Kozhikode Sri Valayanad Devi Temple- Kerala

Address

Kozhikode Sri Valayanad Devi Temple- Valayanad Temple Rd, Govindapuram, Kozhikode, Kerala 673007 Phone: 0495 274 1083

Deity

Amman: Durga devi

Introduction

• Location: Valayanad, near Kozhikode, Kerala, India.
• Deity: The temple is dedicated to Bhagavathy (Goddess Chandika), also known as Mahartham and Kalasarppini, originating from Kashmir.
• Architecture: The temple faces north and features four gopurams (gateway towers). It follows the unique Saktheya tradition, with rituals based on Rurujit worship.

Puranic Significance

• Family Deity of the Zamorins: The temple is closely associated with the Zamorin Kings of Kozhikode (Padinhare Kovilakam). According to legend, during a conflict between the Zamorin and Valluva Konathiri (the king of Valluvanad), the Zamorin was defeated despite his superior resources.
• Devi’s Blessing: The Zamorin realized that Bhagavathy was favoring Valluva Konathiri. To seek her blessings, the Zamorin went in disguise to perform penance (Tapas) at Thirumanthamkunnu Temple, the family temple of Valluva Konathiri. Bhagavathy appeared before him, and upon his request, agreed to come to his kingdom.
• The Bangle Legend: As the Zamorin and Bhagavathy traveled to Kozhikode, the goddess told him not to look back. When the Zamorin eventually turned to check on her, Devi told him she would go no further but would throw her bangle (Valayam). The spot where the bangle fell became the location of the Valayanad Devi Temple, and the area where it rotated for a week is known as Azhchavattom.

Special Features

• Sub-Deities: The temple also houses idols of Shiva, Thevaara Bhagavathi, Lord Ayyappa, Vigneswara, and Kshetrapalan.
• Sapthamathrukkal: In the sanctum sanctorum, the Sapthamathrukkal (seven mother goddesses) are engraved on the southern wall.
• Guruthy Tharpanam: This is an important ritual in the temple, offering spiritual purification and blessings.

Festivals

1. Annual Festival:
   • Timing: It begins on the day of Karthika in the Malayalam month of Makaram and lasts for seven days.
   • Utsavall (Festival Sword): The sword of the Devi is kept at the Tali Mahadeva Temple and is ceremoniously brought to the Valayanad Temple a few days before the festival.
   • Arattu (Holy Dip): The festival concludes with the Arattu ceremony, where the idol is dipped in the Trissaala Kulam pond in Mankavu after the Pallivetta ritual.
2. Mandala Season (Kalamezhuthupattu):
   • Observed for 41 days starting from 1st Vrichikam (mid-November to mid-December).
   • Rituals include Kalamezhuthupattu, a ritual art form involving colorful powder drawings of the goddess.
3. Special Days:
   • Tuesdays and Fridays are considered especially auspicious for visiting the temple and offering prayers.
4. Poojas: During the annual festival, Madhyama (Saktheya) Pooja is paused, and instead, Uthama Pooja is performed by Brahmin priests, brought in specifically for the occasion.

Century/Period/Age

1000-2000 Years old

Managed By

Travancore Devaswom Board.

Nearest Bus Station

Valayanad

Nearest Railway Station

Kozhikode

Nearest Airport

Kozhikode

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