At a time when the lower caste people were not allowed to worship in temples in Kerala, some prominent people at Thalassery under the leadership of Varathoor Kunjikkannan invited Sree Narayana Guru to their hometown. This led to the establishment of the Jagannatha temple. It was the first temple to be established by Sree Narayana Guru in northern Kerala. The consecration was performed on 13 th February 1908. The temple is in a beautiful area surrounded by paddy fields and coconut trees. Near the temple pond is the panchaloha statue of Sree Narayana Guru. This is the only statue that was erected when Guru was more alive. It was made by an Italian named Thavarali who had not seen Guru. Guru wanted the temple to be known as Jagannatha Temple as he wanted everyone to have the right to worship here, as with the Puri Jagannatha temple. The instruction given by Gurudeva to have Nadaswara played at the time of the pujas every day is being followed to this day. In ancient times, the right to offer tender coconuts at Kottiyoor temple was reserved for the heels. Facilities to offer tender coconuts at Jagannatha temple were made to save the devotees from undertaking the arduous trek to the Kottoyoor temple. The temple is under the control of Sree Jnanodaya Yogam. The temple has been included in the Kerala Heritage Tourism package.
Please wait...