Taliparamba’s Shiva Surprise: Why Nighttime Darshan For Women in this Temple?

The Taliparamba Rajarajeswara Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Taliparamba, Kannur district, Kerala, India. The temple is one of the 108 Shiva temples in Kerala consecrated by Parasurama. It is also one of the major temples in the Malabar region.

The temple is built in the Kerala style of architecture with a gopuram (gateway tower) that is over 90 feet tall. The sanctum sanctorum houses the idol of Lord Shiva in the form of a lingam. The temple complex also has several other shrines, including those of Parvati, Ganesha, and Vishnu.

The temple is open to all devotees, irrespective of caste or creed. However, there are some restrictions on the dress code for women. Women are not allowed to enter the temple wearing pants or skirts. They must wear a sari or a salwar kameez.

The temple is a popular pilgrimage site and is visited by thousands of devotees every year. The major festival of the temple is the Shivaratri festival, which is celebrated in February or March. During this festival, the temple is decorated with lights and flowers and special poojas are performed.

The Taliparamba Rajarajeswara Temple is a beautiful and historic temple that is worth a visit. If you are ever in the Malabar region, be sure to visit this temple and experience its spiritual atmosphere.

According to the temple’s website, women are allowed to have Darshan in the night. However, there is no specific mention of when this practice began or why it is in place. It is possible that this is a local custom or tradition that has been followed for many years.

Why Women Allowed to Have Darshan During Night Time 

The practice of allowing women into the sanctum of Taliparamba Rajarajeshwara temple only after a specific evening puja (Athazha Pooja) has complex and contested reasons. It’s important to acknowledge that this practice raises concerns about gender equality and inclusivity. Here’s a breakdown of the existing explanations:

Traditional Explanations:

• Shiva’s mood: One explanation relates to the deity’s supposed mood. It’s claimed that Lord Shiva is in a more “austere” or “kingly” form during the day, making him less receptive to female devotees. After the Athazha Pooja, he’s considered to be in a more “benign” state, accompanied by his consort Parvati, making him more accepting of women.