Sree Thacholi Manikoth Temple

Sree Thacholi Manikoth Temple

Sree Thacholi Manikoth temple, located 2 kms from Vadakara town was once the residence of Thacholi Othenan, the legendary Kalarippayattu warrior. Vadakkanpattukal [ballads of North Kerala] often exalted the valour and vigour of the great heroes and kept their stories alive in the northern regions of Kerala. The tharavadu [ancestral house] is completely ruined and what remains now is a small temple dedicated to Thacholi Othenan, Kelu Kurup and Komaka Kurup. The temple opens once a month for the Sankrama pooja. The annual festival, called Thira Mahotsavam, is conducted in the Malayalam month of Kumbham, which falls in February-March (dates may differ from time to time).

A kalari [training arena] named Thacholi Othenakuruppu Paithrika Kalari, also functions here and is mainly aimed at training young talents. Kalari training is conducted thrice a week – on Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday from 6.30 am to 8.00 am. This martial art has many rituals associated with it, which include the worship of god and goddesses in the arena. Traditional aspects of the Kalari are maintained here. Poothara is a tiered altar where the presiding deity of Kalarippayattu is worshipped. Other deities named Nagathan, Ganapathy and Bhadra Kali are also venerated here.