Lokanarkavu Bhagvathi Temple

About Lokanarkavu Bhagvathi Temple

Lokanarkavu Bhagavathi Temple is situated at Memunda, around 5 km from Vadakara, Kozhikode district. The temple is dedicated to goddess Durga. It
also has two adjacent shrines dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva. There are three rock cut caves in the temple premises which are artfully engraved with
beautiful carvings and fascinating murals.Lokanarkavu is a short form of Lokamalayarkavu which means lokam made of mala, aaru and kavu. It is the
official family temple of the five hundres Nagariks who had migrated to kerala and their successors.

Lokamalayarkavu, on Lokanarkavu Bhagavathi temple as is familiarly known, is situated at Memunda, six kilometers east of Badagara in North Kerala. Two festivals are celebrated here annually in the months of Vrishchikam (November-December) and Meenam (March-April). The festival in Vrischikam is known as Mandalavilakku, which is the most important one.Mandalavilakku is really a grand festival worth seeing. People flock to the temple from different places to witness the festival. All the lamps on the walls of the temple will be lit on that occasion. These lights not only offer a delightful spectacle, but also help to intensify the devotion to and faith in Bhagavathi.The Meenam festival is celebrated for eight days, the most important occasion being Kodiyettam (flag hoisting) on the Rohini day and the Arattu on the Pooram day. The special attraction on the fifth and the sixth days is the traditional dance performance of Theyyambadi Kurup. On the seventh day there will be Nadu Valam Vekka and Pallivetta and on the Pooram day there will be Poorappattu and Poorakkali. Poorakali is conducted during night. Poorappattu has theme from the life history of Bhagavathi. It is sung by Theyyampadi kurup in the Pattupura, a small shed located just in front of the temple. Since it is to be sung in the presence of Bhagavathi, the idol of Bhagavathi will be kept in that shed. A good number of Devi devotees attend this function. On pooram day, the idol of Bhagavathi is taken for Arattu. The temple festival of LoknarKavu was conducted by four ancestral families and Kunkkan was honoured with the right of tying the umbrellas.

The annual festival called ‘Lokanarkavu Festival’ is celebrated in March / April. Situated on the right bank of Kuttiyadi river, Vadakara has a historical fort
which is now in ruins. This temple, associated with the heroes and heroines of the Vadakkanpattu combines an arresting simplicity and a legendary aura.
Lokanarkavu Bhagvathi temple as is familiarly known, is situated at Memunda, six kilometers east of vadagara in North Kerala.

Climate/Weather

Here the Tropical humid climate throughout the year,This land of cool weather, situated at a height of more than 750 m above sea level,. The weather
ranges between 0 °C (32 °F) and 10 °C .

History

The Durga temple was built by Aryans Brahmins who migrated to this place some 500 years back. They were Brahmins who took up trade as their main
occupation. The Aryan successors of these temple still are of prime importance in the temple. They gradually began to accept some of the traditions of local Nairs and made martial relationship with them. But on close examination their customs and beliefs are evidently different from local Nair community. It is believed that the goddess travelled with them to Lokanarkavu in the form of a lady who followed the five hundred Aryans. The successors still see this goddess as their mother and not as goddess. Often the name of Thacholi Othenan is misquoted with the origin of temple. Othenan was a great devotee,but never had any holding rights or anything to do with the establishment of Durga temple. It is evident from the fact that the goddess is Durga at Lokanarkavu and not the Kali form. The heroes of Vadakkan Pattukal had their ancestral goddesses as Kali form and not Durga form. The same applies to the local rulers who later claimed Lokanarkavu as their family goddess. All the rulers of Kerala had Goddesses with Thamasa pooja or shakteya pooja; ie poojas in which either man or animal was sacrificed. It was a more local tradition and most family temples of Kerala kings and locals had followed such tradition until it was modified. Later due to Aryanisation of temples, modifications were made by replacing human sacrifice with cutting plantain or performing poojas with tender coconut and cereals meant to replace liquor and meat. Unlike this local tradition Lokanarkavu durga temple do not have any such traditions and never had such practices as it was established by Aryans itself.

Interesting things to do

You can see rock cut caves, idol of Durga, location around, monuments, The Mural Paintings and Carvings on the Temple Walls.and also you can take
part in the annual festival called ‘Lokanarkavu Festival’ is celebrated in March / April.

Interesting things to Visit

Siddasramam:

Situated near the Payam Kuttimala, Siddasrama is a well known spiritual centre. Siddasramam has branches in Kerala as well as outside Kerala. Please view our Photo of the Ashram.

Birth Place of Kunhalimarakkar:

The Marakars were admirals of Zamorines. who valiantly resisted the Portuguese on high seas. Kunhali Marakars built a fort on the southern bank of Moorad river which was completely destroyed by Portuguese with the help of Zamorins for various reasons. The place is known today as Kottakkal. It is 46 Kms. North of Kozhikode. A small hut belonged to Kunhali Marakkar with collections of ancient swords, canon balls and knives can be seen here. We have Marakkar Bhavanam in the Photo Gallery.

Velliyamkallu:

VelliyamkalluA massive rock “Velliyamkallu” associated with the valiant Kunhali Marakkar Situates 13 kms. off Payyoli Beach. The rock though much
dreaded by navigators was safe ground for the Marakar to attack the invading Portuguese. The fisher folk look at it with awe and fear. However., it is worth
exploring it to see for oneself the beautiful figures nature has engraved on it. It was on this rock that Marakars killed the whole crew of a ship belonging to
the Portuguese.

Sandbanks:

Sandbanks is a famous beach which supplements the seaside beauty of Vatakara. This beach where Kottakkal puzha reaches the sea is a stunningly beautiful beach. One should reach this place to enjoy its beauty.

Silent Beach:

South of sandbanks is silent beach. One can feel an extraordinary calm while at this area of the beach. I feel that it is beyond what words can expres

Nearest Visiting places

Badagara (Commercial Centre):

Badagara which is 48 kms from Kozhikode, in Badagara is Kalaripayattu, which is a flourishing, and great commercial centre of martial arts. Badagara is also famous for being the birthplace of Thacholi Othanan, the hero of the ballads of North Malabar.

Thikkoti Lighthouse:

22kms from Kozhikode is the lighthouse, which overlooks Velliyamkallu, the rock much dreaded by navigators, off Moodadi coast, which was built after a
ship, wreck and the remains of which can still be seen here. The Velliyamkallu rock is the transit home of migratory birds.

Thusharagiri:

Lying 50kms east of Kozhikode, Thusharagiri is a little tribal tourist spot in Kerala. Tow streams originating from the Western Ghats meet here to form the
River Challipuzha. The river diverges into three waterfalls, creating a snowy spray, which gives the name ‘Thusharagiri’ which means ‘snowy peak’.

Peruvannamuzhi Dam:

60kms from Kozhikode, the Peruvannamuzhi dam site, set amide hills is a beautiful picnic spot. The reservoir hence provided facilities for speedboat and
rowboat cruises. Inhabited islands, a bird sanctuary and a crocodile farm add to the charm of the place.

Velliyamkallu:

It is a massive rock which had once served as a vantage point for the ‘marakkars’ to attack the Portuguese invaders. The beautiful natural engravings on
the rock add to the overall charm of this tourist attraction in Kozhikode.

Pazhassiraja Museum .and Art Gallery Beypore:

The Pazhassiraja museum and the art gallery of Kozhikode have been named after the famous Pazhassiraja Kerala Varma of the Kottayam royal family. Pazhassiraja led the famous ‘Pazhassi Revolt’ against the East India Company during the 1700’s. Pazhassiraja was nicknamed the Lion of Kerala and is also accredited with starting guerilla war in the hills of Wayanad to give a blow to the unbearable British rule. He was shot dead in an encounter on 30th November 1805. The Calicut Pazhassiraja museum was built as a tribute to this great freedom fighter.

Kozhikkode Beach:

Kozhikode, the most important region of Malabar in yesteryears, was the capital of the powerful Zamorins and also a prominent trade and commerce center. It was here at Kappad that Vasco Da Gama landed in his search for the spices of the Orient. Today the serene beaches, lush green countryside, historic sites, all combine to make this a popular tourist destination filled with a warm ambience.

Thali Temple:

Thali temple is an ancient one, dating back to the days of the Zamorin rule. The term Thali refers to a Shiva temple; however, the temple complex also houses a shrine to Krishna. Legend has it that Parasurama, associated with several temples in Kerala, worshipped Shiva here. Several legends associated with feudal rivalry, curses and relief from curses are associated with this temple. In its glorious days, this temple celebrated the Revathi.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

Hotel Asma Tower
SH 24, Kozhikode
Kerala 673004
Tel: 09847611275

Seabreeze Hotel Resort
Thiruvambadi Beach, Varkala
Kerala 695141
Tel: 0470 2603257

Le Mangalath Beach Resort
Thiruvambadi Beach Road, Varkala
Kerala 695141
Tel: 0470 2795945

Hotel Thushara International
Kodenchery,kerala.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Police Station
Edodi, Vadakara Bazar
Kozhikode - 673101.

Chevayur Police Station
A. R. Camp Road, Vellimadukunnu
Calicut, Kozhikode, Kerala 673012.

Koduvally Police Station
NH212, Kozhikode, Kerala 673572.

Nearest Hospital:

Nirmala Hospital And Nursing College
NH 212, Vellimadukunnu
Kozhikode, Kerala.

Baby Memorial Hospital
Kozhikode, Kerala
Tel: 0495 2723272

Malabar Hospital & Urology Centre
Eranhipalam, NH 212, Eranhipaalam
Kozhikode, Kerala 673020
Tel: 0495 2374706

Kuthiravattom Mental Hospital
Puthiyara Pottammal Road,
Kozhikode, Kerala.

Link:

http://keralanews-live.blogspot.com/2009/06/temples-of-kerala.html
http://aswathikasimadom.blogspot.com/2007/08/our-temples.html
http://topics4all.blogspot.com/2007/07/kerala-tourist-guide.html
http://srilokabhagavathytemple.blogspot.com/2009/03/kozhikode-district-art-culture\_18.html
http://calicutnews.blogspot.com/2007/03/festivals-in-kozhikode.html

Location info

• **Address:**Memunda, Vadakara, Kozhikode district, kerala, India

• District: Kozhikode district

• **Nearest City:**Mandarathur, Meppayil, Nadakkuthala,Kappad,Thiruvanpady.

• **Best time to visit:**Novemebr and April.

Nearest petrol pump

Vellikulangara Petrol Pump
SH 54, Kozhikode, Kerala

Petrol Pump
Koothuparamba, Kannur, Kerala.

Petrol Pump
NH 212, Vellimadukunnu
Kozhikode, Kerala.

Junction Petrol Pump
Areekode Thamarashery Road
Kozhikode, Kerala.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Kerala. 4G is reliable in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and along the coastal belt. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain backwater stretches. Most hotels, houseboats, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Kerala’s towns and cities offer diverse food ranging from traditional Kerala sadhya to multi-cuisine restaurants. Kochi has a thriving food scene with influences from Arab, Portuguese, and Jewish traders. Temple festivals feature traditional Kerala vegetarian feasts.

Accessibility

Religious sites may have steps at the entrance and may not have ramps. The interiors are generally level once inside. Some historic sites have uneven stone floors. Visitors with mobility concerns should check in advance.

Rules & restrictions

Modest dress is required: shoulders and knees must be covered (scarves or shawls are often available at the entrance). Photography is generally permitted without flash, but video may be restricted. Maintain silence inside. Mobile phones should be on silent mode. Remove shoes if required (indicated by signage). Do not touch artefacts or altars. These are active places of worship — respect services, festivals, and devotees.

Best photography spots

Kerala has some of India’s finest church architecture. The Santa Cruz Basilica in Fort Kochi, St. Francis Church (India’s oldest European church, where Vasco da Gama was first buried), and the numerous Syrian Christian churches across the backwaters feature distinctive Kerala-style facades mingling European and local design. Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light.