Arrival of oracles at Pisharikkavu temple, Kozhikode

Sree Pisharikkavu Bhagavathy temple is located at Kollam, 28 kilometres from Kozhikode town. The main deities here are Lord Shiva and his consort Goddess Parvathi. The temple is famous for its murals, assumed to be the oldest in the state, dating back to the 14th century and also exquisite woodcarvings.

The temple has two sanctum sanctorums and many sub-shrines. Kollam Chira, the pond in the temple premises is a big one. Devotees throng here on almost all days seeking the blessing of the two deities. There are various rituals connected with the temple. The temple also finds a mention in Kottarathil Sankunni’s famed book Aithihyamala.

The annual Kaliyattam festival of the temple is celebrated in the months of March- April. The festival lasts for seven days and the last day, the Kaliyattam day, is the most prominent one. On this day, the main idol is taken out of the temple in a grand procession. Panchavadyam, fireworks and caparisoned elephants add pomp to the festival.

On the eve of the annual festival here, red cald, sword carrying oracles from the surrounding temples will reach the Pisharikkavu temple as a procession. This ceremony is called Varavukal (arrival).