Lokanarkavu Temple

Introduction to the Lokanarkavu Temple

The Lokanarkavu Bhagavathy Temple, or Lokanarkavu Temple, is located at Memunda, Kozhikode district, Kerala. The name Lokanarkavu is derived from the Malayalam word 'Lokamalayarkavu,' where 'Lokam' means 'world,' 'Mala' means 'mountain,' 'Aaru' means 'river,' and 'Kavu' means 'grove.' The Lokanarkavu Temple is the family temple of the 500 Aryan Nagariks who had migrated to Kerala.

Legend of the Lokanarkavu Temple

According to legend, a thousand years back, the members of the Zamorin royal family had a severe quarrel. Some of them crossed the river, taking an idol of the deity along with them. They settled in Badagara and established a temple for the deity near the existing Vishnu temple.

The Architecture of the Lokanarkavu Temple

Arya Vysya Brahmins built the Lokanarkavu Temple 1500 years ago. It is in the Kerala style of architecture. The Lokanarkavu Temple has a Dhwaja Sthambham (flagstaff).

The presiding deity of Lokanarkavu Temple is Bhagavathy, an incarnation of Durga. She is also called Lokanarkavu Amma. The temple has two shrines dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu. Visitors can see the three-rock cut caves in the temple, which are wonderfully carved with intricate carvings and murals. The Lokanarkavu Temple is unique as three deities are enshrined in separate temples within the compound. All three deities have different sanctums, rituals, festivals, etc. Vishnu, Bhagavathy, and Shiva shrines are in a sequential order of their age of worship. Vishnu temple is 2000 years old and located in the north, while the Bhagavathy main temple is 1500 years old. The Shiva temple is relatively newer - 400 years old - and is located in the center.

The Bhagavathy, or Lokambika, is universally known as one of the four Ambikas. At Lokanarkavu Temple, Bhagavathy is worshipped in three different forms: in the morning as Saraswati, at noon as Lakshmi Devi, and in the evening as Bhadrakali.

The Lokanarkavu Temple is famous for its wall paintings. Kerala Archaeology Department protects this temple as a heritage site for its centuries-old fascinating murals. These murals also include depictions of Hindu deities.

The Lokanarkavu Temple is closely associated with the heroes and heroines of the Vadakkan Pattukal (a collection of Malayalam Ballads of medieval origin). The legendary martial hero of Kerala, Thacholi Othenan, was supposedly worshipped here daily.

Festivals in the Lokanarkavu Temple

The Lokanarkavu Utsavam is the main festival of Lokanarkavu Temple, which lasts for 41 days. The festival is conducted annually during the Malayalam month of Vrischikam (between November and December). During the Mandalavilakku festival, or Mandala Utsavam time, a folk dance called Thacholikali is performed. Three thousand oil lamps are lit and kept on the temple's outer walls during Mandala Utsavam. It is similar to Kalarippayattu, a traditional martial art form. Devotees across the state flock here to participate in this festival.

Meenam festival is another grand festival celebrated for eight days with 'Kodiyettam' (flag hoisting) on Rohini day. Theyyambadi Kurup, the traditional dance, is the unique attraction on the 5th and 6th days. On the 7th day, the 'Nadu Valam Vekka' and 'Pallivetta' (holy hunt) are held. On Pooram day, the 'Poorakkali' (a traditional dance ritual performed by men) and 'Poorappattu' are conducted. Poorakkali is a fascinating event held during the night. Poorappattu is singing songs from the life history of the deity. The idol of the Bhagavathy is taken for 'Arattu' on the day of Pooram.