TEMPLES · MOSQUES · CHURCHES
From the ancient Surya Narayana Temple to mosques and churches that serve the local community, Kadirur has a rich and diverse religious landscape rooted in Malabar's cultural heritage.
Featured Temple
Hindu · Sun Temple
The most celebrated landmark in Kadirur, this ancient temple is one of the very few sun temples in South India. It stands 8 km from Thalassery and is part of the official Kerala Tourism Pazhassi Circuit.
The name Kadirur itself derives from Kadiravapuram, meaning "the land of the Sun" — a direct reference to this shrine.
According to local tradition, Lord Rama, while searching for Goddess Sita, blessed the Vedic Brahmins residing in Kadirur. Feeling the presence of the Sun God in the land, he installed the idol of Lord Surya Narayana here.
A second legend holds that Sage Agastya Muni gave the Aditya Hridayamantram (a hymn glorifying the Sun God) to Lord Rama at this very location. After chanting it three times Rama defeated Ravana, and on returning he consecrated the Surya Narayana idol here.
The sanctum sanctorum features striking mural paintings and darushilpam (intricate wooden sculptures), admired by both devotees and art enthusiasts as exceptional examples of traditional Kerala temple craftsmanship.
Local Temples
Date note: Exact Theyyam and utsavam dates for 2027-2028 are announced annually by each temple/kavu committee in the Malayalam calendar. This page lists verified recurring patterns; exact English-calendar dates are updated after official notices are released.
Hindu
A Bhagavathi temple in Kadirur, Kannur, listed under famous temples in the area. Category: Temple.
Festival season: Puthiyaveettil Puthussery Bhagavathi Temple festival Theyyam is usually held around Malayalam Makaram 24-25 (typically Feb 7-8), with local observances often running Feb 6-8.
Directions on Google MapsHindu
A temple in the Eruvatty-Kadirur area of Kannur, listed among famous temples in Kadirur region.
Festival season: Vettakkorumakan temple festivals are commonly observed in Kumbham-Medam (Feb-May), with exact dates announced by the temple committee.
Directions on Google MapsHindu
A temple in Eruvatty (Kadirur area), listed among famous local temples.
Festival season: Bhagavathi/Poothadi temple festivals commonly fall in Dhanu-Meenam (Dec-Apr), with annual dates announced locally.
Directions on Google MapsHindu
A Raktha Chamundi kavu in Kadirur, known in local worship traditions of North Malabar.
Festival season: Kavu rituals and Theyyam-related observances are usually in Dhanu-Kumbham (Dec-Mar).
Directions on Google MapsHindu
A traditional kavu shrine in Pullodi/Ponniam under the wider Kadirur temple belt.
Festival season: Main kavu ceremonies and Theyyam-linked dates generally occur in Dhanu-Kumbham (Dec-Mar).
Directions on Google MapsHindu
A Madapura in Olaikkara/Eruvatty associated with local guardian deity worship.
Festival season: Madapura offerings and annual ceremonies are commonly held in Makaram-Kumbham (Jan-Mar).
Directions on Google MapsHindu
A temple-associated pond and sacred precinct in Eruvatty used for ritual and festival activity.
Festival season: Temple pond rituals usually align with annual utsavam periods in Kumbham-Medam (Feb-May).
Directions on Google MapsHindu
A Muchilottu Bhagavathi shrine in Ponniam, part of the goddess worship tradition of the region.
Festival season: Bhagavathi festivals and Theyyam-linked events generally run in Dhanu-Meenam (Dec-Apr).
Directions on Google MapsHindu
A Sri Dharmasastha temple in Kadirur area, connected with regional Ayyappa/Sastha worship.
Festival season: Mandala-Makaravilakku period in Vrischikam-Makaram (Nov-Jan), with local annual festival dates announced separately.
Directions on Google MapsHindu
A significant Shiva temple on the Pazhassi Circuit, located near Kadirur. Dedicated to Lord Mahadeva and visited by pilgrims from across the Thalassery region.
Festival season: Maha Shivaratri (Kumbham) and annual utsavam period (often Meenam-Medam).
Directions on Google MapsHindu
A traditional Madappura (spirit shrine) dedicated to Sree Muthappan, a popular deity of northern Kerala known for his compassion towards all castes and communities.
Festival season: Main offerings and Theyyam-linked observances are common in Dhanu-Kumbham.
Directions on Google MapsHindu
A celebrated temple on the Pazhassi Circuit, attracting devotees for its traditional rituals and the powerful form of the goddess worshipped here.
Festival season: Annual temple festival dates are announced locally, typically in the Meenam-Medam window.
Directions on Google MapsHindu
A traditional Shaivite temple on the Pazhassi heritage route, known for its serene setting and classical Kerala temple architecture.
Festival season: Maha Shivaratri (Kumbham) and annual utsavam period (usually late Meenam/Medam).
Directions on Google MapsHindu
Another revered Shiva temple on the Pazhassi Circuit, part of the rich tapestry of shrines that characterises this part of Kannur district.
Festival season: Shivaratri in Kumbham and temple festival period around Meenam-Medam.
Directions on Google MapsHindu
A forest goddess shrine, traditionally maintained by local communities, reflecting the ancient nature-worship traditions of northern Kerala.
Festival season: Kavu rituals and Theyyam-linked worship mainly in Dhanu-Kumbham.
Directions on Google MapsDiverse Faith
Islamic
Kadirur's Muslim community, which forms a significant share of the population, is served by several mosques and Friday prayer halls spread across the census town and the 5th Mile area.
Key dates: Jumu'ah every Friday; Ramadan and Eid dates follow the Hijri lunar calendar.
Directions on Google MapsChristian
Churches of various denominations serve the Christian community in and around Kadirur, reflecting the pluralistic religious character of the Thalassery corridor.
Key dates: Weekly Sunday Mass; major festivals include Christmas (Dhanu) and Easter season.
Directions on Google MapsKalaripayattu
Not a temple in the conventional sense, but a traditional Kalari (martial arts gymnasium) that is sacred space in northern Kerala culture — located on the Pazhassi Circuit near Kadirur.
Event period: Kalari showcases peak around Ponnyathankam (Kumbham month).
Directions on Google MapsPazhassi Circuit
The Kerala Tourism Pazhassi Circuit connects Kadirur to several important religious and heritage sites in the wider Kannur region.
Hindu · Pilgrimage
Located in the eastern hills of Kannur, this ancient Shaivite pilgrimage holds the famous Vysakha Mahotsavam, attracting around 50,000 devotees every year. Kottiyoor is the place where, according to mythology, Sati Devi immolated herself, making it one of Kerala's most sacred sites.
Festival season: Vysakha Mahotsavam in Edavam-Mithunam (May-Jun).
Directions on Google MapsHindu · Heritage
A prominent Vishnu temple deep in the Wayanad forests, regarded as a place of moksha (liberation). Its ancient stone construction and forest surroundings make it one of the holiest sites in Kerala.
Festival season: Vishu (Medam) and Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage window (Vrischikam-Makaram).
Directions on Google MapsHindu
A celebrated festival temple linked to local goddess traditions, part of the annual cultural calendar of the Kannur district.
Festival season: Annual festival dates are published each year, usually in the Kumbham-Meenam period.
Directions on Google MapsHindu
One of the temples connected to the Kadirur origin legend — Lord Rama is believed to have consecrated the idol of Lord Subramanya here while passing through the region.
Festival season: Temple utsavam generally falls in the Meenam-Medam festival belt.
Directions on Google MapsHindu
Another shrine mentioned in the same Ramayana-era legend, where Lord Rama is said to have installed an idol of Lord Subramanya on his way to Lanka, closely linking it to Kadirur's sacred origin story.
Festival season: Local annual festival dates are announced by the temple committee, commonly in Meenam-Medam.
Directions on Google MapsHindu
Connected to the Pazhassi royal dynasty and located in Mattannur, this site weaves together religious and historical heritage.
Festival season: Heritage and temple observances vary; major dates are published annually.
Directions on Google MapsQuick routes: Kadirur Surya Narayana Temple, Kottiyoor, Thirunelli.
Plan My Pilgrimage
Best for: Families and day visitors based in Thalassery/Kannur.
Best time to start: 5:30 AM to catch morning darshan.
Route order:
1) Kadirur Surya Narayana Temple -> 2) Thrikkaikkunnu Mahadeva Temple -> 3) Muthappan Madappura -> 4) local Juma Masjid / church visit in Kadirur town.
Festival-friendly months: Dhanu-Kumbham for Theyyam-linked worship; Kumbham-Medam for major temple festivals.
Best for: Devotees and heritage travellers covering major pilgrimage stops.
Day 1 (Kadirur belt):
Kadirur Surya Narayana Temple -> Thodeekalam Siva Temple -> Mridanga Saileshwari Temple -> Peralassery Temple.
Day 2 (extended pilgrimage):
Kottiyoor Siva Temple -> Thirunelli Maha Vishnu Temple -> Valliyoorkkavu Temple.
Season note: Kottiyoor Vysakha Mahotsavam is in Edavam-Mithunam (May-Jun). Plan bookings early in that period.
Morning darshan: 5:00 AM-10:30 AM is ideal for major temples.
Evening darshan: 5:00 PM-8:00 PM at Surya Narayana Temple and nearby shrines.
Malayalam calendar guide:
Dhanu-Makaram (Dec-Jan): Theyyam and kavu traditions
Kumbham (Feb-Mar): Shivaratri and Ponnyathankam season
Meenam-Medam (Mar-May): Temple utsavam / Pooram windows
Edavam-Mithunam (May-Jun): Kottiyoor pilgrimage peak
FAQ
The Kadirur Surya Narayana Temple — one of the rare sun temples in South India — located 8 km from Thalassery.
5:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Yes. The area has Hindu temples, mosques, and churches, reflecting the plural religious tradition of the Malabar coast.
A Kerala Tourism heritage circuit connecting temples, palaces, and landmarks in the Thalassery-Kannur corridor, with Kadirur's Surya Narayana Temple as a key stop.