Thacholi Manikoth temple, located 2 kms from Vadakara town, was the residence of Thacholi Othenan, the legendary Kalarippayattu warrior. Thacholi Othenan’s actual name is Mepayil Thacholi Manikoth Kovilakathu Kunji Othena Kurup. Before his death at the age of 32, he successfully fought 64 Kalari duels. The shrines here are dedicated to Thacholi Othenan, his elder brother, Koma Kurup, a nephew, Kelu Kurup, both renowned warriors, and another one nearby for the Pulluvan, who avenged the murder of Othenan.
The temple opens once a month for the Sankrama pooja – the first
day of Malayalam month (which falls 13 or 14 or 15 or 16 of every month).
The annual festival,
called Thira Mahotsavam, is conducted in the Malayalam month of Kumbham, which
falls in February-March. On Kumbham 10, Othenan Thira is held in the shrine.
Thacholi Othenakuruppu Paithrika Kalari is attached to the shrine.
Othenan’s shrine has a sandalwood cot, a sword and an urumi that belonged to him. It is opened only once a year during the annual temple festival.