Lokanarkavu Temple, Villiapally

Lokanarkavu Temple

Lokanarkavu Temple is an ancient and culturally significant Hindu temple located in Memunda, near Vatakara in the Kozhikode district of Kerala. The temple is primarily dedicated to Goddess Durga, worshipped here as Lokanarkavilamma.

“लोकनारकावु की देवी केवल शक्ति की प्रतीक नहीं, संस्कृति और साहस की मूर्त रूप हैं।”

― Lokanarkavu Temple

It is famous for its deep historical connections, unique rituals, and association with Kerala’s martial traditions, especially Kalaripayattu.

Mythological Significance & History

The name Lokanarkavu is derived from Lokamalayarkavu, combining the words Lokam (world), Mala (mountain), Aaru (river), and Kavu (sacred grove).
The temple is believed to be over 1500 years old and is closely associated with the legendary warrior Thacholi Othenan, a folk hero and Kalaripayattu expert who was a devout worshipper here.
It served as the family temple of the Aryan Nagariks, a group of Brahmins who migrated from North India to Kerala. Even today, their descendants maintain certain rights and perform rituals in the temple.

Significance of the Temple

Lokanarkavu Temple is unique for having three main deities:
Goddess Durga (Bhagavathy) – the main presiding deity.
Lord Vishnu – believed to be over 2000 years old.
Lord Shiva – added later and worshipped with equal reverence.
The Goddess is worshipped in three forms during different times of the day:
Saraswati (morning)
Lakshmi (noon)
Bhadrakali (evening)
The temple is an important pilgrimage spot for Kalaripayattu artists, who visit to seek blessings before beginning their martial training.

Architecture of the Temple

The temple features traditional Kerala-style architecture, with:

Sloping tiled roofs
Beautiful wooden carvings
Stone-paved courtyards

Inside, you’ll find ancient mural paintings and wooden sculptures that depict mythological stories, protected by the Kerala Archaeology Department.

The sanctum sanctorum is simple yet spiritually powerful, representing the spiritual and cultural essence of Kerala.

How to Reach to Temple

Location: Memunda, 4 km from Vatakara, Kozhikode district, Kerala

By Road:

Well-connected by road to Vatakara.
Regular KSRTC and private buses are available.

By Train:

Vatakara Railway Station – Just 5 km from the temple.

By Air:

Calicut International Airport (Karipur) – ~87 km

Kannur International Airport – ~50 km

Temple Timings

Morning Temple Opening & Closing Timing
5:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Evening Temple Opening & Closing Timing
:00 PM to 8:00 PM

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Lokanarkavu Temple

“लोकनारकावु की देवी केवल शक्ति की प्रतीक नहीं, संस्कृति और साहस की मूर्त रूप हैं।”

Mythological Significance & History

Significance of the Temple

Architecture of the Temple

How to Reach to Temple

By Road:

By Train:

By Air:

Temple Timings

Morning Temple Opening & Closing Timing

Evening Temple Opening & Closing Timing

Temple Location

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