Lokanarkavu temple
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Lokanarkavu temple is situated 5 km from Vatakara, a small town in Kerala state of south India. In the vicinity of the temple, there are three rock cut caves. The candid murals and carvings here are of great fascination to the visitors. The main deity is Goddess Durga, with two adjacent shrines dedicated to the gods Vishnu and Siva. The festival, locally called Pooram, is celebrated during March/April. It is believed that the temple is 1500 years old.
The week-long festival begins with Kodiyettam (flag hoisting) and concludes with Arattu. The temple dedicated to goddess Bhadrakaali has great historical importance as Thacholi Othenan, the legendary martial hero of Kerala, used to worship here every day.
[edit] Lokanarkavu and Kalarippayattu
Forty-one day Mandala Utsavam is the annual festival at the Lokanarkavu Bhagavathy Temple. This is the only temple where a peculiar folk dance called Thacholikali is presented during festivals. The dance, performed during the festival resembles the martial art Kalarippayattu. Even today, all Kalaripayattu artists seek the blessings of the deity before their debut.
This temple is associated with the heroes and heroins of Vadakkanpattu.
[edit] See also
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