Sree Azhakodi Devi Maha Temple

Historical and specialty information for this listing.

History

Sree Azhakodi Devi Maha Kshetram has a rich history deeply connected with the cultural and spiritual traditions of Kozhikode. The temple was originally known as “Arikkodikkavu” and remained so until 1965. Later, the temple was renamed “Azhakodi Devi Maha Kshetram,” under which it gained wider recognition across Kerala. The temple has historically been associated with the Zamorin rulers of Kozhikode and has remained an important center of Devi worship for centuries. Over the years, the temple developed into a major spiritual institution under the supervision of dedicated administrators and the Malabar Devaswom Board. The elected temple committee manages the temple activities with strong commitment towards preserving traditions, maintaining rituals, and supporting social and cultural values. The annual festival during the Malayalam month of Medom is celebrated with great grandeur. The Kodiyettam ceremony is conducted on Uthrattadi Nakshathram, Pallivetta on Thiruvathira Nakshathram, and Arattu on Punartham Nakshathram. Major celebrations such as Navarathri Mahotsavam, Vijayadasami Pooja, Bhagavatha Sapthaham, and various Devi rituals continue to attract devotees from different parts of Kerala and beyond. Today, Sree Azhakodi Devi Maha Kshetram stands as a symbol of devotion, heritage, tradition, and divine spiritual energy in Kozhikode.

Remarks

Sree Azhakodi Devi Maha Kshetram is regarded as one of the prominent Shakti temples of Malabar. The temple beautifully preserves Kerala’s traditional temple architecture, rituals, and cultural heritage while standing amidst the modern city landscape of Kozhikode. The temple attracts thousands of devotees during Navarathri, Vijayadasami, Bhagavatha Sapthaham, and the annual festival celebrated in the Malayalam month of Medom. The temple is also famous for Vidyarambham ceremonies during Vijayadasami, where children are initiated into the world of learning. The spiritual ambiance, disciplined temple administration, traditional poojas, and historical importance make this temple a major pilgrimage center in North Kerala.

According to temple legends, centuries ago the present temple area was believed to be a small island surrounded by the Arabian Sea on its western side. After the consecration of the Goddess, the sea is believed to have gradually retreated, transforming the land into a habitable region. Because of its island-like nature, the place was originally called “Thuruthunadu,” where “Thuruthu” means island and “Nadu” means land or region. Over time, the name evolved into “Thiruthiyad.” Another important legend associated with the temple connects it with Lord Krishna’s era and the ancient city of Dwaraka. It is believed that when Dwaraka submerged into the sea at the end of Lord Krishna’s time, the idol of “Bhavani Devi” was also lost beneath the ocean. Later, traders from Gujarat presented this sacred Bhavani Devi idol to the Zamorin (Samoothiri) of Kozhikode. The Zamorin entrusted the idol to his generals with instructions to install it adjacent to the Bhagavathi idol at Arikkodikkavu and worship it with great devotion. This divine connection is believed to enhance the spiritual significance and power of the temple.

Thiruthiyad, Kozhikode, Kerala, India