Oorpazhachikavu Temple
The Oorpazhassi Kavu Temple is one of the renowned ancient temples in the Kannur region. The temple is dedicated to three deities, thus showing the Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Shaktheya. The temple has three major deities namely Sri Urpazhachi Daivathar, Bhagavathi and Vettakkorumaakan also known as Kiratha Sunu. The three deities are worshipped in separate sreekovil inside the nalambalam. The darshan of Goddess Bhagavathi is towards north. The presence of this temple at Edakkad that imparts historical significance to the area.
There are several stories associated to the legend of the temple and its deities. The legend associated to Goddess Bhagavathy is related to how Kali (the dark Goddess) became Gauri (the Goddess with fair complexion). However, both the Goddess are the incarnations or forms of Goddess Parvathi Devi. The legend says that Lord Shiva repeatedly addressed Goddess Parvathi as Kali to an extent that made her feel inferior about her dark complexion. The angry Goddess said that she would return only after getting a fair complexion and left the place. She reached Madhya Adavi and performed meditative penance. Pleased with her penance, Lord Brahma granted the complexion she wished for. The history of the Oorpazhachi deity is that Lord Vishnu, once, had to harmlessly laugh at his consort which made the Goddess angry. She cursed Lord Vishnu that he would lose his head. After all the devas and the Trimurtis pleaded for a long time, she agreed to give his head back on a condition that Goddess Kali’s wish has to be granted by Lord Brahma. Thus, Lord Vishnu got his head back.
During Tippu Sultan's military exploits (Padayottam) in the 1790s, the temple administration (devaswom) to escape from the looting of temple, fled carrying the idols and valuables and took refuge in a confidential sanctuary of Akkaraveettil Tharavad in Thalassery and was brought back and re-consecrated only after the withdrawal of Tippu sultan from Malabar.
Location
Edakkad
Main Deity
Lord Siva, Lord Vishnu & Goddess Bhadrakali
Other Deities
Thondachan & Naga Devatas
Festivals
Maha Sivarathri, Mandala Vilakku (holy 41 days from Mid-November to end December)
Main Offerings
Annadhanam, Vellattam, Kaliyattam, A unique offering in the temple is known as Arithraval – uncooked rice is offered as naivedya in the offering.
How To Reach
By Air: Kannur International Airport is situated 24.7 KM from the Temple.
By Road: Kannur KSRTC Bus Depot is 14.4 KM from the Temple.
By Rail: Kannur Railway Station is situated 10.3 KM from the Temple.