Devotees Preferring Kannur Airport to Visit Kottiyoor Temple for Vaishaka Mahotsavam in 2024

A huge number of devotees visit the famous Kottiyoor Temple in Kerala, India for being a part of the sacred Vaishaka Mahotsavam with full devotion. The Vaishaka Mahotsavam of 2024 which started from May 16 with Neerezhunnallathu and ends with Thrikkalasattu ritual on June 17 brought in pilgrims from across the globe. The Kannur International Airport has become the favored point of transit for both domestic and international devotees due to the excellent facilities provided by the airport and its close proximity to the temple.

The Spiritual Significance Of Vaisakha Mahotsavam

Vaishaka Mahotsavam is a highly revered festival in Hindu calendar and it consists of a series of rituals and ceremonies that are celebrated with great fervor.

The Vaishaka Mahotsavam celebrated annually during May and June at the Kottiyoor in Kannur Temple is a major festival for devotees all over the world. The 28 day festival is embedded in spiritual traditions and begins with the Neyyattam ritual on the day of Chothi in Edavam and concludes with the Thrikkalashaattu. The arrival of the sword from Muthirerikavu marks the beginning of the festival followed by the Bhandaram Ezhunnallathu ritual on the day of Vishakam Star. Gold, silver vessels along with divine ornaments are to Kottiyoor from nearby Manathana village.

The ‘Elaneer Vayppu’ is a key aspect of the festival where thousands of tender coconuts are offered before the swayambhu Shiva linga by devotees from across Malabar. The coconut water collected is poured onto the idol by the chief priest in a ceremony known as ‘Elanneerattam’ . Rohini Aaradhana is another ritual where the swayambhu Shiva Linga is embraced by the priest, which is believed to be Brahma's worship of Lord Shiva to atone for the loss of Sati.

Sri Shankaracharya recognizing the presence of Shiva at ‘Akkare Kottiyoor’ is a significant historical aspect of Vaishaka Mahotsavam. Revenring the sanctity of the location Sri Shankaracharya chose to pray from ‘Ekkare Kottiyoor.’

The Vaishaka Mahotsavam also features a grand procession termed ‘Ezhunnallippu’ with elephants carrying idols of Lord Shiva and Parvathi, followed by a ceremonial feeding to the elephants known as ‘Aanayootu’ which add festive grandeur to the celebrations.The Vaishaka Mahotsavam is areally special festival which is a combination of devotion, tradition and community participation, embodying the spiritual heritage of the region .

Kannur International Airport as the Hub for Devotees

The efficient connectivity of Kannur International Airport to major Indian cities and abroad has made sure that pilgrims can reach the Kottiyoor Temple with ease. International flights from the Middle-East and domestic flights connecting Indian cities to Kannur Airport served as a convenient entry point and exit point for thousands of devotees.

The Journey to Kottiyoor Temple

Pilgrims have several options to reach the Kottiyoor Temple from the Kannur Airport located approximately 44 kilometers away. They can reach the Kottiyoor Temple by road through the smooth highway by taxis, buses and rental cars. Services of a tourist operator can be availed for ensuring a complete spiritual and comfortable journey for your family.

Vaishaka Mahotsavam at Kottiyoor Temple is a great spiritual journey that has been made more accessible and comfortable through the services provided by the Kannur International Airport. Devotees from all over the world take part in this sacred festival and our Kannur Airport acts as that gateway facilitating a memorable and enriching pilgrimage experience.