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Varakkal Devi Temple In Kozhikode - Famous For Vavu Bali

Varakkal Devi temple is located atop a hill at West Hill in Kozhikode, Kerala. The temple is one among the 108 Durga temples in Kerala. The shrine was originally established by Parashurama Avatar of Mahavishnu. Varakkal is famous for the annual Pitru Tarpanam on the Karkidaka Vavu Bali day (July – August).

The main deity faces west in the sanctum sanctorum. The Upa devatas worshipped in the temple are Ganapathy, Dakshinamurti, Nagas and Ayyappa. There is a Hanuman Guha behind the temple. The shrine has a separate naga kavu (serpent abode) inside a cave and is eerily calm and dense with vegetation. Puthoor Devi (a fierce form of Goddess) near Elathur is believed to be the sister of Varakkal Devi.

The shrine also observes the Thulam Vavu (October – November) and Kumbha Masam (February - March).

Navratri is the most important festival in the temple.

The temple is managed by Varakkal devaswom board controlled by Kozhikode samoothiri.