Lokanarkavu Temple Villiappally - Kerala
Lokanarkavu Temple is said to be the official family temple of 500 ancient Aryan Nagariks who migrated to Kozhikode along with their ancestors. This popular temple is located in Vadakara in Kozhikode district and is dedicated to Goddess Durga. Lokanarkavu Temple is of great historical importance as the legendary martial hero of Kerala, Thacholi Othenan used to worship at this temple every day. This is the only temple where a unique folk dance form, known as ‘Thacholikali’ is presented.
Thacholikali is similar to the traditional martial art form called ‘Kalarippayattu’ and is celebrated during the ‘Mandalavilakku’ Festival. The temple is adorned with candid murals and carvings. There are two shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva adjacent to this temple. There is a quaint water tank built in the spectacular Kerala style architecture with traditional patterns that enhance the beauty of the temple and is situated at the centre of the temple premises.
History of the Temple:
As per the legends, the Lokanarkavu Temple was built by the 500 Aryan Nagariks and their successors who had migrated to Kerala. It is believed that the goddess travelled with them from the previous place of stay in the form of a lady.
Another legend about this temple is that thousand years back, there broke a quarrel between the family members of the Zamorin royal family. One part of the family members crossed the river and they brought an idol of Goddess along with them. They settled in Badagara (Vadakara) and established a temple for the Goddess near the already existing Shiva and Vishnu temples.
Speciality of the Temple
Lokanarkavu Temple is a subtle memorial for the valiant heroes of Vadakkanpattu of the bygone era.
It was the official family temple of 500 ancient Aryan Nagariks who migrated to Kozhikode along with their ancestors.
Lokanarkavu Temple enshrines Goddess Durga. There are two shrines adjacent to the main temple which are dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.
As per history, in the olden days, Thacholi Othenan, the local martial hero used to worship here every day.
The temple is full of fascinating murals, frescos and sculptures which are a wonderful depiction of the heroism of the age-old times that reverberate with an ambience of venerated legend.
This is the only temple where a unique folk dance called Thacholikali that resembles the martial art Kalarippayattu, is performed during the festivals.
Because of the association of Lokanarkavu temple with legendary hero Thacholi Othenan, all Kalaripayattu artists still seek the blessings of the deity before their debut.
Timings
- 4 AM to 9 AM
- 5 PM to 7 Pm.
Festivals in the temple
Lokanarkavu Utsavam: Lokanarkavu Utsavam is the main festival of this temple which is locally known as ‘Mandalavilakku’ Festival or ‘Mandala Utsavam’ and it lasts for 41 days. It is celebrated from mid-November to mid-December during the Malayalam month of 'Vrishchikam'. ‘Thacholikali’ which resembles the traditional martial art form ‘Kalarippayattu’ is the major attraction of this festival.
Meenam Festival: It is an eight-day festival that begins with ‘Kodiyettam’ (flag hoisting) on the ‘Rohini’ day. The traditional dance performance of ‘Theyyambadi Kurup’ is the main attraction on the fifth and the sixth day of the festival. ‘Nadu Valam Vekka’ and ‘Pallivetta’ (holy hunt) are the attractions of the seventh day. ‘Poorappattu’ and ‘Poorakkali’ (a traditional dance ritual performed by men) are the highlight of the Pooram day. The life history of the Goddess is the theme of ‘Poorappattu’. On the ‘Pooram’ day, the idol of the goddess is taken for ‘Arattu’.
Dress Code to visit the temple:
Traditional wears are the most preferable attire while visiting Lokanarkavu Temple.
Best Time To Visit
Lokanarkavu Temple can be visited throughout the year. But the best time to visit this temple is between March-April or November-December during which you can witness the two grand festivals of this temple.
Way to reach :
By Air - Karipur International Airport (Calicut International Airport) is the nearest airport to Lokanarkavu Temple, Villiappally which is situated at a distance of 75 Km. On reaching the airport, one can hire a taxi or bus to reach the temple.
By Rail - Vadakara Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Lokanarkavu Temple, Villiappally which is situated at a distance of 5.1 Km. On reaching the railway station, one can hire a taxi, bus or an autorickshaw to reach the temple.
By Bus - Lokanarkavu Temple is situated at Memunda which is 6 km from Vadakara. Several state transport buses and private buses owners run frequently to Memunda.