Varakkal Sree Durga Devi Temple

Varakkal, West Hill, Dist. Kozhikode.

Varakkal Sree Durga Devi Temple is a famous and ancient place of worship located at West Hill in Kozhikode city. It is believed to be the 108th and last among the 108 Durga temples consecrated by Bhargavarama (Parashurama). More than a place of worship, the temple stands as a living symbol of Kerala’s sacred traditions, beliefs and rich cultural heritage.

Although historians do not have records showing the exact year in which Varakkal Temple was built, its architecture and historical details indicate that it is centuries old. According to historical records, the temple received little attention in its early years. It was later restored and extensively renovated during the rule of the Perumal kings of Kerala. Based on this, the temple is believed to be more than 1,000 years old. Later, the Zamorin rulers of Kozhikode declared it a Mahakshetram and carried out major construction works during the medieval period, mainly between the 14th and 16th centuries. The traditional Kerala-style Nalambalam and Sreekovil seen today are believed to be part of these works. The old stone carvings and cave-like structures carved into the rock on the hill are also considered evidence of the temple’s ancient origins. At present, the temple is administered jointly by the trustee of the Zamorin Raja of Kozhikode and the Malabar Devaswom Board. An Executive Officer appointed by the Devaswom Board, along with other staff, manages the day-to-day activities from the temple office.

According to legend, Parashurama used his divine power to plough the hard rocks on the hill to invoke the presence of the Goddess. It is believed that the place was named ‘Varakkal’ because of the marks left by the plough. The idol of Goddess Durga is also believed to have been carved directly by Parashurama using his axe. It is said that Parashurama first performed Vavubali Tharpanam on this seashore as a mark of respect and as an act of repentance for those he had killed in his battles with the Kshatriyas. Pleased with this, the Goddess is believed to have blessed devotees who come here during the Karkidaka Vavubali days. As part of this belief, many devotees still come here to perform Bali Tharpanam on Karkidaka Vavubali. There is also a small cave carved into the rock within the temple premises, with a water pool inside that is believed to never dry up. According to another local belief, Parashurama created this cave and pool using his weapon.

Varakkal Sree Durga Devi Temple is built on a small hill, slightly above the surrounding land. A large entrance gateway, known as a Padippura, can be seen at the foot of the temple. From here, 28 broad steps paved with red stone lead up to the temple. As one climbs the steps, there are wide views of the Arabian Sea nearby, along with the sea breeze. At the top, the outer wall of the temple, known as the Chuttambalam, can be seen, built in the traditional Kerala style with sloping red-tiled roofs. On entering through the main gateway, there is a spacious natural courtyard with the Nalambalam at its centre.

The temple has a single-storey, square Sreekovil built of granite. It has a traditional Kerala-style sloping roof covered with red tiles, designed to withstand heavy rainfall. A shining copper Thazhikakudam is placed on top of the roof. Beautiful stone carvings of Dwarapalakas can be seen on either side of the main entrance to the Sreekovil. The doorway and steps are decorated with copper plates. Goddess Durga, in her gentle form, is the main deity here. The four-armed idol holds weapons such as the conch and discus and is depicted in a blessing posture. The idol is carved from traditional black stone. The sight of Goddess Durga illuminated only by the light of ghee lamps inside the Sreekovil is a notable feature of the temple.

Inside the main Sreekovil, the shrine of Lord Ganesha is located in the south-west corner, close to the idol of Goddess Durga. This is a Kanni Moola Ganapathy shrine, commonly found in Kerala temples. A shrine dedicated to Lord Dakshinamoorthy, the form of Lord Shiva associated with knowledge, is also located inside the Nalambalam, facing south. Outside the Nalambalam, a small separate shrine is dedicated to Lord Ayyappan in the south-east corner. This area is used by Sabarimala pilgrims for wearing the Mala and performing Kettunira. The shrines of Nagaraja and Nagayakshi are placed beneath large trees within the temple grounds, giving the area the appearance of a traditional sacred grove.

Navaratri is the biggest festival of the temple. It is celebrated on a grand scale for nine days in the month of Kanni (September–October). On each of the nine days, the Goddess is adorned in a different form and special poojas are performed. Large crowds are seen on Durga Ashtami, Mahanavami and Vijayadashami. The Vidyarambham ceremony, where young children are introduced to learning, is also well known on Vijayadashami. The annual Prathishta Festival, known as Thiruvutsavam, is held in the month of Kumbham (February–March) and lasts for about a week. The festival includes processions accompanied by elephants, cultural programmes, special poojas and fireworks. Vavubali Tharpanam, performed on the new moon days in the months of Karkidakam (July–August) and Thulam (October–November), is another important ritual. On these days, many devotees gather at the nearby Varakkal Beach to perform Bali Tharpanam for their ancestors.

The first Friday of every Malayalam month is considered an auspicious day for the Goddess. Special Mangalya Siddhi Poojas are performed on these days for marital happiness and to remove obstacles to marriage. During the 41-day Mandala season, from Vrischikam 1 to Dhanu 11, many Ayyappa devotees also visit the temple. It is also an important stop for Sabarimala pilgrims. Special Nagapreethi Poojas and Navakam are performed for the Naga deities on the Ayilyam star of every month. Vinayaka Chathurthi and Thrikkarthika are also important special days observed at the temple.

Kadumpayasam (jaggery payasam) is considered the Goddess’s favourite offering and is mainly performed by devotees for the fulfilment of wishes and family prosperity. Koottupayasam and Palpayasam are other important offerings made along with special poojas. Lalitha Sahasranamarchana, the chanting of the Goddess’s thousand names, is performed for mental well-being and the fulfilment of wishes. Mangalya Siddhi Pooja is a special offering performed to remove obstacles to marriage and to find a suitable life partner. It is especially popular on the first Friday of every Malayalam month. Pattu Charathal, in which a red silk cloth is offered to the Goddess, is an important offering performed by married women for a long and happy married life. Special rituals are also performed for the other deities. Appam Moodal and Otta are offered to Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles. Neyyabhishekam is performed for Lord Ayyappan for relief from the effects of Shani and for good health. Noorum Paalum and Kalampattu are performed for Nagaraja and Nagayakshi on the Ayilyam star of every month to remove Naga Dosha.

The temple opens every day at 5:00 AM. Usha Pooja is performed from 6:30 to 7:00 AM, followed by Ucha Pooja at 10:00 AM. The temple closes at 10:30 AM. In the evening, it reopens at 5:00 PM, followed by Deeparadhana at sunset. Athazha Pooja is performed at 7:00 PM, after which the temple closes at 7:30 PM. These timings may change on special festival days such as Navaratri and Karkidaka Vavubali and on occasions when special poojas are performed.

Key highlight :-

• Located 5 km from Kozhikode city and 16 km from Feroke.
• The nearest railway station is Kozhikode Railway Station, about 6 km away.
  27 km from Calicut Airport.
• KSRTC and local bus facilities are available to the temple.
• Private vehicles can be parked in the temple’s parking area.
• Accommodation and food facilities are available in the nearby towns.
• Contact number +91 49523135217, 8281973633.