Jagannath Temple in Thalassery is one of the best loved temples in Malabar. Sree Narayana Guru consecrated the temple in 1908. He was in the forefront of the fight againstuntouchability in Kerala. Jagannath Temple opened its doors to Harijans in the 1920s.
The principal deity is Lord Shiva. Ezhava Shiva was the name given to the idol of Lord Siva by Sree Narayan Guru, stressing that the place was open to every caste. Renowned sculptor Thavarali created the idol in Panchaloha. The temple is evocative of Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri. Other deities include Ganapati and Murugan.
Architecture
Construction of the temple is in Kerala architectural style. The sloping roof has red clay tiles. The Sreekovil (Sanctum Sanctorum) has no windows. Only the priests can enter the Sreekovil. The Sreekovil is within the four walls of the Nalambalam. Priests use water from the well near the temple exclusively for pooja and rituals.
If you walk past the kodimaram and look up on entering the temple, you will see beautiful wood carvings on the ceiling.
A statue of Sree Narayana Guru was installed on the temple premises in 1927. It was made in Italy and transported by ship to India.
A beautiful pond stands on the premises with steps on all sides for people to enter the water safely. In the middle of the pond is a lovely fountain with four elephant heads.
Pooja and Festivals
The temple functions on the lines of Jagannatha Temple in Puri. Non-Brahmins conduct the pooja and rituals.
The annual temple festival starts on the Punartham day in the month of Kumbham. The Jagannath temple festival lasts eight days. The cultural programs are famous. The fireworks attract a lot many people. Music concerts, caparisoned elephants and fireworks at night are some of the attractions.
Right in front of the temple is a beautiful tree which is within an enclosure.
We could see cows in front of the Guru Mandiram. People would feed the cows with grass.
Getting There
Thalassery (TLY) is the nearest railway station for fast trains, 2.9 km. Local trains halt at Jagannath Temple Gate station which can be reached by a short walk of 110 m. The railway line passes near the temple and we could see trains go by from time to time. Kannur International Airport (CNN) is the closest airport, 26.8 km (48 min). Thalassery is well-linked by buses to all parts of Kerala and outside.
Address: Sree Jagannath Temple, Temple Gate, Gopalpet, Thalassery 670 102.
Phone +91 490 234 2341
Timings of Pooja
The pooja timings are: 04:45 am to 12:30 pm and 5:00 to 8:30 pm.
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