Kottakkal Shiva Kshetram is an ancient temple located at
Kottakkal in
Malappuram District of
Kerala. It is believed to have been built during the reign of King Valluvakonathiri. According to the inscriptions, the history of the temple dates back 1000 years.
The presiding deity here is Lord Shiva. Legend has it that once a saint did thapas here to get blessings of God. Shiva appeared in front of him and granted him the boon that his divine presence would always be in that area. The saint installed the deity and built the temple.
The temple is famous for the mural paintings of the various Gods and Goddesses on the walls of the sanctum. Among the paintings, the image of Pakshi Durga and Karthiviryarjunan Sree Rama on Anantha Sayanam are very popular.
Kottakkal Shiva Kshetram is around 46 km north of Kozhikode.
