Cherukunnu Annapurneswari temple

Kerala, Kannur, Thiruvanathapuram

Located at Cherukunnu near Kannur, Cherukunnu Annapoorneswary Temple, also known as Cherukunnilamma Temple is a famous temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati. Here, the deity is worshipped in the form of Annapurneshwari. The temple was formally a Sree Krishna Temple which dates back to 1500 years. The temple after the parthista of Annapoorneshwari was built by Avittam thirunal Raja Raja Varma of Chirakkal Kovilakam.

Legend

According to the legends, Annapoorneshwari Devi arrived from Kashi with two other devi's ( Kalarivathikal Amma and Madai Kavail Amma ) and a boatman in a golden ship. Annapoorneshwari Devi got down at Azhi Theeram which is now known as Ayirum Thengu. Devi asked the boat man to stay back, so that he could take her back to Kashi when she wanted. The boat man stayed back and built a mosque which is now famous as the Olliangera Juma Masjid.

Architecture

The temple is built with one single type of rock, and the Sree Kovil of both Annapoorneshwari and Sree 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 Sree Kovil of Lord Krishna. There is a small window that is right in front of the Sree Kovil so that people can get the Darshan from outside. On the right side of the temple is temple pond. The pond is of about 2.5 acres in area and is called as Chira. There is a stambham or pole in the center of the pond. The pond has four major entrances.

Darsan Info

The temple opens at 5:30 AM to 12:45 PM and from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Darsan Dresscode

Devotees are advised to dress conservatively.

Famous Festival

Vishu Vilakku
Maha Shivaratri
Navami
Ekadasi

Culture

Kannur is known as the land of looms and lores, because of the loom industries and ritualistic festivals held here in temples. Cherukunnu is a census town in the Kannur district, Kerala. It is believed that the "Choru-Kunnu" (heap of cooked rice) which is made just before the daily "Annadhaanam" at Annapoorneswari Temple gave the place this name.