Valayanad Devi Temple

Sree Valayanad Devi Temple

The Sree Valayanad Devi Temple, dedicated to Bhagavathy, is a significant religious site located in Valayanad, near Kozhikode in North Kerala, India. This temple holds deep historical and spiritual importance as it is considered the family deity of the Zamorin Kings, who were the rulers of Kozhikode during the medieval period.

History and Legend

Legends surrounding the temple's origin speak of a decisive battle where the Zamorin of Kozhikode faced defeat despite his superior resources against Valluva Konathiri. Believing the goddess's blessings were with his adversary, the Zamorin undertook a vow of penance in disguise at Thirumanthamkunnu temple. His devotion led to the goddess manifesting before him. He implored her to accompany him to his kingdom. During their journey, the goddess stipulated that if he looked back to check on her, she would return. When the sound of her anklets ceased, the Zamorin, overcome with doubt, turned back. The goddess then declared she would go no further but, as a reward for his devotion, would cast her bangle. The spot where the bangle landed would then house her presence.

After rotating for a week, the bangle fell at the location where the temple now stands. The area where the bangle rotated became known as Azhchavattom, and the place where it finally fell was named Thiruvalayanad, lending its name to the temple.

Description and Worship

The Valayanad Devi Temple faces north and features four gopurams. It is distinguished by its unique worship practices, particularly Rurujit worship, which is a specific form of Saktheya worship. The presiding deity is Chandika, a goddess from Kashmir, also referred to as Mahartham and Kalasarppini. The sanctum sanctorum houses the Sreechakra, meticulously designed by the yogi Thayyavur Sivasankar, where the goddess's eternal presence is believed to reside. The temple complex also includes consecrated idols of Shiva, Thevaara Bhagavathi, Lord Ayyappa, and Vigneswara, along with Khsethrapaalan. Carved into the southern wall of the sanctum are idols of the Sapthamathrukkal, the seven mother goddesses. A notable ritual performed here is Guruthy Tharpanam.

Festivals and Priesthood

The annual festival at the Valayanad Devi Temple begins on the day of Karthika in the Malayalam month of Makaram and continues for seven days. The idol of Devi is temporarily kept at the Tali Mahadeva Temple and is brought to the Valayanad temple a few days before the 'Uthsavam'. The sacred 'Arat' (holy dipping of the idol) takes place in Trissaala kulam in Mankavu. During the annual festival, Brahmins are brought in to perform the Uthama Pooja, as Madhyama (saktheya) Pooja is not conducted. The temple observes Kalamezhuthupattu for 41 days during the Mandala season, starting from the 1st of Vrichikam. Tuesdays and Fridays are considered particularly auspicious for devotees to offer prayers.

The priests who conduct the poojas according to Saktheya injunctions are known as Pidarar Brahmins. A distinctive aspect of the worship at this temple is the inclusion of meat and alcohol, with the priests consequently being non-vegetarian. Five Moosad families traditionally hold rights to conduct observances in the temple: Vattoli-illam, Vadakke-illam, Kozhiparambillam, Naduvilakandi, and Kozhikodanparambu. The chief poojaris are from Vattoli-illam and Vadakke-illam, by inherited right.