Vadeswaram Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located at Airoli, Kannur. The temple is amongst 108 ancient Shiva temples in the state. It is also one of the most well known Shiva temples in South India. Constructed on the top of a hill that resembles a mountain, Vadeswaram Temple is known as the 'Kailasa of North Malabar'.
The Vadeswaram Temple is believed to have been built about 1500 years ago by the king Vatukavarma, the 43rd ruler of Mushika dynasty. In Mushika Vamsa Mahakavya, the poet Athula has mentioned about Shiva and the Vateshwar Temple.
Vadeswaram Temple is renowned for its Astadala (eight-petalled) style architecture and is considered to be the only Indian temple to be built in this style. The primary deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, while sub-deities like Shasta and Dakshinamurthy are also worshipped here. Scholars state that this style is unique to the Vadeswaram Temple only and does not exist in any other temples in India.