Draft:Sreekanteswara Kshethram

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers prayers at Sreekanteswara Temple, in Kozhikode, Kerala

Sreekanteswara Kshethram, commonly known as Sreekandeswaram or Puthiyambalam, is a prominent Shiva temple located in Kozhikode, Kerala. Established by the revered Sree Narayana Gurudevan in 1910, the temple is a center of spiritual sanctity featuring deities such as Shiva Shakthi, Swayamvara Parvathi Devi, Lord Maha Vishnu, and others. It stands out for its inclusivity, allowing entry to all irrespective of caste or attire, promoting the ideals of its founder.

History

The temple was originally known as Nallishwaram Math, with an older structure called Nallishwaram Temple existing at the site. Sree Narayana Gurudevan identified the location as ideal for a new temple and initiated its construction, culminating in the consecration ceremony in 1910. He envisioned the temple becoming the 'Madura of Malabar'. Over the years, the temple has grown in prominence and remains a significant landmark in Kozhikode.

Features

The temple complex is vast, housing several sanctuaries and auxiliary structures including Kovils, a Yagasala, Deepasthamba, and an Auditorium. Key features include the large Vattasree Kovil, where the formless Shivalingam of Lord Shiva is worshipped, and the presence of various deities throughout the complex. The temple also provides free accommodation to pilgrims visiting Sree Narayana temples.

The temple's design allows for traditional rituals like Pradakshinaveethi (circumambulation path), which includes shrines dedicated to Vishnu, Ganesha, and Shasta, with the lesser-known deity Parvati's Kovil located on the north side. At the center stands the Subrahmanya Pratishtha, highlighting the temple's spiritual importance.

Adjacent to the temple grounds, festivities such as the annual Shivaratri attract large crowds, supported by ample parking and easy access from nearby transportation hubs like Kozhikode New Bus Stand and KSRTC stands. The temple's inclusive policy, allowing visitors to enter in shirts and pants, marks it as a progressive religious site in Kerala.