Varakkal Sri Durga Devi Temple- Kerala

Address

Varakkal Sri Durga Devi Temple- Varakkal Temple Rd, West Hill, Kozhikode, Kerala 673005 Phone: 0495 238 3134

Diety

Amman: Sri Durga Devi

Introduction

Varakkal Devi Temple is one of the famous Devi temples in Kozhikode District of Kerala. The main deity of the temple is Durga Devi (Bhagawathy). The temple also has sub deities of Ganapati, Dakshinamoorthy and Sree Ayyappan. Varakkal Devi Temple in Kozhikode is considered to be the 108th and the last Devi temple built by Sree Parasurama, the legendary founder of Kerala. It is believed that Parasurama ploughed this area in order to make Devi (the goddess) appear. The main festival here is the Vavu Bali when thousands congregate to perform the ancestral obsequies. On this day, the sea is found to be surprisingly calm as if facilitating the religious observances.

Puranic Significance

The legend says, upon the penance of Parasuraman in Threthayuga (a particular ancient period), Durga Devi appeared and said I will be present in Theertharoopam on the Chothi star day and Vavu (full moon day) to bless the devotees. Following this, Parasuraman erected the temple. In the initial period of the temple, there were proper daily rituals. Afterward, the rituals were given a holiday for lack of funds or some other reasons. The people of the region started experiencing the impact of the negligence on the shrine. Hearing this, the rulers at the time, Perumallors, came on the scene and arranged for daily rituals. Soon the shrine leaped into the position of Mahakshetra (big temple). Later, Zamorins took charge of the temple, renovated, and modified the structure to the present state. Even today the temple is managed by the Zamorin family.

Special Features

The main festival of the temple is Vavu Bali, devotees gather in large numbers for Thulam Vavu for performing Bali Tharpanam on varkkal beach. Navaratri: The festival of Navaratri is also celebrated in a big way in the temple. Mahanivedam is the most important ritual of the temple, pushpanjali, padivilaku, naivilakku, thrikalpooja, swayamvara pushpanjali, santhana gopala pooja, ganapathy homam, thila homam are the other offerings. There will be exhibition and other celebrations on the Navarathti day.