ലോകനാർകാവ്
Lokanarkavu Bhagavathy Mandir is a prime attraction of Kozhikode. The unique temple of Kerala in Memunda is 5km away from Vadakara, closely connected to Kalaripayattu. The Lokanarkavu derived from a term Lokamalayarkavu, where ‘lokam’ means world, which is made of ‘mala’ or mountain, here ‘aaru’ signifies river & ‘Kavu’ depicts grove.
Distinct shrines for Durga, Shiva and Vishnu is enshrined here. Almost 500 Aryan Brahmins migrated to Kozhikode, they established Lokanarkavu. It is believed that Goddess Durga followed these Brahmins from her previous site of stay.
Lokanarkavu has mentions in Vadakkanpattu – The Malayalam ballads of medieval origin praising heroism of Northern Kerala. Thacholi Othenan, a martial artist of Kerala, worshipped Goddess Durga here, This 1500 year old temple invites students of Kalarippayattu, who seek the blessings of Goddess, once their training is finished.
Mandala Utsavam is a 41-day long festival celebrated on Vrishchikam, in Malayalam calender. A unique dance, Thacholikali, similar from Kalaripayattu, is performed at Lokanarkavu. Lokanarkavu is lit with lamps in Mandala Utsavam /occation, and devotees flock inside Lokanarkavu, to participate.
The Meenam Festival happens in April or May, an 8 day long festival that starts with Kodiyettam or flag hoisting in Rohini day. On the fifth and sixth days, ‘Theyyambadi Kurup’ is performed, on the 7 th day ‘Nadu Valam Vekka’ & ‘Pallivetta’ are observed and on the final Pooram day, Poorakkali and Poorappattu are observed.