Valliyoorkavu Bhagavathy Temple

Getting there

• By road

  The temple can be reached from Mananthavady or Kalpetta. The Periya ghat road connects Mananthavady to Kannur and Thalassery.

Why devotees come here

Valliyoorkavu Bhagavathy Temple is an ancient temple at Mananthavady in Wayanad, Kerala. It is dedicated to Devi Bhadrakali, a form of Adi Parashakthi, and is counted among the four guardian shrines of Thirunelli temple. The annual festival is held in March.

The presiding deity is Devi Bhadrakali, a form of Adi Parashakthi, the supreme mother. She is worshipped here in three forms: Bhagavathy, Vana Durga and Jala Durga. The idol is believed to be self-manifested, that is, to have appeared on its own. The shrine is ancient, and it is dedicated to Durga.

The year of construction is unknown, but several legends point to a Dravidian origin. The temple follows the Dravidian architectural style. It also has a special place reserved for the Paniyar tribe. The temple is at Mananthavady, which lies 30 km north of Kalpetta, the district headquarters, and about 101 km northeast of Kozhikode.

The annual festival falls in March. It is a well-known celebration of tradition, rituals and culture, and it draws large numbers of pilgrims. Its rituals include the oppana varavu, a procession from Cheramkode Bhagavathy temple at Kallody near Mananthavady. Kalamezhuthu, a traditional ritual, is performed during the festival nights.

Festivals

• MarchAnnual festival

  Includes the oppana varavu procession and the Kalamezhuthu ritual, performed during the nights.

Tips for your visit

• The March procession, oppana varavu, starts at Cheramkode Bhagavathy temple at Kallody, near Mananthavady.
• Kalpetta, the district headquarters, is 30 km south of Mananthavady, where the temple stands.

Questions people ask