Lokanarkavu Temple, Vadakara

01The warriors’ Devi

The Vadakkan Pattukal sing of the kalaripayattu warriors of the 16th and 17th centuries, of Thacholi Othenan and Unniarcha, and Lokanarkavu is the shrine they turn to. Othenan is said to have climbed to the temple every morning to worship the Devi, and his victories were credited to her. The temple keeps the kalari tradition: during the Pooram festival in Meenam, kalaripayattu displays are held in her presence. The name is held to come from Lokamalayar-kavu, the grove of the mother of the world.

02Three shrines and the cave

The precinct holds three shrines, of the Devi, Shiva and Vishnu, with old murals of the Puranas on the walls of the Shiva and Vishnu temples. Above them, a short climb leads to rock caves on the hill. The Mandala festival in the Malayalam month of Vrischikam and the Pooram of Meenam are the great times, with the Theyyam and the folk arts of Malabar. In those days whole families come from the villages around.