Azhakodi Devi Temple, Kozhikode

Azhakodi Devi Mahakshethram stands at Thiruthiyad in the heart of Kozhikode, about 1.5 km from the mofussil bus stand, in a quiet setting that keeps a rural feel. Its main deity is Bhadrakali in a calm form, with the seven mother goddesses and a Shiva linga. Legend says the Zamorin entrusted the temple, then known as Arikkodikkavu, to six of his generals and gave them an idol of Bhavani Devi, received from Gujarati traders, to install beside the Bhagavathi; it was renamed in 1965. The name Thiruthiyad is said to come from 'Thuruthunadu', the islet region, from a time when the site was an islet with the sea to the west.

The Malabar Devaswom Board administers the temple. Its festival in the month of Medom includes Kodiyettam, Pallivetta and Arattu, and Navaratri is celebrated over ten days, when hundreds of children are brought on Vidyarambham day to be initiated into learning. Young women come from far and wide to make the Swayamvara Pushpanjali offering in hope of a good marriage.