INTRODUCTION

Kozhikode was the capital of Zamorin. Kozhikode, being a prominent trade and commerce centre of Malabar Coast right from the 13th century, has a prominent place in the international trade map of the country. It was at Kozhikode that Vasco-da-Gama, the adventurous Portuguese navigator, anchored his fleet and thereby marked his footprints in the history. When Vasco-da-Gama landed at Kozhikode in 1498, it marked another turning point in the History of India also. Kozhikode was the capital town of erstwhile Malabar district of British province

Religious history of the district

In the ancient days, the people followed an independent religious philosophy related with Dravidian practices. Around 3rd Century B.C., Jainism and Buddhism came into the district. It was the Jainism that set foot in the region. Both Jainism and Buddhism declined consequent on the insurgence of Aryans and by the revival of Hinduism. Efforts of Sri Sankaracharya and Bhakthi movement contributed much for the promotion of Hinduism.

Though Christianity came to Kerala in 52 A.D., it did not make any impact on the religious thoughts of the people. The arrival of foreigners created a favourable atmosphere for Christianity, but situation did not improve till the influx of Christian immigrants from Travancore to the eastern parts of the district during the first half of 20th Century. However, Islam religion spread widely in the district after 7th Century A.D.  Communal harmony and religious tolerance are the remarkable characteristics of the people of the district.

Antiquity and deities:

Antiquity of the temples of Kozhikode district cannot be determined in terms of age of the idol or structures of the temple. The antiquity of each temple may, therefore, be decided based on legend or history. However, the Department of Census, Government of India identified 40 temples of the district as very ancient having more than two thousand years of age. 127 temples were constructed between 1st and 9th Century AD. Between 10th and 20th Century AD, 841 temples have been constructed. The department could not ascertain the antiquity of 175 temples. 

The deities of the district are mainly Goddess Bhadrakali or Bhagavathy, Lord Vishnu, Lord Siva, Lord Ganapathy, Lord Subramanya, Lord Sastha etc based on various kalpa or sankalpa (concept). Combination of sankalpa such as Sankara-Narayana, Uma-Maheswara, Lakshmy-Narayana, Siva-Parvathy etc are also there. Number of temples based on various sankalpa is given below:

Administration:

In ancient periods, King or local chieftains are owned and administered temples. Some of the temples were owned by madams, tharawads or individuals. However, majority of them were under the administrative control of King or local chieftains. When the foreigners established their power in the area and powers of local rulers faded away, administration of temples was also taken over by them. In 1790, the British Government came forward with certain regulations to control the administration of temples in Malabar region. The first enactment on these lines was the Madras Regulation VII of 1817. Subsequently, the Religious Endowment XX of 1863 was enacted. Since this Act was found to be a failure, the Government brought out another one repealing the Act of 1863. Later in 1927, the Government passed the Madras Hindu Religious Endowment Act (Act II of 1927) and brought temple administration under their control. After independence, the Congress Government of erstwhile Madras State introduced the Madras Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act of 1951 to govern the temples. When the Kerala State was formed and Malabar region formed its part, this Act was made applicable to the temples of that region which includes the present Kozhikode district. A Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Board was also came into existence. Later the Board was converted into a Department. Till 2008, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department held control over the temples. In 2008, the Government of Kerala, amended the Act and constituted the Malabar Devaswom Board. Now temples of the district are under the control of the Malabar Devaswom Board. They are as follows:

1          Achery Theru Ganapathy Temple, Keezhariyur
2          Adithrukovil Temple, Karassery
3          Agrasala Ganapathy Temple, Kozhikode
4          Amrithamangalam Siva Temple, Vellayikkode
5          Anayamkunnu Temple, Kumaranelloor
6          Arakkilattu Paradevatha Temple, Vadakara
6          Ariyanthery Ganapathy Temple, Palery
7          Ayanchery Siva Temple, Ayannchery
8          Azhakodi Devi temple, Kalathilkunnu
9          Azhathrukovil Temple, Nellikode
10        Azhiyoor Korothu Nagabhagavathy Temple, Azhiyoor
11        Balussery Kotta Chala Devaswom, Panangad
12        Beypore Siva Temple, Beypore
13        Bilathikulam Siva Temple, Kasaba
14        Bilathikulam Vettakorumakan Temple, Kachery
15        Chelur Subrahmanya Swami Temple, Kunnamangalam
16        Chembakassery Temple, Cherukulathoor
17        Chennamangalam Temple, Chorodu
18        Cherussery Temple, Kozhukkallur
19        Cheruvannoor Nealeswaram Temple, Nealeswaram
20        Cheruvattayi Vishnu Temple, Purameri
21        Chothrothu Vettakkorumakan Temple, Thurayur
22        Chundayil Kazahakam Temple, Edachery
23        Durga Bhagavathy Temple, Kozhikode
24        Edakkayil Theruganapathy Temple, Cheruvannur
25        Edavallur Temple, Edakkara
26        Elamarankulangara Devaswom, Menhaniam
27        Elampilat Paradevada Temple, Keezhariyur
28        Eledathu Temple, Kadamery
29        Eravattur Palliyara Bhagavathy Temple, Eravatoor
30        Iringadanpally Temple, Chavayoor
31        Iringannor Siva Temple, Edachery
32        Kadamery Paradevatha Temple, Puramery
33        Kalari Ayyappan Kavu Temple, Mankavu
34        Kalchira Temple, Mavoor
35        Kaliyamvally Bhagavathy Temple, Edachery
36        Kallilkavu Bhagavathy Temple, Chelavoor
37        Kampurathu Bhagavathy Temple, Elathoor
38        Kanhilassery Temple, Chemanjery
39        Kannambalatheru Ganapathi Temple, Naduvannur
40        Kannanchery Mahaganapathy Temple, panniyankara
41        Kanniparamba Temple, Kanniparamba
42        Kanyakaparameswari Temple, kasaba
43        Kapaleswaram Temple, Azchavattorm
44        Karayattu Vishnu Temple, Puramery
45        Karthikappally Durga Bhagavathy Temple, Eramala
46        Karuvanchery Kazhakam, Palayadu
47        Kattayattu Temple, Peruvayal
48        Keezhur Siva Temple, Payyoli
49        Kelukkutty Bhandaramoortahy Temple, West Hill
50        Kolarattu Ganapathy Temple, Azhiyoor
51        Kolassery Siva Temple, Thunery
52        Koodaranhikorumakan Temple, Thiruvambadi
53        Kooniyottupadickal Temple, Muthuvannacha
54        Koormankulangara Temple, Eramala
55        Koozhakode Temple, Chuloor
56        Kothamangalam Mahavishnu Temple, Panthalayani
57        Kottahu Temple, Puramery
58        Kottayil Bhagavathy temple, Kadavor
59        Kottayil Kovilakam Temple, Muchukunnu
60        Kottiyamvelly Temple, Villiappally
61        Kottoor Vishnu Temple, Kottoor
62        Kunhalloor Narasimhamoorthy Temple, Puramery
63        Kunhimangalam Temple, Kedavoor
64        Kuniyadi Temple, Kakkur
65        Kuniyil Temple, Vellanoor
66        Kunnamkulangara Temple, Villiappally
67        Kunnummal Bhagavathy Temple, Kunnummal
68        Kuttotthu Vishnu Temple, Memunda
69        Kuvvattu Mahavishnu Temple, Puramery
70        Lakshmi Narayana Temple, Avidanellur
71        Lokanarkavu Temple, Memunda
72        Mamundakkaruvara Temple, Padinhattummuri
73        Manakkulangara Bhagavathy Temple, Kuruvangad
74        Kovilakam Devaswom, Iyyad
75        Manikkoth Kazhakam Devaswom, Cheruvannur
76        Maniyurmadam, Payyoli
77        Mankav Vettakkorumakan Temple, Mankav
78        Mannur Siva Temple, kadalundi
79        Manthankavu Siva Temple, Arikkulam
80        Maralur Devaswom, Viyyur
81        Mathilakam Narasimhamoorthy Temple, Thalakkulathur
82        Memunda madam, Memunda
83        Modakkallur Durga Bhagavathy Temple, Modakkallur
84        Moodaditheru Ganapathy Temple, Moodadi
85        Muthalam Temple, Thazhekode
86        Nadukil Temple, Neeleswaram
87        Naduvathoor Siva, Keezhariyoor
88        Nallur Siva Temple, Feroke
89        Narikkattiry Vishnu Temple, Nadapuram
90        Nellikodu Vishnu Temple, Nellikode
91        Nirmallur Narasimhamoorthy Temple, Panangad
92        Nochad Narasimhamoorthy Temple, Nochad
92        Ollur Siva Temple, Nellikode
93        Padinharekovilakam Devaswom, Mankav
94        Palakkurumba Bhagavathy temple, Pantheerankavu
95        Panakkadu Payyormala Bhagavathy Temple, Kallode
96        Panniyankara Durga Bhagavathy Temple, panniyankara
97        Panthalayani Aghora SivaTemple, Panthalayani
98        Parambil Vishnu Temple, Kuruvattoor
99        Pariharapuram Temple, Velipram
100      Payingottayi paradevatha Temple, Kottappully
101      Perumanna Siva Temple, Perumanna
102      Perumanpura Temple, Perumanna
103      Pisharikavu Devaswom, Viyyur
104      Pisharikavu Temple, Karuvassery
105      Pokkozhikode Temple, Kasaba
106      Polur Subrahmanyaswami Temple, Kuruvattoor
107      Ponmery Siva Temple, Viliapally
108      Porngottoor Subrahmanyaswami Temple, Vavad
109      Poyilkavu Temple, Chengottukavu
110      Puthiyappa Bhagavathy Temple, Beypore
111      Puthiyatheru Ganapathy Temple, Nadapuram
112      Puthiyatheru Ganapathy Temple, Panthalayani
113      Puthoor Durga Temple, Edakkad
114      Ramalloor Ramaswami Temple, Kakkoor
115      Ravattamangalam Temple, Mepayur
116      Ravipuram Temple, Nealeswaram
117      Renukamariyamman Temple, Kasaba
118      Rishipuram Temple, Valayanadu
119      Sivamangalam Temple, Kuttikkattoor
120      Srikandeswaram Temple, Kasaba
121      Srikrishnapuram Temple, Pannikode
122      Subrahmanyaswami Temple, Cheruvannoor
123      Thalappana Narasimhamoorthy Temple, Chooloor
124      Thali Temple, Kasaba
125      Thathoor Vishnu Temple, Mavoor
126      Thavanoor Temple, Kumaranelloor
127      Thinoor Sankaranarayana Temple, Narippatta
128      Thirumana Vishnu Temple, Viliappally
129      Thiruvachira Srikrishna Temple, Meenchantha
130      Thiruvallur Siva Temple, Thiruvalloor
131      Thiruvangayoor Devaswom, Karayad
132      Thiruvannur Temple, Panniyankara
133      Thiruvothu Temple, Thalakalathoor
134      Thrikkaringamanna temple, Koodathai
135      Thrikkovil Temple, Kotooly
136      Thrikkoyikal Temple, Naduvalloor
137      Uchakavu Temple, Pannikode
138      Udayakurumba Temple, Karapramba
139      Urupunniakavu Temple, Moodadi
140      Vaikilassery Paradevatha Temple, Chorodu
141      Vaikilassery Theruganapathy Temple, Chorodu
142      Vairaghymadam Devaswom, Nagaram
143      Vakamoli Temple, Arikulam
144      Valayanadu Bhagavathy Temple, Valayanadu
145      Valiyaveettil kariyathankavu Temple, Valayanadu
146      Vallikkattukavu Temple, Thalakkalathur
147      Valora Ayyappa Temple, Kuruvattur
148      Vaprathu Kazhakam, Maniyur
149      Varakkal Bhagavathy Temple, Kacheri
150      Vattoli Devi Temple, Thazhekkodu
151      Vattoly Siva Temple, Kunnummal
152      Veemangalam Siva Temple, Vanmugham
153      Vellarangott Paradevatha Temple, Palayadu
154      Vellayikode Bhagavthy Temple, Beypore
155      Vellikkulangara Temple, Onchiyam
156      Vendoor Temple, Thazhekode
157      Vettakkorumakan Temple, Thunery
158      Vishnumangalam Temple, Nadapuram

LOKANARKAVU TEMPLE. VADAKARA

Location: Lokanarkavu Temple is located about 5 km from Vadakara town of Kozhikode District. Vadakara is well connected with road (NH-17) and rail (Shornur-Mangalore route).
Nearest Railway Station: Vadakara
Nearest Airport: Kozhikode (Karipur) Airport (60 km).
Panchayat: Vilayappalli
Village: Vilayappalli

Legend/History: Lokanarkavu Temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga, popularly known as Lokaranarkavilamma. Legends and folklore give the details of this temple. It is said that Kadathanadu Rajah once owned the temple. An old palace of Kadathanadu Rajah situated near to the temple gives support to this contention. One of the legends say that some members of the royal family of zamorin proceeded to Kadathanad due to some internal quarrels and annexed their kingdom there had built the temple. Another story tells that the Puduppanam Vazhunnor brought an invoked idol from Kodungallur and installed the deity there. Yet another legend says that a Nair clam from Kollam came to north centuries back and settled near the temple site. In order to worship, they brought their family deity of Sree Kokamaleswarathamma and named as Lokamalayal Kavu which has been shortened later as Lokanar Kavu. There is no reliable record available to prove the antiquity of the temple.  Some believe that the temple is 1500 years old. Some are of opinion that the temple was built by Aryans who migrated to Kerala from North. The Aryans still have some importance in the temple. A stage at the temple in memory of these Aryan Ancestors who built the temple is there is at right side to the main entrance and one should seek their permission and offer prayers to see the Goddess inside. It is believed that the principal deity will not hear the prayers without praying to these ancestors. Some others believe that the Kottavai Devi, of the ‘Samgha’ period might be transformed as a protector of Kadathanadu. Thacholi Othenan, the legendary martial hero of Vadakkan pattukal (northern ballards), used to worship here every day. This temple is associated with the heroes and heroines of Vadakkan pattukal.  Lokanarkavilamma became an indispensable part of everyone's life in and around Vadakara.

Features of temple: The temple complex has three temples dedicated to Lord Maha Vishnu, Lord Siva and Goddess Bhagavathy. The temple of Lord Maha Vishnu is very ancient and is believed to have been consecrated by Lord Parasurama. The installation of Lord Siva is believed to have been made on the first day of Malabar Era (ie. 825 AD). Temple of Goddess Bhagavathy has been built during eleventh century. Near to the temple, there are three rock caves having mural paintings and carvings. The Althara (platforms build around banyan trees) in the temple compound are for performing Pooramkali, an art form that pay tribute to heroes and warriors for their heroic actions in battle. Historical evidences point out that animal sacrifice was offered in olden days before men going to the battlefield. A peculiar folk dance known as Thacholikali that resembles the martial art Kalarippayattu is presented during festival season. Kalaripayattu artists used to seek the blessings of deity before their first appearance.
The temple was famous for Sathya Pareeksha (a ritual to prove innocence in disputed cases). Now it is replaced by Sathyam Chollal (a pledge of truth). No one will tell a lie before the deity for fear of consequential impact.
Deity: The main deity is Goddess Durga. Two deities of Lord Vishnu and Siva are also worshipped here. The metallic idol of Durga is small having four arms holding weapons and wears a crown. 
Festivals: The important festival of the temple is Pooram that celebrated during Meenom (March/April). The weeklong festival begins with Kodiyettam (flag hoisting) and concludes with Arattu. Forty-one day Mandala Utsavam is another festival.  In Lord Siva Temple, Sivarathri is celebrated. Ashtami Rohini is important in the temple of Lord Maha Vishnu.

PISHARAKKAVU TEMPLE, PANTHALAYANI

Location: The temple is located about 3 km north-west of Koyilandi on NH-17 (26 km north of Kozhikode).
Nearest Railway Station: Koyilandi
Nearest Airport: Kozhikode (Karipur) International Airport (45 km)

Legend: The legend tells that the temple was built by a prominent Vaisya family of Kollam migrated to Koyilandi consequent on their expulsion from Venad kingdom. Before they left their native place, the leader of the family had a dream in which the Goddess Bhagavathy ordered to take the sword that She placed near him. When woke up he saw the sword and he carried the sword with great respect. When they settled Koyilandi, they built a small shrine and installed the sword known as Nandakam. Later, Goddess Bhagavathi (Bhadrakali) was also consecrated. The sword Nandakam is fixed on the wall of the Sreekovil. Tipu Sultlan, during his invasion, decided to plunder the temple unless the Goddess Herself should give prasadam to him. Then the Goddess Herself appeared and gave prasadam to Tipu Sulatan and he fainted immediately for a few hours. On regaining consciousness, he convinced about the enormous power of the Goddess. He not only withdrew the decision to loot the temple, but donated extensive properties as a penance. The annuity fetched from the property was used to meet the expenses of the temple till recently.

Deity: Goddess Bhadrakali (Bhagavathy/Durga) with her eight arms with conch, disc, club, lotus, trident, skull, sword and rope, is the principal deity. The concept of the idol is that of the Goddess after slaying Darika. The idol of Goddess is faced north. Lord Siva, another deity is facing east. Lord Veerabhadra and Lord Ganapathy and Lord Ayyappa are the other deities.
Festival: Kaliyattam held for eight days in the month of Meenom is the main festival. This festival attracts large crowd from North Kerala. Another important festival is Navarathri.

MAHA SIVA (TALI) TEMPLE, KOZHIKODE

Location: The temple is situated right in the heart of Kozhikode town.
Railway Station: Kozhikode
Airport: Kozhikode (Karipur) International Airport (12 km).
Legend/History: This temple is one of the 18 Talis existed in Kerala. [Tali means a temple under Taliyathiri (Namboodiri chief)]. It is believed that Lord Parasurama propitiated Lord Siva to remain in this temple. He then entrusted the temple administration to fifty Namboodiri families of the Taligramam (colony of Namboodiries). In ancient days there was a school for Vedic teaching. The historically famous Revathi Pattathanam is held at this temple. Revathy Pattathanam is an annual assembly of scholars and men of letters. The temple had to be closed when Haider Ali and Tipu Sulthan invaded Kozhikode and Samoothiri taken refuge in erstwhile Travancore. Tipu Sulthan desecrated the temple and it was renovated in the 18th Century. Legend says that Naranathu Branthan (son of Vararuchi) installed some of the deities in the temple. There is a legend behind the installation of the idol of Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathy in the temple. Once when Samoothiri decided to conduct Kalam-pattu at the temple, his wife suggested that a similar Kalam-pattu at the Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathy temple might also be conducted. The Samoothiri did not agree to the suggestion and hence the dejected lady went on fast. On the day of Kalam-pattu, the oracle of the Thirumandhaamkunnu Bhagavathy appeared before the Samoothiri and demanded the share of Goddess in respect of Kalam-pattu. Samoothiri got frightened and not only agreed to give the due share but instituted a special pooja at the Thirumandhaamkunnu temple and an idol of Goddess installed in the Thalitemple complex. It is also worth to mention here that, unlike other temples, Tali temple has two idols of Lord Maha Ganapathy. One is at the southern side of the Sreekovil and the other at the northern side of Valiyambalam. The idol of Lord Ganapathy at the northern side was the one worshipped by the Brahmins of Perincheri Chennas Mana and is having ten hands in blessing pose and with His two consorts – Sri Siddhi and Sri Buddhi – sitting on his lap. When Samoothiri knew about this idol he ordered to install it at the temple so as to get the benefit and blessings of Lord to all. Accordingly, the idol was installed at the temple complex.   
Deity:  The temple has two complexes, one for Lord Siva and the other for Lord Sri Krishna.  Lord Siva is the principal deity. Lord Ganapathy (two idols as stated earlier), Lord Ayyappa, Goddess Bhagavathy are the other deities.
Festivals: The annual festival of held from the 1st of Medom (Vishu day) which lasts for seven days. The other festivals celebrated here are Sivarathri, Ashtami Rohini.

SRI KRISHNA TEMPLE, THIRUVAMBADI

Location: Thiruvambadi is located about 35 km east to Kozhikode town. The Sri Krishna temple is located one km west of Thiruvambadi junction on the banks of river Iravathy.
Nearest Railway Station: Kozhikode (35 km)
Nearest Airport: Kozhikode International Airport (58 km)
Panchayat: Thiruvambadi
Village: Thiruvambadi

Legend / History: Ambadi is the place where Lord Sri Krishna spent His boyhood period. Thiru means sacred. Hence Thiruvambadi means the sacred place where Lord Sri Krishna lived in His younger period. The places near the temple viz., Kakkuntayi, Kaliyampuzha are associated with the incidents in His life. Sri Krishna used to steal butter from the nearby homes. In Malayalam Kakkuka means stealing. So the place Kakkuntayi got its name. The name Kaliyampuzha resembles the Kaliyamardanam performed by Sri Krishna. The temple is one of the ancient temples of Kozhikode. Previously there were two temples in the complex dedicated to Lord Sri Krishna and Lord Siva. However, now the temple is known as Sri Krishna Temple. In 1991 a temple committee was constituted and the administration is vested with it. Previously it was administered by a Nair tharavad.

Deity: Lord Sri Krishna is the principal deity. Lord Siva, Lord Ganapathy, Lord Ayyappa and Goddess Bhagavathy are the other deities consecrated in the sub shrines attached to the temple.
Festival: Sri Krishna Jayanthi, Sivarathri and Mandala Ulsava are the main festivals celebrated in the temple.

MAHA SIVA TEMPLE, PONMERI

Location: Ponmeri is located 6 km east of Vadakara. Maha Siva Temple of Ponmeri is one of the oldest temples of Kozhikode datable to very ancient period.     
Nearest Railway Station: Vadakara (6 km)
Nearest Airport: Kozhikode International Airport (70 km)
Panchayat: Ayancheri
Village: Ayancheri

Legend/History:  One of the legends associated with the temple is that Lord Siva came to a Namboodiri Illam (house) after He killed Daksha (this incident happened at Kottiyoor, as per the belief). Feeling some divine powers the Namboodiri conducted a prasna and as directed by the astrologer, he built a temple dedicated to Lord Siva. Later the Kolathunad Raja had taken over the temple. Another legend says that Lord Siva in the disguise of a Brahmin helped the workers who could not place one of the beams of the temple while it was constructed. When the forces of Tipu Sultan started to destroy the temple, it is believed that the deity emitted a fire ball and the forces had to retreat from the temple premises. The temple is now under the control of Malabar Devaswam Board.

Deity: The main deity is Lord Siva in the form of Sivalinga. The concept is that of Kirathamoorthy. Lord Brahma, Lord Sankaranarayana, Lord Subramanya, Lord Vishnu are the other deities.

Festivals: Sivarathri and annual festival for eight days in the month of Makaram (January-February) are the main festivals.

AGHORA SIVA TEMPLE, PANTHALAYANI

Location: The temple, an ancient among the temples of Kozhikode district, is located one km. north east of Koyilandi municipal town.
Nearest Railway Station: Koyilandi (1 km.)
Nearest Airport: Kozhikode International Airport (45 km.)
Village: Panthalayini

Legend/History: It is believed that the consecration of the idol was done by Lord Parasurama. The concept of the idol is that of Lord Siva after killing Daksha and hence fierce in nature. Sri Sankaracharya worshipped here. Kodungallur Kunhikuttan Thampuran had also worshipped the deity of the temple. This is one of the three temples where Othoot is performed. Krishnanattam, which is rarely staged outside Guruvayur temple, is used to stage here. The temple administration was controlled by Kurumbranad raja in ancient period. Later it was looked after Kaliyamath tharavad. In 1992 the temple was transferred to HR&CE department and now it is under Malabar Devaswam Board.

Deity: Lord Siva in the sankalpa (concept) of Ahoramoorthy is the principal deity. Lord Ganapapthy, Lord Ayyappa and Lord Sri Krishna are the other deities. The idols of Uma-Maheswara and Dakshinamoorthy in the form of sila-linga are also consecrated in the temple.

Festivals: Annual festival ending on Sivarathri day is the main festival. Navarathri is also celebrated here.