Valayanad Temple, Kozhikode Overview

Situated in Valayanad near Kozhikode, Sree Valayanad Devi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhagvathy or Goddess Parvathy. Believed to have been built in the 14th century by Zamorins, the temple has unique architecture and is different in plenty of aspects from all other Devi temples in the area. The shrine faces north and has four magnificent gopurams (facing one direction each). The poojas performed in the Shatheya temple are based on the ‘Saktheya’ injunctions and are in accordance with the practice of Ruruji worship. The Moosads practice the Kashmiri way of prayers and worshipping.

Built in the traditional Dravidian style of architecture, the Sreechakra is a major attraction of the temple. Designed by Sivayogi Thayyavur Sivasankar, this sreechakra is placed in the sanctum sanctorum which is believed to be the permanent place of residence of the Goddess. The sanctum sanctorum also has carvings of Sapthamathrukkal (seven mother Goddesses) on its southern walls. Besides, the temple also enshrines idols of Shiva, Thevaara Bhagavathi, Lord Ayyappa, and Vigneswara, Ksethrapaalan (Lord Subrahmanya).

Legend of Valayanad Temple

Kozhikode was ruled by the Zamorin kings in the medieval period. In one of the battles between the Zamorin King and Valluva Konathiri (the king of Valluvanad), Zamorin was defeated despite better military prowess and financial assistance. Valayanad Bhagvathy was the family deity of Zamorin and he believed that she favoured Valluva Konathiri (the king of Valluvanad). To get to the truth of the matter, Zamorin prayed to the Goddess to appear before him, which she did. Zamorin requested her to follow him to his kingdom, the Devi agreed but had one condition. She said she will follow Zamorin only till the time he doesn’t doubt her but if he turns back to look, the Devi would retreat. Zamorin did as was told; however, some time later he couldn’t hear the tinker of Devi’s anklets so he turned to look.

As per the condition, the Devi decided to go back but as a present to Zamorin’s devotion she said she would throw her bangle to Kozhikode. The place where the bangle would fall would have her presence forever and always. The bangle feel at the spot where the temple stands now.

Festivals at Valayanad Temple

The temple has an annual festival celebrated for seven days, beginning on the day of the Karthika of Makaram. The rituals involve holy dipping of the idol in the waters in Trissaala kulam in Mankavu. During the festival, Brahmins are invited to perform the Uthama Pooja. Tuesdays and Fridays are considered auspicious for offerings and sacrifices.