Kannur- temple run

Saturday, 20 July 

After the beach we embarked on a quest to see a few local temples. First stop: Pallikunnu Mookambika Temple. 

Beautiful statues outside the entrance:

This is a newer Hindu temple and it was really well maintained. There were a number of families there paying respects and praying.  I learned that you can pay a fee to have special access to ceremonies inside the temple, but they are free to all to enter as the believe all should have access. Word. 

We couldn't take photos inside the temple, but it was beautiful, oil candles, statues and colorful walls inside a smaller structure. There were a lot of people, especially families with very dressed up little ones- it had a really calm and serene atmosphere and it was beautiful. 

Quick Chai break, and on to Kalarivatukkal Temple, where it was raining (shocking!!). 

This is the main (or rather the first entrance) to the temple. The second entrance is directly behind me. 

There is a specific order or route you're intended to take to visit the shrines- I felt like an absolute idiot wandering about, not having any idea of the proper way to go, but as there was virtually nonody else around we were guided about by a couple of the resident Hindi priests. 

I really enjoyed the layout of this temple, how you followed a (not very clear) path, how kind and almost nurturing the caretakers were, and the actual shrines to Ganash were nurtured and cared for with a sweet reverence that was.. Obvious? Clear? Palpable. 

Thankfully we were allowed to take photos at the entrance of the temple, I wish I could have snapped a few more inside, but happy to have a few of the stunning carvings and goings on at the entrance.  Here are a few of my favorites: 

This is above the second entry way, as you transition from the entrance courtyard into the actual temple.  

And a peek through the second entrance, at the columns leading the way into the main Ganesh shrine.  

One of the Hindi priests in action.. 

The celing of the entrance was so ornately and beautifully carved. 

We decided to head back to the hotel, dry off and see what trouble we could find for the rest of the afternoon.. we had gotten such an early start that it was only noon and we still had a lot of time to relax and enjoy the downtime.  

I wish I could say we used our time well over the rest of the weekend, and IMHO we did.. but you may not agree....  The rest of Saturday included manicure/ pedicures in the afternoon, beer, bollywood and room service in the evening.  All in all, a very productive and cultural day (because dammit.. Bollywood is as Indian as temples :)