Valliyoorkkavu Bhagavathy Temple, Mananthavady
Bhagavathy (Bhadrakali, Vana Durga, Jala Durga) temple · Mananthavady, Wayanad, Kerala, India
Valliyoorkkavu is a Bhagavathy temple near Mananthavady in Wayanad district, Kerala. Kerala Tourism places it about 3 km from Mananthavady town and describes it as a holy establishment that plays an integral role in the lives of the tribal communities of Wayanad.
Wikipedia records the presiding deity as Goddess Bhadrakali, who is also worshipped here as Bhagavathy, Vana Durga and Jala Durga. Kerala Tourism likewise describes the goddess as worshipped in three forms: Vana Durga, Bhadrakali and Jala Durga.
Faith & Tradition
Religious Significance of Valliyoorkkavu Bhagavathy Temple, Mananthavady
The temple is best known for its annual festival, which both sources describe as a major event in Wayanad. According to Wikipedia, the festival draws thousands of participants, and its rituals include a procession called oppana varavu that comes from the Cheramkode Bhagavathy temple at Kallody.
Wikipedia also describes an Adiyaras procession carrying tender coconut for the abhishekam, which marks the arattu of Valliyooramma, and the rudhirakkolam, a symbolic fight between the goddess and the demon king Darika in which the goddess prevails. Kalamezhuthu, the ritual floor drawing, is performed on the festival nights, and Kerala Tourism also mentions the ritual dance of oracles (eedum koorum) and Sopana nritham.
Heritage
History of Valliyoorkkavu Bhagavathy Temple, Mananthavady
The sources consulted give very little formal history. Wikipedia says only that the idol is believed to be self-manifested, a belief it reports without dating. Kerala Tourism gives no founding date or legend, and no other source was found that does, so none is stated here.
The two sources differ on the festival timing. Wikipedia describes a 14-day festival in March, while Kerala Tourism describes a ten-day festival in January or February. Since the dates may vary or have changed, devotees should confirm the current festival dates locally.
Architecture and sacred features
Neither Wikipedia nor Kerala Tourism describes the architecture of the shrine, so no details of the sanctum, roof or surrounding structures are given here.
Plan Your Visit
Darshan and Visitor Information
Darshan timings and any dress or entry rules were not given by the sources consulted. Confirm them with the temple before visiting, especially during the festival when crowds are large. Visitors should observe the customs of the temple and the local community.
Timings and arrangements change with seasons and festivals. Confirm current details with the temple administration before travelling. Last reviewed 1 November 2026.
Sacred Calendar
Festivals at Valliyoorkkavu Bhagavathy Temple, Mananthavady
Annual Valliyoorkkavu festival
Location
How to Reach Valliyoorkkavu Bhagavathy Temple, Mananthavady
Kerala Tourism lists the temple at about 3 km from Mananthavady. Wikipedia notes road access from Mananthavady or Kalpetta, naming the Periya ghat road (Mananthavady to Kannur and Thalassery), the Thamarassery ghat road (Calicut to Kalpetta), the Kuttiady ghat road and the Palchuram road from Kannur and Iritty.
According to Wikipedia, the nearest railway station is Thalassery, about 83 km away, and the nearest airports are Kannur International (about 58 km) and Bengaluru International (about 290 km).
Location: Mananthavady, Wayanad, Kerala, India
Nearest airport: Kannur International (about 58 km, per Wikipedia)
Nearest railway station: Thalassery (about 83 km, per Wikipedia)
More in Hindu temples in Kerala · Bhagavathy (Bhadrakali, Vana Durga, Jala Durga) temples · Temples in Mananthavady Taluk · Temples in Wayanad District
Questions
Valliyoorkkavu Bhagavathy Temple, Mananthavady: Frequently Asked Questions
Who is worshipped at Valliyoorkkavu?
The goddess Bhagavathy, who Wikipedia identifies as Bhadrakali and who is also worshipped as Vana Durga and Jala Durga.
Where is Valliyoorkkavu temple?
Near Mananthavady in Wayanad district, Kerala, about 3 km from the town according to Kerala Tourism.
What is the rudhirakkolam?
According to Wikipedia, it is a symbolic fight between the goddess and the demon king Darika during the festival, in which the goddess wins.
When is the Valliyoorkkavu festival held?
Sources differ: Wikipedia says March (14 days) and Kerala Tourism says January or February (ten days). Confirm the current dates locally.
How do I reach the temple?
By road from Mananthavady or Kalpetta. Thalassery is the nearest railway station (about 83 km) and Kannur International the nearest airport (about 58 km), per Wikipedia.
Sources and attribution
- Wikipedia — Valliyoorkkavu
- Kerala Tourism (Government of Kerala) — Valliyoorkkavu Bhagavathy Temple, Wayanad
Further reading: Valliyoorkkavu Bhagavathy Temple, Mananthavady on Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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