Lokanarkavu Temple

Getting there

• By air

  Kannur airport is the nearest airport, about 54 km away.

• By train

  Vatakara is the closest railway station, 5 km from the temple.

• By road

  Roads link Memunda with the rest of India via Vatakara city to the west and Kuttiady to the east.

Why devotees come here

Lokanarkavu Temple is an ancient Hindu temple of Devi Durga at Memunda, 4 km from Vatakara in Kozhikode district, Kerala. Kalaripayattu artists seek its blessing before their debut, because of its link with the hero Thacholi Othenan.

Lokanarkavu is an ancient Hindu temple of Devi Durga in Memunda village, near Vatakara town. The complex has three shrines: Durga in the main temple, Shiva at the centre and Vishnu at the northern end. Kalaripayattu artists still seek the deity's blessing before their debut.

Legend says many exploits of Thacholi Othenan took place at Lokanarkavu in Memunda. He is the hero of the north Malabar ballads known as Vadakkan Pattukal.

Three rock-cut caves near the temple are decorated with murals and carvings. The mural paintings of gods and goddesses at the temple are believed to date from the 15th century, and they were made using only natural colours. Poorakkali, a ritual art form of Malabar, is performed during the temple festivals.

Festivals

• Vrischikam month (November to December)Mandala Utsavam

  A thirty-day festival, the main attraction in Memunda.

• Meenam month (March to April)Pooram

  A week-long festival that begins with Kodiyettam (flag hoisting) and ends with Arattu.

Tips for your visit

• Three rock-cut caves near the temple have murals and carvings.
• Plan a festival visit if you want to see Poorakkali, which is performed as part of the temple festivals.
• The two main festival seasons are Mandala Utsavam in November and December, and Pooram in March and April.

Questions people ask