Tag: <span>peralassery</span>

Sri Subramanya Temple in Peralassery in Kannur district is home to the largest step well in Kerala. Located 14 km from Kannur town, it is located in the neighbourhood of Peralassery, just metres off state highway 38 (Kannur-Kuthuparamba road).

Local myth has it that Ram and Lakshman halted at Peralasseri temple on their way to Sri Lanka to rescue Sita. (The tale of Ramayana for the uninitiated). The temple in itself isn’t what makes Peralassery famous. The reason for its fame is a massive step well just outside the temple.

Peralasseri well green water — The step well is the largest of its kind in Kerala (and probably all of South India)

Peralasseri step well Kannur Kerala — If you visit the temple on any given weekday, you should find ample parking space just outside the temple

I was at Peralasseri temple one weekend for a cousin’s wedding. The bride’s family wanted to conduct the wedding ceremony (garland and thaali exchange) inside the temple premises.

Hindu wedding Peralasseri temple Kannur — The wedding ceremony didn’t take long as there are other wedding groups waiting for their turn

Perallasherry stone temple Kannur Kerala — I couldn’t take too many photos of the temple. I was outside the inner sanctum and photography is usually restricted. Also, it was quite muddy inside due to the rains and I was barefoot.

Snake statues Perallssery temple Kannur — I’ll take stone-carved snakes over real snakes (sorry Lord Vishnu).

But in all (religious) seriousness, the snakes represent ‘Sarpam/Nagam Dosham‘ (Sarpam = snake). Devotees visit the temple to shed themselves effects of ‘serpent curses’ based on their individual horoscopes.

Peralasherry temple stepwell Kannur Kerala — It was still raining outside which made taking photos tough

Perallasherry stepwell Kannur Kerala — You have to leave your footwear outside if you wish to enter the stepwell

Step wells Peralasherry temple Kannur — Stepwells of this design are indigenous to India

Stepwells were built deep where groundwater was abundant and the steps make it easy for people to reach the water especially when water levels fluctuate throughout the year. The steps also make it easier to maintain the well, as supposed to a traditional cylindrical well which is harder to clean over time — unless you want to risk going down one.

Peralasherri old well Kannur Kerala — The rain was non-stop

It wasn’t the best weather to shoot photos but I’ll probably come back some other day when it is sunny and try to get some better photos and update this blog.

Peralassery temple is an impressive sight and one of Kannur’s best attractions. Best come here during weekdays — and obviously when there is no rain. Stepwells are more common in states like Rajasthan and Gujarat, so it’s quite unique that Kannur, Kerala has one.

Getting to Peralassery temple

From the Kannur city bus stand, or any other stop in the city, board any bus going to Kuthuparamba (കൂത്തുപറമ്പ്). Just ask for a ticket to Peralassery.

By car, it’s an easy drive from Kannur city as it’s one straight road. Once you reach the Peralassery bus stop, take a left turn towards the temple. Ask any local, they can guide you.

peralassery

Kannur’s famous Peralassery Subramania temple – the largest step well in Kerala

mithunonthenet