Valliyoorkavu Bhagavathy Temple

Kerala, Wayanad, Thiruvananthapuram

Located at Wayanad, Kerala, Valliyoorkavu Bhagavathy Temple is a famous temple dedicated to Goddess Durga. It is believed that the idol of the Goddess is self-manifested. The temple dates back to 14th century.

Legend

According to the legends, once the oracle of Kodungallur temple named Vadakkola Nambiar was traveling through Wayanad and he rested near Kabani River. When he woke up, the sword and anklet of Devi were missing. He panicked and looked around, but could not find it. Then a Paniya tribal member showed them the sword and anklet hanging on the top of a valli (creeper) on a peepul tree on the top of the hill. As the oracle and his assistants prayed, the sword and anklet fell down and a divine voice was heard that 'I am present here in three forms - as Vana-Durga, Jala Durga and Bhadrakaali.' So the Kottayam Raja, who was camping at Mananthavadi, was informed and the temple was built.

Architecture

The structure of Valliyoorkavu Bhagavathi Temple complex has the sreekovil, nadapanthal, thottampaatt kottil, balikkal, sub shrines, thidappally and pathaayappura.The meele kaavu and keezhe kaavu are seperated by about 100 metres.

Darsan Info

Valliyoorkavu Bhagavathi Temple is open on all days from 6 AM to 2 PM and from 5:30 PM to 8 PM.

Darsan Dresscode

At Valliyoorkavu Bhagavathi Temple , Kerala traditional attire is preferred.

Famous Festival

March : Annual Festival

The festival is very important to the tribal people in Wayanad. The traditional ritual of the Kalamezhuthu is performed during all nights of the festival. On the final day of the festival, the array of folk art forms are presented. The dances performed by the local tribes to native percussion instruments, are a major attraction.

Culture

The culture of Wayanad, mainly, can be related to the tribal culture. This place is home to a huge population of Adivaasis or tribal people. Some of the main tribes that live here include Adiyars, Paniyas, Kurumas, Kattunaikar and Kadans along with a few other ones.

Temple Rituals

The moola-sthanam of the deity is a termitary at the keezh-kavu, which is swayambhoo. The idol of mele-kavu is sila linga type, but with the sankalpa of Kodungallur Bhagavathy in the form of Vana Durga. As the Goddess is Vana Durga, there is no roof for the sreekovil. The idols of Seeha, Lava and Kusa are also linga types.

Special Rituals

Tribal dance on the last day of the festival along with Daarika Vadhom is a special ritual at Valliyoorkavu Bhagavathi Temple

Additional Info

Hotel 1980's Gudalai, Kairali Nagar, Kalpetta, Kerala 673122 The Bungalow Restaurant Best Western Plus Ekobarn, Near New Bus Terminal, Kalpetta, Kerala 673121 Phone:04936 203 877