Sree Trikannad Thrayambakeshwara Temple, Bekal, Kanjangad, Kasargode

http://www.trikkannadtemple.in/

Famous as the "Dakshina Kashi" ,the Thrikkannad temple is located on the shores of the Arabian Sea, about 1 kilometres from Bekal in Kasargod district, Kerala. The temple is devoted to Lord Shiva in the form of RajaRajeshwara, and is believed to be established by the great sage Parashurama.It is one of the rare West facing Shiva Temple in India.This temple is widely popular for the various customs and rituals performed for the well being of the deceased soul also known as Pitru Karma. it is considered very auspicious to conduct the last rites to the deceaced or pithrukarmaa in West facing Shiva temple near to the sea. Thrikkannad is the only temple in kerala that aptly suits this criteria, hence is very famous.

legend:

Trikannad Shiva Temple is the headquarters of Anjooru Nayanmars.It is situated at a radius of 1 kilometer from the renowned Bekal Bridge. The location of this temple is unique and it provides the worshippers an opportunity to make their appeal to God. It is said that all the appeals are granted here by the Lord.As per the legends once a Pandyan ruler tried to attack the Shiva temple and the reigning deity of this temple set fire to his ship and turned him into a rock. this rock is seen from the temple, and is called Pandian Kallu. Since Shiva opened his 3rd eye or thrikkannu to burn the evil, it got the name Thrikkannadu.

It is believed that the idol of the temples is consecrated by the Great Sage Kanua. The exact period of installation is not known but the general assumption is that it existed even in the 11th century. .

Rituals:

On the new moon day, Amavasya thousands of devotees flock to this temple for Pitru Tharpanam, or homage to forefathers with gold or silver human idols. They perform the holy rituals and then take a holy dip in the sea facing the temple. This process is considered to be greatly benevolent to the families performing the rituals.

Festivals:

theyyam

March and April are the months of grant annual festival which last for 1 week. "Kodiyettam" or Flag hoisting marks the beginning of festival. The celebrations include performances of "theyyum" or "Thidambu Nritham", ritual art form of Northern Kerala. On the day of kudiyatham, the idols Or Thidambu of kizhur sree sastha Temple and kuthira kaaliamman are brought as a procession to the triambakeshwara aboard in trikkannad and in the presence of these 3 Devas the kodiyettam is performed. .

Ashtami Vilkku is celebrated on the 4th festival day of the week. The processions from the kottikulam and bakel Bhagavathi Templed with Idold reach the temple to pay respects to Lord Shiva. .

Palli Veta or the hunting expedition of the Lord take place on the last day of festival. The Hunt is symbolic of the destruction of Kama (desire), krodha(anger) and search evis that plague in our life. Thousands of devotees attend this festival where in the idols are taken as a profession to the Arabian Sea with percussion instruments and kept on the til the pooja and customary rituals by the fisherman tribe are performed. "Aarattu" festival is celebrated on the 7 day with great aplomb and colourful festivities .

The temple now has a website (http://www.trikkannadtemple.in/) where it offers online puja booking for its devotees spread across the world. Website also has a wealth of information about the temple.