Lokanarkavu: Myths & legends of a beautiful temple

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The temple is said to have been built around the 2nd century & is one of the most revered temples in Malabar. The temple was earlier called Lokamalayarkavu which means world made of mountain, river & groves. It is still closely related to the old name.


The temple is dedicated to three principal deities namely Vishnu, Bhagwathy & Siva. All three temples have their own separate Sanctum Sanctorum, rituals & festivals. The three temples are also made in a stepwise format & they are placed in an order of sequence based on their age. The first temple is of Vishnu, the next temple is that of Lord Siva & the final temple is that of Goddess Bhagwati. The Vishnu temple is around 2000 years old, the Bhagavathy temple for 1500 years & the latest temple of Siva is around 500 years old.

The Vishnu temple, one of the oldest in Kerala is a beautiful temple with traditional architecture & beautiful murals. The temple also has unique wood carvings with even some erotic art which is quite unique for a temple in Kerala. Another first is that the idol of Vishnu stands with his right leg forward & is enshrined here by Lord Parasuraman. The temple was administered from its time by the Kamukara Brahmins who were of Tulu origin. The temple of Bhawgathy was built in the 5th century by the Nagarakkars who were great traders from Sindh. The earlier Vishnu temple became known as the Bhagavathy temple later as it is believed that when a parashakti deity’s temple is built next to another deity, the importance of the earlier temple deity fades away. The Nagriks who had made good trade in Kollam came to the shores of Vatakara & settled in a place they renamed as Kollam. They valued sincerity & loyalty but immorality was a curse & when the people of Kollam accused one of their members of the same they decided to find better lands & moved further north. They were met by a Nattukootam in the Meemunda area who enquired to them about their single mother to whom they prayed. The mother realized that this was the place to make her clan settle & asked the chief to go to the nearby hillock & send an arrow; wherever the arrow fell the Amma Goddess will rest there. As per her directions the Nagarakkars sent down the arrow which struck a jungle tree & so the Goddess encompassed the tree. The temple for the Goddess was thus constructed next to the Vishnu temple. Even today to celebrate this event a group of youngsters go to the Kottakat Mala & crack 11 metal canisters (Kathinas) to declare the arrival of the Goddess. The temple built was dedicated to Lokambika & the Nagriks were entrusted by the Kamukara Brahmins to take care of both the Vishnu & Bhagavathy temple. With time the Nagriks moved to other parts & so they asked the Nelliyot Moossathu to  look after the temple administration which was later given to the Kadathanad Royal family. The temple rose into prominence in the 16th century when the famous warrior Thacholi Othenan revered the Goddess & prayed to her before & after any duel. Here at this temple you can still hear the ballads praising this warrior.

It was only in the 15th century, the Puduppanam village chief asked for permission to build a Shiva temple from the Nagriks & the Kadathanad Raja who granted space between the Vishnu & Bhagavathy temple. The Sivalinga enshrined in this temple is retrieved from a ruined Siva temple. In this temple you can see some of the best temple art on the roofs & walls with intricate wood carvings.

The legendary carnatic singer Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagvathar who is said to have been born near Lokanarkavu. It is said that many of his kacheris have been conducted at the temple by him. The annual festival of Lokanarkavu is celebrated in the Malayalam month of Meenam (Mid-March- Mid April). This is the only temple where a folk dance called Poorakkali is performed during festivals. The dance performed during the festival resembles the martial art Kalaripayattu. Thacholikkali, a fusion of various art forms including Kathakali, Kolkali, and Velakali, is exclusively performed at this temple.
Location: Vatakara, Kerala, India

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