Sree Chirakkakavu Bhagavathi Temple, Thalassery

Sree Chirakkakavu Bhagavathi Temple at Thalassery in North Malabar is counted among the oldest Devi temples of northern Kerala, and its building is thought to be at least 800 years old. Groves of trees, or kavu, surround it. The goddess is Kaali, worshipped in three forms. Belief holds that the Kolathiri king, the Chirakkal Raja, built it on Illikkunnu hill after Kaali appeared at the Koduvally river, and the temple carries his name. A snake shrine stands in the south-west corner outside the nalambalam.

The festival runs from the 9th to the 12th of Medam, usually 22 to 25 April. It opens with the goddess's festival image carried out in full ornament, the only occasion she leaves the temple, and continues with three days of Theyyam. Chorakalathil Bhagavathi, the fire-adorned Puthiya Bhagavathi, the male Theyyams and Valiya Thampuratty with her sword appear in turn in the courtyard before a closing procession.