Kalarivathukkal Bhagavathy Temple – Kerala’s Fierce Goddess Shrine
Kalarivathukkal Bhagavathy Temple, situated near the Valapattanam River in the Kannur district, is a renowned Hindu shrine in Kerala dedicated to Bhadrakali. It holds significance as the family shrine of the Chirakkal Royal Family. The deity worshipped here is the fierce form of Bhadrakali. Kalarivathukkal Bhagavathy is revered as the mother of the ancient martial art Kalarippayattu, hence the temple's name. Administered by the Malabar Devaswom Board, it is classified as a Category A Temple under the board's jurisdiction.
Kalarivathukkal Bhagavathy Temple - Kerala
The sacred shrine is part of the Devi temple triad associated with the former Chirakkal Kingdom, the other two being Cherukunnu Annapoornashwari Temple and Tiruvarkadu Bhagavathy Temple (Madayi Kavu). According to mythology, Annapoornashwari, along with her companions Kalarivatukkalamma and Madayikkavilamma, arrived from Kasi to Chirakkal in a boat to visit the Krishna Temple. It is said that they never returned.
The temple's unique feature lies in its traditional Kerala-style architecture designed in Rurujith Vidhanam (Kaula Shakteya Sampradaya), featuring shrines dedicated to Shiva, Sapta Mathrukkal, Ganapathy, Veerabhadra, and Kshetrapalakan (Bhairava) in four sanctums.
Kalarivathukkal Temple conducts the Theyyam ritual every year. The huge Thirumudi (head gear) of Kalarivathukkal Amma’s Theyyam is the major highlight and is the tallest among Theyyams in Kannur.
The Temple celebrates its annual Pooram Festival for 9 days in March-April, starting from Karthika Nakshatra and concluding in Uthram Nakshatra of the Malayalam month of Meenam. The festival kicks off with a captivating Kalarippayattu performance, complemented by musical and traditional art performances like Thayambaka and Poorakkali as well as the spectacular fireworks on the final day.
Entry/Darshan Time
5 AM to 1 PM
5 PM to 8:30 PM
Specialty
Kalarivathukkal Temple is the ancestral shrine of the Chirakkal royal family. The deity represented here is the fierce manifestation of Bhadrakali and is fondly called Kalarivathukkal Bhagavathy. Kalarivathukkal Bhagavathy is known as the mother of the ancient martial art Kalarippayattu.
Kalarivathukkal Temple conducts the Theyyam ritual every year. The huge Thirumudi (head gear) of Kalarivathukkal Amma’s Theyyam is the major highlight and is the tallest among Theyyams in Kannur.
Dress Code
There is no special dress code for visiting Kalarivathukkal Bhagavathy Temple. But, it's advisable to dress modestly and respectfully, preferably in traditional attire, while visiting the temple. It is important to note that men are not allowed to wear shirts when entering the temple premises.
Festivals
Pooram Mahotsavam
Thirumudi Utsavam
Best Time to Visit
Throughout the year
How to reach
By Air : Kannur International Airport is the nearest airport, 28.9 Km away from Kalarivathukkal Temple. From the airport, you can avail of public transport or get a cab/ taxi to reach the temple.
By Train :The nearest railway station is Kannur Railway Station, 7.2 Km away from Kalarivathukkal Temple. From the railway station, one can hire a bus or an auto-rickshaw to reach the temple.
By Road :Kalarivathukkal Temple is easily accessible by road. You can choose private transportation, take a bus, or hire an auto-rickshaw to reach the temple.