Valayanad Devi temple dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy is one of the most visited pilgrim centres in Kozhikode. The temple was built in the 14th century by the Zamorins, the rulers of Kozhikode. With its unique architectural patterns and other aspects, it is different from the other Devi temples in Kerala. The main shrine of the temple faces the north side and consists of four gopurams, facing each direction. The rituals and poojas performed within the temple are done according to the practice of Rurujit worship, with the presiding deity brought down all the way from Kashmir.
Sreechakra designed by Sivayogi Thayyavur Sivasankar is where the Goddess is enshrined. This Dravidian style of design and construction is sure to attract many devotees to the temple. The legend behind the origin of the temple is quite a story. Once in a fight Zamorins got defeated by the armies of Valluvanad in spite of better army and methods. Zamorin understood that the Goddess was on their side and undertook Tapas in the temple of Velluvanadu family.
At last, Devi manifested before him and decided to go with him for the glory of Zamorins. But she made a condition that whenever he hesitates and looks back to check whether Devi is following him or not, she will return. After some time the jingling footsteps of Devi were not heard anymore and Zamorin looked back. Devi didn’t move any step further, and for the ardent devotion he has shown, she threw her bangle to the ground and said that the spot where the bangle falls will have her eternal presence. The bangle whirled for a week and fell on the spot where Valayanad temple was built. The legend of bangle rotating for a week is known as “Azhchavattom”.
On the Karthika day of Makaram, starts the annual festival of the temple that lasts for seven days. Devi’s Utavall kept in Tali Mahadeva temple is brought to Valayanad temple days before the festival. Visit Valayanad Devi temple known for its heritage and legends. The temple with a Kashmiri Goddess, Chandika, also called Mahartham and Kalasarppini, and Kashmiri prayers and rituals would be a rare sight that cannot be envisioned in any other temples of Kerala.
Contact Details
Sree Valayanad Devi Temple
Valayanad Temple Rd, Govindapuram,
Kozhikode, Kerala 673007
