About Valayanad Devi Temple
Opening Hours: Morning- 5:30 am-12:00 pm; evenings- 5:30 pm- 8:00 pm.
Prime Day & Hours: Weekends, morning, and evening Aarti
Suggested Duration: 1-2 hours
Tickets: free entry
Nearest Railway Station: Kozhikode Railway Station, about 4 km
Nearest Airport: Kannur International Airport, about 26 Km
Nearest Bus Stop: Valayanad Bus Stop, about 150 m
Offer your prayers to Goddess Bhagavathy at Valayan Devi Temple for spiritual fulfilment. The temple dates back to the 14th century and was constructed by the Zamorin ruler of Kozhikode, making it the perfect addition to things to do in Calicut.
It is believed that the goddess blessed the city and has significant cultural value for the locals, especially with the historical records and inscriptions discovered within the premises.
The temple has a strong affinity with the Kashmir Tantra and holds significant importance in the wider framework of tantric practice. The temple has the distinction of being one of the Saktheya prathishtas, which predominantly follow the Rurujit-Vidhana, a worship style influenced by Kashmiri Tantra.
Witness the beautiful traditional Dravidian architecture of the temple, which includes features like copper-covered roofs, wooden sculptures, and an imposing gopuram. Intricate carvings and captivating murals in traditional Kerala style, depicting mythical tales, are a sight to behold.
Valayanad Devi Temple Highlights
• Devote yourself to the divine power of the goddess Bhagavathy at the Valayanad Devi Temple in Kozhikode.
• Partake in the unique and elaborate rituals practised at this temple, like Chandika Homam and Bhagavathy Seva.
• Take part in the Rurujit ritual, an exclusive tantric practice rooted in Kashmiri traditions, offering a rare spiritual experience.
• Appreciate the traditional Dravidian architecture of the temple, which makes it quite different from the other Devi temples of the area.
• Celebrate the annual festival at the Valayanad Devi Temple, which begins on the day of Karthika in the month of Makaram and lasts for seven days.
How To Reach Valayanad Devi Temple
By car/taxi: Valayanad Devi Temple is about 11 km from the Calicut city centre via Mini Bypass Road. It will take you around 20 minutes to get there.
Best Time To Visit Valayanad Devi Temple
Peak Season (October to March):
- Weather Insights: Pleasant weather, moderate temperature.
- Things to Do: Sightseeing, enjoying nature.
Moderate Season (June to October):
- Weather Insights: Monsoon season, heavy showers.
- Things to do: Offer prayer, appreciate architecture.
Low Season (March to May):
- Weather Insights: Rising temperature, high humidity.
- Things to do: Enjoy the sights without the crowds.
Valayanad Devi Temple Other Essential Information
Know before you go
- Wear modest clothes and respect the decorum of the temple.
- Do not take pictures or shoot videos inside the temple without prior permission.
- Check the timings for festivals and special prayers so you don't miss out.
- Stay patient and maintain proper queue etiquette during the festival time rush.
- Do not carry plastic or non-ecofriendly items, as the temple authorities encourage eco-conscious behaviour.
Learn About the Temple's History
It is believed that the temple was built in the 14th century by the Zamorian ruler of Kozhikode. He was defeated by an enemy who had a smaller army but was blessed by the Goddess. The Zamorian prayed to the Goddess, and she agreed to follow him back, but only till he didn't doubt her. She threw her bangle when the ruler turned around to ensure her presence, and now the temple is located there.
Participate in the Rurujit Ritual
This temple's Rutujit ritual is a unique practice that is greatly influenced by the Kashmir Tantric way of worship. It is focused on the devotion of Goddess Rurujit, the form of Goddess Bhadrakali who defeated the demon Ruru. This ritual will be an experience of a lifetime that you will not find anywhere else.
Admire the Architecture
The Valayanad Devi Temple is famous for its traditional Dravidian style architecture, featuring four grand gopurams (gateway towers). It also has a Sreechakra in the sanctum sanctorum, a geometric representation of cosmic energy, representing the coming together of the divine and the universe. The temple also features copper-covered roofs, elaborate wooden sculptures, and vibrant murals depicting mythological stories.
Tourism Board Alliances
Valayanad Devi Temple FAQs
What is the history of the Valayanad Devi Temple?
The history of the Valayanad Devi Temple is intertwined with the Zomarian rule. The legend says that the Zomarian lost to Valluvakonathiri, even though they had a better army, because of the blessing of Devi Bhagavathi. This led the Zomarian to ask the goddess for aid, who left her bangle when he turned back and doubted her.
What makes the Valayanad Devi Temple unique?
The Valayanad Devi Temple is unique because of the practice of Rurujit ritual, which is a tantric practice, rooted in Kashmiri Tantra, observed for the goddess Rurujit. The traditional Dravidian architecture also makes it unique with Sreechakra in the sanctum sanctorum, four grand gopurams, a sacred Sreechakra, copper-covered roofs, and intricate wooden sculptures.
What are the major festivals celebrated at the Valayanad Devi Temple?
The major festival at Valayanad Devi Temple is the annual seven-day celebration starting on Karthika day in the Malayalam month of Makaram. It features elaborate rituals, traditional music, cultural performances, and grand processions. Navratri is also celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm, and a special puja is performed dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy, attracting devotees from everywhere.
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