Oorpazhassi Kavu

Oorpazhassi Kavu is an ancient Hindu temple located in Edakkad, approximately 12 km from Kannur city in Kerala. The temple is notable for its rare combination of Shaiva, Vaishnava, and Shakta sanctums within the same complex. It houses three main deities: Bhagavathy, Sree Oorpazhachi Daivathar, and Vettakkorumakan, with a shrine dedicated to Thondachan at the upper citadel.

Visitors can explore an ancient temple complex featuring multiple deity shrines representing different Hindu traditions. The temple has a sacred pond where devotees believe bathing can cure diseases. Daily ritualistic oracle dance performances called Vellattom occur at noon. The temple maintains traditional Kerala architecture with inner courtyards housing various sanctums.

The temple was looted by Tippu Sultan in the 1790s, forcing the administration to flee with idols to Akkaraveettil Tharavad in Thalassery. The deities were re-consecrated after Tippu withdrew from Malabar. The temple underwent major reconstruction from 1845 to 1899.

The temple represents a unique syncretic tradition combining Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Shaktism. It hosts daily Vellattom oracle dances and occasional Kaliyattom performances. The temple pond is believed to have been blessed by sage Vilwamangalyam Swamiyar, making it sacred for ritual bathing.