Temples & Theyyam
Rajarajeswara Temple, Taliparamba
One of the great ancient Shiva temples of Kerala, with a centuries-old lingam at Taliparamba.
- 43.1 km from Nesma Palace
- 43 min drive
- Best: October to March
- Ideal for pilgrims and travellers interested in temple tradition
- Distance from Nesma Palace
- 43.1 km
- Drive time
- 43 min
- Best time
- October to March
- Time to allow
- 1 hour
- Category
- Temples & Theyyam
- Ideal for
- Pilgrims and travellers interested in temple tradition
About Rajarajeswara Temple, Taliparamba
The Rajarajeswara temple at Taliparamba is counted among the oldest and most important Shiva temples in Kerala. Its Shiva lingam is believed to be very ancient, and the temple follows old customs, including one where women traditionally enter only after the evening rituals.
The temple has a large, calm compound and a serious ritual life, and it draws pilgrims from across Malabar. It is a working temple with deep traditions rather than a tourist showpiece.
Things to see and do
The ancient lingam
The Shiva lingam here is held to be extremely old, and the temple ranks among Kerala's principal Shiva shrines.
Old customs
The temple keeps distinctive traditions, including timing rules for entry and elaborate evening rituals.
The compound
A spacious, quiet temple complex in the town of Taliparamba.
Best time and tips
October to March. The evening rituals are the main draw.
- Follow the dress code, mundu or traditional dress is expected.
- Check ritual timings, some are evening-only.
- Non-Hindus may find access to the inner temple restricted, so confirm locally.
- Combine it with Parassinikkadavu on the same side of the district.
Local tip
A traditional dress code applies, men remove their shirt, and no shorts for anyone.
Getting there
The drive from Nesma Palace
Road route and geography © OpenStreetMap contributors
By road from the hotel
43.1 km · about 43 min
- Time to allow there
- 1 hour
- Starting point
- Nesma Palace, Mattannur
- Flying in
- Kannur International Airport is 7.8 km from the hotel, about 10 minutes by road
Plan your stay
Stay 43 min away at Nesma Palace
The temple is about 43 minutes from Nesma Palace, an easy trip toward the Taliparamba side.
Nesma Palace is a 4-star hotel in Mattannur, 7.8 km from Kannur International Airport, and an easy base for exploring Kannur.
Nearby places to explore
Make a day of it · Full day
Theyyam & Temples
North Malabar’s ritual heartland, a serpent shrine, daily Theyyam on the riverbank, and the great Shiva temple at Taliparamba.
Nesma Palace, Mattannur
22.9 km · 24 min drive
Peralassery Sree Subrahmanya Temple29.9 km · 35 min drive
Parassinikkadavu Muthappan Temple3.2 km · 7 min drive
Parassinikkadavu Snake Park9.2 km · 12 min drive
Rajarajeswara Temple, Taliparamba (you are here)
Frequently asked questions
Why is Rajarajeswara temple important?
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It is one of the oldest and most significant Shiva temples in Kerala, with a lingam believed to be very ancient and a strong ritual tradition at Taliparamba.
What are the customs at Rajarajeswara temple?
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The temple keeps old traditions, including timing rules for entry and detailed evening rituals. Traditional dress is expected.
Where to stay near Rajarajeswara temple?
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Nesma Palace in Mattannur is about 43 minutes away and convenient for the Taliparamba temples.