Chirakkal

Chirakkal Chira

      The big pond in Chirakkal popularly known as Chirakkal Kovilam Chira was a wonderful creation of the Kolathiris.Mooshaka kingdom, present Kasaragod, Kannur and other nearby places of north Kerala state in India, had come to be known as Kolathunad and the rulers known as Kolathiris. The Kovilakam (Palace in the Malayalam language) of Kolathiris were in Chirakkal, 6 km from the present Kannur town. Kolathiri were also known as Chirakkal Raja or King of Chirakkal. The southern branch of this family ruled over Venad and is today known as the Travancore Royal family.

       Kolathiris are the successors of Mooshiks Kings who ruled Northern Kerala in AD First Century. The detailed history of this dynasty and Hidden history of this region is mentioned in "Mooshika Vamsham" a Sanskrit poetic Text, written by Athulan in the AD 10th century. Mooshika Vamsham is believed to be one of the earliest Sanskrit Books written based on the History of Northern Kerala.Kolathiris were political and commercial rivals of the Zamorins of Kozhikode.Historian Nandakumar Koroth in his work History of Bekal Fort argued that the Bekal Fort and Chandragiri Fort were originally under the Chirakkal Rajas until the time of Shivappa Naik's Invasion of Kolathunadu. 

      Chirakkal Chira is associated with the Chirakkal Dynasty.Mooshaka kingdom, present Kasaragod, Kannur and other nearby places of north Kerala state in India, had come to be known as Kolathunad and the rulers known as Kolathiris. The Kovilakam (Palace in the Malayalam language) of Kolathiris were in Chirakkal, 6 km from the present Kannur town. Kolathiri were also known as Chirakkal Raja or King of Chirakkal. The southern branch of this family ruled over Venad and is today known as the Travancore Royal family.
      Kolathiris are the successors of Mooshiks Kings who ruled Northern Kerala in AD First Century. The detailed history of this dynasty and Hidden history of this region is mentioned in "Mooshika Vamsham" a Sanskrit poetic Text, written by Athulan in the AD 10th century. Mooshika Vamsham is believed to be one of the earliest Sanskrit Books written based on the History of Northern Kerala.

     Chirakkal Chira spread over 14 acres is one of the prestigious and oldest monument of Kannur. It was the property of the Chirakkal royal family but now turned into a public property .

Chirakkal Kadalayi Sree Krishna Temple

     Chirakkal Sri Krishna Temple is one among the ancient temples in Kerala . Thousands of pious devotees throng the Chirakkal Sri Krishna temple all round the year to catch a glimpse of Lord Krishna. There is an interesting legend associated with the origin of the temple. It is believed that the idol of Lord Vishnu consecrated here is the very idol worshiped by Sathyabhama, the consort of Lord Krishna at Dwaraka in the Mahabharata Era more than 5,000 years ago. One day it so happened that she failed to notice her husband standing nearby as she was immersed in performing Pooja to the idol. The Lord, furious, kicked the idol off the pedestal. It flew into the nearby sea, when its right hand was broken. Time and tide took the idol to the Kannur sea belt off Dwarka. A fisherman happened to net it. It being a precious catch, he presented it to King Valabhan, the Kolathiri King ruling over the area in that period.

     The king had constructed a temple, Kadalayi, in a village about 6 km (3.7 mi) north of Kannur and was on the lookout for an idol to be consecrated there. The astrologers understood the sanctity of the idol and confirmed that the idol, though its hand was broken and thus deformed, was worthy of consecration. The idol was thus consecrated at Kadalayi. When the temple was ruined due to the devastating onslaught of time a new temple was built at Chirakkal 180 years ago and the old idol re-consecrated. The temple, though situated at Chirakkal, is still referred to by its old name, Kadalayi.

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Peralassery

Peralassery

      Peralassery is a census town in Kannur district in the Indian state of Kerala. Situated on Kannur Kuthuparamba high road 12 km from Kannur town. Peralassery is 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) from the district headquarters Kannur. The nearest town and railway stations are Thalassery which is 14 km (8.7 mi) and Kannur which is15 km (9.3 mi) away. The Place is surrounded by 4 panchayats: Kadambur, vengad, Anjarakandi, Pinarayi. The Panchayath Office is located near Peralassery Subrahmanya Temple.

Peralassery Subramanya Temple

    Peralassery Subramania Temple along with Payyanur Subramania temple is probably the most important and must visit Subramania Temples in Kerala. The story or “Aithihyam” behind this temple is unique and has it’s roots in the Ramayana epic.

        It is believed that the Subramania Peralassery Temple is a place where Lord Sri Rama along with Lakshmana halted on their way to Sri Lanka, in their search and endeavour to rescue Sita Devi from Ravana’s imprisonment.The Peralassery Subramanya Temple, is located 15 kms from Kannur. It is also believed that people who visit Peralaserry temple must also visit the nearby Makrery temple. The main “vazhipaddu” or offerings in this temple are “Subramania Puja” and “Mutta Oppikal” (offering of eggs to the revered snake deity). The main deity of this temple is Lord Subramania.

     The Stepped Pool/Tank or “Chira” of  the Peralassery Subramania temple is a magnificent structure. The week long Kodiyettam festival associated with the Peralassery Subramanya temple is in the Month of December, every year. The annual festival of the temple is celebrated for eight days. Kathakali, Chakyarkoothu, Ottanthullal, Parayan Thullal and Seethankan Thullal are the main art-forms performed during the festival. Another important concert during the festival is a highly religious dance, ' Thidampunritham' performed by the priest. Peralaserry Subramania Temple along with Payyanur Subramania temple is probably the most important and must visit Subramania Temples in Kerala. Once Lord Subramanya asked Lord Brahma Deva the meaning of 'Ohm'.The meaning and its  explanation given by Brahma Deva was not felt  satisfactory for Lord Subramanya.He captured him and put him in a cell in custody.Lord Shiva when
understood about this horrible  mistake of his son he released Brahma Deva and explained to Subramanya that his deed in that regard was a great sin. For that sin Subramanyaswamy had to take the form of a serpent and had to live in an isolated well.To protect him from Sun and rain other serpents stood over the well with raised hoods.The  place where the serpents protected Subramanya is Peralassery according to the legends.

    In the 'Thretha Yuga' when Sri Rama reached here in search of Sita Devi he reached this place.There was a temple at this place known as 'Ayyappan Kavu' and presiding deity was Lord Ayyappa.Sri Rama recognized presence of Subramanya there.He told Hanuman Swamy to bring an idol from the Himalayas.Hanuman did not reach in time of the auspicious moment to consecrate the idol and so Sri Rama consecrated his bangle instead of the idol.The bangle is called as 'Vala' in Malayalam and  the bangle of the prince was called as 'peruvala'.Thus the place name was derived as 'Peruvalassery' which got transformed as 'Peralassery'.When Hanuman Swamy reached with the idol it was also consecrated  there by Hanuman Swamy himself.After the consecration, for performing the 'unction' Hanuman Swamy created a pond by hitting on the ground by his tail  with great force.Kathakali,Chakyarkoothu,Ottanthullal,Parayanthullal etc will be held as part of the festivities and also a religious feature known as 'Thidambu Nritham' which is performed by the temple priest.

Large number of devotees visit Peralassery temple to get rid of 'Sarpa Kopam'(the bad effects of Serpent curses).
Devotees of all faiths  are allowed to enter this temple for worship.

Temple" Chira" (Stepped pond ) positioned just outside the temple is a structure of impressive scale.It is the biggest among all ponds present in Kerala.

Peralassery Hanging Bridge 

Peralassery Hanging Bridge from  Peralassey to Vengad Panchayaths is a notable tourist attraction.This is one of the few hanging bridges in Kannur.Bridge is across Kallada River.It has been Renovated in 2004.

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Exploring the Beauty of Ezhimala

EZHIMALA

    Ezhimala, a hill reaching a height of 286 metres, is located near Payyanur in Kannur District of Kerala, SouthIndia. As the former capital of the ancient Mushika Kingdom, it is considered to be an important historical site. It is a conspicuous, isolated cluster of hills, forming a promontory 38 km north of Kannur Town. A flourishing seaport and center of trade around the beginning of theCommon Era, it was also one of the major battlefields of the Chola-Chera Wars of the 11th century. It is believed by some that Lord Buddhahad visited Ezhimala. The hill was once known as Mount Delly by the British. Ezhimala, which is part of Ramanthali panchayath, is one of the most important places in the recorded history of North Kerala.

     The name ‘Ezhimala’ is believed to be the malayalam equivalent of ‘Seven Hills’ and is derived from the seven hills dominating the skyline of this area. The place was also known as ‘Elimala’ meaning ‘Rat Hill’ possibly due to the large number of rodents infesting the forests here. Yet another legend has it that the name was derived from ‘Ezhil Malai’ meaning land of beauty. Folklore has it that the seven hills are part of the ‘Rishabadri’ mountain that fell to the earth when Lord Hanuman was carrying the mountain with Mrita Sanjivani and other herbs to lanka.  

     The history of the area is well documented over the last 1500 years. The area has been successively ruled by the Ashoka and Vijayanagaram empires as well as by Tipu Sultan. Ruins of fortifications erected by Tipu Sultan can be seen near mt dilli light house.   The area fell into British hands, after they defeated Tipu Sultan in the third mysore war. The portuguese are also known to have held this land during the nineteenth century. The name Mt Dilli is understood to be a refinement of Mt D'elli which was the original name given by the portuguese.  

      An erstwhile thriving sea port and centre of business in ancient Kerala, Ezhimala had also been one of the major war zones in the 11th century that was held between the Chola-Chera Dynasties. Now Ezhimala is home to the country’s premier defence naval training establishment known as the Indian Naval Academy.With prior permission from the Naval Academy, you can visit the Mount Dilli Lighthouse between 3:00 to 5:00 pm, which is situated inside the naval base. Its not a very high lighthouse, but its worth a trip as it gives you a breathtaking view of the virgin beaches of Ezhimala and Zamorin. The entry fee for the lighthouse is Rs. 10/- for adults, Rs. 3/- for children, Rs. 25/- for foreign tourists, camera charges Rs. 20/- and video photography Rs. 25/-.

      Just next to the lighthouse, you'll see a tiny fort which is known as the Ezhimala Fort and is under major restoration work. There isn't much to see and do there as of now, however, its worth a wait for a few more months when the fort will be ready for public viewing.

Anjaneya Giri

The Tallest Hanuman Statue in Kerala (41 feet) is Located At Anjaneyagiri Ezhimala.Statue is about 286 meters above sea level. Anjaneya giri Hanuman statue is a Project by Surya Trust Payyanur Its is a well known tourist place in Kannur.It is located in Ramanthally. It is 3 Km away from Kakkanpar Village and  10 km from payyanur

 Ettikulam Beach

    The Ettikulam Beach lies at the northern boundary of Kannur. Rare medical herbs (Ramayana) with mythological significance grow on Ezhimala, the strange seven-peaked range. Around 50 kms from here, is the Mount Deli Lighthouse, an old tower of great antiquity. It's maintained by the Navy and is a restricted area. The beach sand is of a different texture and the sea is bluer that in other areas. At the Ettikulam bay one could enjoy watching dolphins. Ezhimala Beach is situated at the top of a clump of hills at an altitude of 286m and it is 55 kilometers from Kannur. An ancient cave and a burial chamber are also present at the foot of the hill and the hills are known rewritten for a lot of medicinal herbs. An ancient mosque also resides on a nearby hill. This place has witnessed a lot of historical events in 11th century of North Kerala and it is also believed that Buddha has also visited this place.
     It is a conspicuous, isolated cluster of hills, forming a promontory, 38 km north of Kannur.There is a famous temple of Hanuman, the Mount Deli Light House. It is maintained by the Indian Navy and is a restricted area. The beach sand is of a different texture and the sea is bluer than in other areas. At the Ettikulam bay, one can enjoy watching dolphins.

Indian Naval Academy

     Ezhimala was chosen by Indian Navy to locate the Naval Academy due to its picturesque surroundings, seafaring traditions of the region and rich historical past. In 1982, the Government of India approved the Navy's proposal after the Government of Kerala agreed to provide the proposed 2500 acres of land and basic infrastructure for area development, free of cost. The predominant hill feature of Ezhimala, the Mount Dilli,  is 260 m  high. Mt Dilli Light house is situated in the southern part of the base and to the north lies the Kavvayi backwaters.

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