 7:30 AM Ucha Pooja for Shri Krishnan – 9:30 AM Usha Pooja for Annapoorneshwari – 6:30 AM Pandeeradi for Annapoorneshwari – 10:00 AM Ucha Pooja for Annapoorneshwari – 12:15 PM Annadaanam after the daily temple rituals both morning and evening Nada opening – 5:00 PM Deeparadhana At the time of sunset Athazha Pooja for Shri Krishnan – 7:15 PM Athazha Pooja for Bhagavathy – 7:45 PM

By Air The nearest airport to Cherukunnu Sree Annapoorneswary Temple is Kannur International Airport, which is 40-50 km away.

By Rail: The nearest Railway station is Kannur/Kannapuram/Pazayangadi.

By Road: Kannur -Pazayagadi bus.Cerukunnu Ambalam stop

The temple was formally a Vishnu/Krishna Temple, dating back some 1500 years. The temple after Amma’s Prathishta (giving sacred power to the idol of Annapoorneshwari) was built by Avittam Thirunal Raja Raja Varma of Chirakkal Kovilakam. In Hindu mythology, it is said that the goddess arrived from Kashi with two other goddesses or Devis (Kalarivathikal Amma and Madai Kavail Amma) and a boatman in a golden ship, and disembarked at Azhi Theeram which is now known as Aayiram Thengu.

The Puna Prathistha was done in 1994, in the month of Kumbham in the Malayalam calendar, Pooyam Nakshtram, which now is observed as the Prathista Dinam every year.

The main festivities in the Temple start from the Malayalam month of Medam Shankramam (15 April) and is celebrated in the following seven days. The other festivals that are celebrated in the temple are Shiva Rathri, Navami, Ekadashi etc.

The temple is presently under the Malabar Devasom Board and is maintained by the Temple Committee. A unique characteristic of this temple is that it is built of one single type of rock, and the Sree Kovil of both Annapoorneshwari and Krishnan is of the same size as per Vasthu, signifying that both the goddess and the god are given equal importance. The Entrance of the temple is in front of Krishnan’s Sree Kovil, and the reason there isn’t a direct entrance to Annapoorneshwari’s Sree Kovil is that, during the olden days, it was believed that women from Brahmin families aren’t supposed to be seen directly (Antharjanam). Hence there is a small window that is right in front of the Sree Kovil so that people can view the idol from outside.

This temple is one among the two Annapoorneshwari temples in Kerala. It was built using polished stones and put together using Avil and Belam (a mixture of flattened rice and jaggery). Next to the Temple is the Temple pond or the Ambala Kolam, which is approximately 2.5 acres in area. In the center is the Pole, otherwise known as the stumpa. The four major entrances of the Chera have been built using large layers of rock laid parallel to each other. The Chera also has a Kollapura (used by poojaris for bathing), located to the southwest...

As I stepped into the serene surroundings of Cherukunnu Sree Annapoorneswari Temple in Kannur, Kerala, I was enveloped in a sense of tranquility and devotion. This ancient temple, dedicated to Goddess Annapoorneswari and Lord Krishna, exudes a profound spiritual energy that resonates deeply with visitors. The temple's traditional Kerala architecture, with its laterite stone walls and intricate carvings, is a testament to the region's rich cultural heritage. The large pond beside the temple adds to the peaceful ambiance, creating a perfect setting for spiritual reflection and contemplation. As I explored the temple premises, I was struck by the warmth and hospitality of the people, who welcomed me with open arms and shared the rich history and significance of the temple. The annual festival, held in April, is a major draw for devotees, featuring vibrant fireworks and other festivities that showcase the region's rich cultural traditions. One of the highlights of the temple is the "Annadanam" or free food service, where devotees are served delicious meals twice a day. This selfless act of service is a beautiful expression of the temple's commitment to the well-being of all, regardless of caste, creed, or social status. As I sat down to savor the meal, I felt a deep sense of gratitude and connection to the community. Devotees believe that worshiping Goddess Annapoorneswari brings fulfillment and blessings, especially for those seeking marriage or prosperity. The temple's divine significance is palpable, and I could sense the power of faith and devotion that permeates every aspect of this sacred site. With its stunning architecture, serene surroundings, and vibrant cultural traditions, Cherukunnu Sree Annapoorneswari Temple is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking spiritual growth, peace, and divine blessings. Whether you're a devout pilgrim or simply looking for a deeper connection with nature and the divine, this temple is sure to captivate your senses and nourish your soul. As I bid farewell to this sacred site, I felt rejuvenated, inspired, and grateful for the experience, with memories that will stay...