Popularly known as the Dakshina Kashi the Thrikkanad temple is located on the shores of Arabian sea, about 1km from Bekal.
The temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and is known for its various customs and rituals performed for the well-being of the souls of the dead. On the new moon days, thousands of devotees flock to this temple for pithrutharppanam (homage to the forefathers with idols made of gold and silver).
They perform the rituals and take a holy dip in the sea. It is believed that the idol of the temple is consecrated by the great sage Kanva. The exact period of the installation is not known but the general assumption is that the temple existed in the eleventh century.
March and April are the months for festivals. The annual temple festival lasts for one week. Kodiyettam (flag hoisting) marks the beginning of the festival. The celebrations include performances of Theyyam and Thidambu Nritham, a ritual art form of North Kerala more than 700 years old.
Ashtami Vilakku and Pallivetta are the two rituals associated with the festival. Pallivetta or the hunting expedition of the Lord takes place on the last day of the festival. This hunt is symbolic of the destruction of Kama (desire), Krodha (anger) and other such evils that plague us in our life.
Thousand of devotees from all over the district attend the festival. The temple is also unique for the fact that it is one of those rare temples that faces the west.
Discussion about this post