Lokanarkavu Temple or Lokamalayarkavu known locally is a 1500 year old temple built by 500 Aryan Vaishya Brahmins community who migrated to this place. The presiding deity in this temple is the mighty goddess Durga with two other temples in the vicinity of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Most of the Goddess temples in Kerala are in Madhyama sate and very rarely in Uthama state. Lokanarkavu Temple is the only Goddess temple in Athyuthama state.
Festival
Lokanarkavu Utsavam
Way of excecution and activities Lokanarkavu Utsavam
Lokanarkavu temple is closely associated with the legendry hero and heroines of Kadathanadu and the goddess Durga of this temple is also known as Lokanarkavilamma was the dearest god of the legendary martial arts exponent Thacholi Othenan of Kadathanadu. There are two main festivals conducted annually at Lokanarkavu Temple during November/December and March/April. Mandalavilakku Festival or Mandala Utsavam is the main festival which lasts for 41 days during November /December. The most unique event during this festival is the performance of Thacholikali a folk dance which is similar to the martial arts form Kalaripayattu. During this festival the lamps on the walls of the Lokanarkavu Bhaghawathi Temple is lit during the entire festival days. The Meenam festival is celebrated during the month of March/April for eight days. It starts with Kodiyettam or flag hoisting and ends with Arattu on the last day. The special attraction during this festival is the traditional dance performance by Theyyambadi Kurup on the fifth and sixth day and Nadu Valam Vekka and Pallivetta on the seventh day. On the last day of the festival fascinating Poorakkali a traditional dance ritual is performed by men during the night and Poorappattu a theme from the life history of the Goddess is sung. The festival comes to an end with Arrattu or procession.
Similar Festivals
- Mandalavilakku festival at Sabrimala
- Arratu festival like in many temples across Kerala
