The Varakkal Devi Temple, perched on a hillock near the beach in Kozhikode, is a historic and sacred place of worship with a rich legacy. Believed to be the 108th and last Devi temple consecrated by Lord Parasurama, its construction was a monumental feat due to the rocky terrain. According to legend, Parasurama ploughed the area to impress Goddess Durga, who then blessed the site. He also performed the Vavu Bali here, paying homage to those he had conquered.

This temple, located in West Hill near NH17 towards Mangalore, stands out for its unique history and architecture. Initially neglected, the temple was later revitalized by the Perumals and subsequently by the Zamorins, who designated it as a Mahakshethram and redesigned it to its current form. The temple features traditional Kerala architecture and offers stunning sea views as devotees ascend the long stairs to the sanctum. Inside, the idol of Durga Devi, crafted by Parasurama, stands in splendor, accompanied by sub-deities Ganapathy, Dakshinamoorthy, and Ayyappan.

The temple compound includes a rare cave structure called Guhas and a pond within a rock, believed to have been created by Parasurama for the Devi's puja. The temple's origins date back to the Treta Yuga, making it one of the most ancient temples in the region. The Navarathri festival in September and the Vavu Bali ritual are significant events here. Vavu Bali, held on the no-moon days of Thulam and Karkidakam, draws thousands of devotees who perform ancestral obsequies on the beach. Remarkably, the sea remains calm during these rituals, facilitating the ceremonies.

The Varakkal Devi Temple is also an important stop for pilgrims on the Dakshin Pilgrimage and Ayyappa devotees on their Sabarimala yatra. The temple, open daily from 05:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. and from 05:30 P.M. to 08:00 P.M., continues to be a revered site, blending historical significance, architectural beauty, and spiritual ambiance, reflecting Kerala's rich cultural heritage.