About:

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.

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.

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

Mobile range info:

How to reach?

Nearest Railway Station:

Vadakara and Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station.

Nearest Airport:

Karipur International Airport

Road Transport:

A well-built network of roads connects Kozhikode (Calicut) to the other parts of the state.

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.

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.

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.

Things to carry:

Tips & Suggestions:

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.

Society/Community Phone Number:

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

 

Photo Gallery

Video Gallery

Beypore Beach
Beypore Beach Located about 10 kms south of Kozhikode town at the mouth of the Chaliyar River, is Beypore beach,Kozhikode District, Beypore, is a beautiful expanse of vast land and turquoise blue sea. Nature will embrace you in its arms on the calm shore shores of this beach. The endless Arabian Sea laps at your feet as you stand on the soft sands watching the sunset. The Kozhikode Beypore Beach is a commercial center for ship building and has existed here for more than 1000 years. This boatyard is famous for making a distinctive ship vessel known as 'Uru'. The Beypore Beach in Kerala is a must visit if you want to enjoy the calm and tranquil environment as well as take a look at how the ancient business of ship business is thriving even today.....more
Kappad Beach
Kappad Beach is Located at a distance of 16 km from the Kozikode town, the Kappad beach is wrapped in a sheet of history. Uncover it to know that this was the land where the famous Portuguese sailor, Vasco da Gama set his feet in the year 1498 along with 170 men. This marked the beginning of a new era and new relationship between the Indians and the Portuguese which lasted for 4 to 5 centuries later.Kappad is where Vasco da Gama is believed to have landed in 1498 with 170 sailors. The beach is gentle and partly. For the ultimate beach experience, plan your holiday at the Kappad Beach Resort. Set amidst pleasant surroundings, the resort is the ideal place where one can combine relaxation with rejuvenating Ayurveda therapies.Kappad Beach Resort's circular restaurant specialises in the regional cuisine of North Malabar. Eat your fill of fresh seafood.....more
Chaliyar River
Chaliyar River is 10 kms south of Kozhikode town, Kerala.It is also popular as the Beypore river, can conveniently form a major river of the state. It boasts of its origination from the Ilambalari hills in Gudalur Taluk of the Nilagiri district in Tamil Nadu. Its important tributaries comprise of Chalipuzha, Punnapuzha, Pandiyar, Karimpuzha, Vadapurampuzha, Iringipuzha and Iruthilpuzha. It is an inter-state river covering an area of 2923 sq. kms, of which 2535 sq kms lie in Kerala. The length of this river is 169 kms. The river cascades merrily through Nilambur, Mambad, Edavanna, Areacode, Vazhakkad in Malappuram district and Feroke in Kozhikode district to join the Arabian Sea near Beypore. Thus the river gets the names Chaliyar and Beyporepuzha. Chaliyar and Feroke Bridge.....more
Kozhikode District Backwater
The backwaters of Kozhikode are Unexplored,unspoiled, the backwaters of Kozhikode hold great promises of enchanting holiday options. Elathur , the Canoil Canal and the Kallai river are favourite destinations for boating , Kadalundi with its beautiful bird sanctuary is a charming site. Korapuzha , the venue of the Korapuzha Jalotsavam is fast becoming a populat watersport destination.The Kozhikode backwaters are a promise to the tourist; the promise of a holiday on historic lands, on serene waters, with a view of the plush blue green landscape and the exotic flora and fauna of the region. .....more
Kozhikode City
The Malabar coastal region and the third largest city in Kerala, Kozhikode formerly called Calicut, is situated on the northern part of the state. Kozhikode, also known as Calicut, is a city in the southern Indian state of Kerala. It is the third largest city in Kerala and the headquarters of Kozhikode district. During the Middle Ages, Calicut was dubbed the "City of Spices" for its role as the major trading point of eastern spices.Having great cultural traditions and jargon of its own, the city is a major trading center for spices and tiles and sometimes known as the 'land of spices'. The name Kozhikode is derived from the words Koyil (palace) and Kodu ( fortified). The city found its place in world history when Portuguese navigator Vasco De Gama discovered this as a sea route to India in 1498. Kozhikode is know by various names; Arabs called it Kalikat and Chinese Kalifo. During the conquest of Malabar, Tippu Sulthan tried to change the name of the city to Ferozabad.....more
Pazhassiraja Museum
Pazhassiraja Museum and Art Gallery is situated about 5 km from Kozhikode town at East Hill, Kozhikode district, north Kerala. It has 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. An absolute treasure trove for historians and connoisseurs of art, the Pazhassiraja Museum is located in the land of spices, which lured navigators from time immemorial. The Art Gallery adjacent to the museum displays the paintings of Kerala's esteemed artists, Raja Ravi Varma, whose works brought international repute to the State.....more
Kallayi River
The Kallai river has its origin from Cherukulathur village, Kozhikode District, Kerala and is connected to the Chaliyar on the south by a man-made canal. The river passes through Cherukulathur, Kovur, Olavanna, Manava and Kallai before finally joining the Arabian Sea at Kozhikode. The length of the river is 22 kms. and it has a drainage area of 96 sq. kms, it forms an important river taking into consideration the commercialization part. Kallai, situated on the banks of the river, is the core centre of timber trade Though small in size, the Kallai is one of the most important rivers in the entire State from the commercial point of view. Kallai, a main centre of timber trade, is situated on its banks.....more
Korapuzha River
Korapuzha River is one of the famous rivers of India and it is situated 16km from Kozhikode, this river is known for its cleanliness and pureness. This riveris filled with natural inhabitants and many other things. People love its stillness that calms the mood, mind and body.Korapuzha also known as Elathur River is a short river of 40 km , with a drainage area of 624 km .There is heavy boat traffic over the last 25 km of its course. It is formed by the confluence of two streams, Agalapuzha and Punnoorpuzha which originate in the mountains of Wayanad district. The Korapuzha empties into the Arabian Sea at Elathur. It forms part of the West Coast Inland Navigation System. The Korapuzha is generally considered as the boundary between the North Malabar and South Malabar in the erstwhile district of Malabar.....more
Kuttiyadi River
Kuttiadi river originates from Narikotta ranges in the Western Ghats, at an elevation of 1220 m above MSL and joins the Arabian Sea at Kottackal, after traversing 74 km across the State.This river flows through Vadakara, Koyilandy and Kozhikode taluks. It empties into the Arabian Seal at the historical kottakkal fort, 7 kms, South of Vadakara. This river has a length of 74kms.It passes through Oorakuzhi, Kuttiadyl, Tiruvallur, Muyipoth, Maniyur and Karuvancheri. A storage dam built across the Kuttiadi River at Peruvannamuzhi is the nearby attraction. And along with its tributaries it flows through an area of 583 sq.kms. The Onipuzha, the Thottilpalam puzha, the Kadiyangad puzha, the Vamathil puzha and the Madapalli puzha are the major tributaries of Murad river.....more
Thusharagiri Waterfall
Thusharagiri Falls which is 50kms east of Kozhikode in Kerala is the best holiday destination of Thusharagiri, a small tribal village. Two streams originating from the verdant Western Ghats converge here to form the River Challipuzha. The gushing river diverges into three waterfalls, throwing up a fine snowy spray of water giving it a snowy effect. Thus the name ' ‘Thusharagiri', which means 'snowy peak'.Trekkers alert: Get an early morning start from the second waterfalls in the hills. The air is invigorating. Pick your way through the dense evergreen forests full of exotic birds and fauna and time your arrival to be at Vythiri by evening.If you are in the mood for some challenging trekking and rock-climbing through shallow streams, river paths and numerous waterfalls, head for this region. You see Nature here in all her glory......more