Shree Mallikarjuna Temple Kasaragod Town, Kasaragod

Shree Mallikarjuna Temple is one of the oldest and most important temples in Kasaragod district. It is located in the heart of Kasaragod town, near the Taluk Office, in a beautiful setting with the Kumbla River flowing along its southern side. The main deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, worshipped here as Mallikarjuna. The temple is well known for its annual festival and traditional Yakshagana performances. The five-day annual festival, held in March, attracts a large number of devotees and visitors every year. According to the temple legend, it is believed that Arjuna worshipped the Shiva idol enshrined here.

This temple was built in the seventeenth century by the Ikkeri (Keladi) Nayak rulers, who ruled from Shimoga in present-day Karnataka. It was established as an official military temple for the warriors brought from Karnataka and the South Canara region to Kasaragod during the military campaigns in the Malabar region. As a result of the cultural influence of the Karnataka rulers, Yakshagana continues to hold an important place in the temple’s traditions. Following the fall of the Ikkeri dynasty and the political changes that followed, the temple lost its royal patronage and remained neglected for many years. In 1977, the temple land was acquired for the construction of a railway line and the temple was relocated to its present site. A renovation committee formed by local residents and devotees later rebuilt the Sreekovil, Namaskara Mandapam and Chuttambalam. With the completion of the compound wall in 1985, the temple acquired its present form.

According to the main legend associated with the temple, Arjuna, one of the Pandavas in the Mahabharata, is believed to have consecrated and worshipped the Shiva Linga here. Devotees believe that the presiding deity is the same Lord Shiva worshipped and adorned by Arjuna and that the temple derived the name ‘Mallikarjuna’ from this association.

The temple is mainly built in the traditional Kerala style of architecture, although it also reflects certain architectural influences from Karnataka due to its location near the state border. A tall compound wall with graceful arches is the first feature that catches the eye from the roadside. Just inside the main entrance stands a large Bali Stone. The spacious temple courtyard serves as the main venue for the famous Yakshagana performances held during the annual festival. The inner walls of the Valiyambalam are decorated with colourful murals depicting Adi Shankaracharya, Lord Ayyappa, Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga. A small Namaskara Mandapam with beautiful wooden carvings stands directly in front of the Sreekovil.

Inside the Nalambalam, the first structure seen directly ahead is the Sreekovil, built in a square plan following the principles of traditional Kerala temple architecture. Its strong black stone base and walls, the sloping roof fully covered with copper sheets and the golden finial at the top add to its beauty. The black stone steps leading to the sanctum are decorated with finely carved Vyali figures on either side. Inside the Sreekovil, the main deity is a Shiva Linga carved from black stone. Within the Nalambalam, at the south-west corner (Kannimoola), there is a shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesha, facing east. A separate shrine adjoining the main temple is dedicated to Lord Dharma Sastha. On one side of the temple grounds, shrines dedicated to Naga Raja and Naga Yakshi are situated in a sacred grove (Kavu), following the traditional Kerala style.

The temple’s main festival is the five-day annual festival, held every year during the Malayalam month of Meenam (March–April). The festival begins with the ceremonial flag hoisting and is celebrated with a variety of traditional rituals and cultural programmes. The main highlight of the festival is the Yakshagana performance held on the final night, which attracts a large number of devotees and art enthusiasts. Other important festivals celebrated at the temple include Ganesh Chaturthi, Maha Shivaratri and the monthly Pradosham observance. Special poojas and celebrations are also held during the Mandala season, which begins in the Malayalam month of Vrischikam. Many Ayyappa devotees on their pilgrimage to Sabarimala visit the temple during this period.

The main offerings at the temple include Payasam Nivedyam, Dhara (Jaladhara and Ksheeradhara), Pinvilakku and Koovalam Mala. Payasam Nivedyam is regarded as one of the most important offerings. Dhara is performed for good health and relief from hardships. Pinvilakku is offered for marital harmony and family prosperity, while Koovalam Mala is offered for peace of mind and the fulfilment of wishes. Offerings to the other deities include Ganapathi Homam, Appam and Modakam to Lord Ganesha for the removal of obstacles. Neeranjanam and Neyyabhishekam are offered to Lord Dharma Sastha for relief from the effects of Shani and for success in studies. Devotees also offer Noorum Palum and turmeric powder to the Naga deities for relief from Sarpa Dosha.

The temple is open daily from 5:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Usha Pooja is usually performed at around 6:30 a.m., followed by Ucha Pooja between 11:30 a.m. and 12:00 noon, after which the temple closes for the afternoon. The temple reopens at 5:00 p.m. Deeparadhana is held at around 6:30 p.m., around sunset and Athazha Pooja is performed at about 8:00 p.m. The temple closes at 8:30 p.m. after the Athazha Pooja. Pooja and darshan timings may vary on festival days and other special occasions.

Sacred History & Spiritual Significance

This sacred temple stands as a testament to deep spiritual devotion, ancient architectural grandeur, and rich local cultural traditions.

Temple Sanctum & Architecture

The sanctum sanctorum houses the divine idol consecrated according to ancient Vedic traditions, surrounded by serene courtyards and traditional temple architecture.

Sacred Darshan Gallery