Seetha Lava Kusha Temple

This ancient hill temple, built by Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja, stands as a living heritage site managed by a local trust, attracting devotees and visitors seeking spiritual solace and a glimpse of Kerala’s unique temple architecture.

The primary deity worshipped here is Goddess Shakti (Amman), with the temple also enshrining Lava, Kusha, Ganapathy, Thalaichilavan (Kirathamoorthy), Ayyappa, Subramanya, Vettakaran, Nagas, and Sapthamathrukkal.

The temple is renowned for its Kerala-style architecture, featuring raised stone thresholds and traditional design elements.

Known by several names such as Chedattilamma, Jadayatta Amma, Chedattinkavu, Jadayattakavu, Pulpally Moolasthanam, and Valmiki Ashramam, the temple holds a special place in the spiritual landscape of Wayanad.

Devotees can participate in poojas like Nei Vilakku (Ghee Lamp), conducted in Sanskrit and Malayalam. The temple offers free darshan, and standard prasadam is distributed after poojas.

During the annual festival week in January, special community feasts and annadanam are organized, making it a vibrant time for visitors. Major festivals celebrated here include the Pulpally Temple Festival in January and Navaratri during September-October, drawing large gatherings of devotees.

The temple is open daily from 5:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Early morning hours, winter months (November to February), and festival seasons are considered the best times to visit for a peaceful darshan experience.

Traditional attire is required for entry: men are expected to wear mundu or dhoti, often bare-chested or with traditional upper wear, while women should choose saree, long skirt with blouse, or salwar kameez with dupatta; western clothing is discouraged.

Reaching Seetha Lava Kusha Temple is convenient via Kalpetta or Sulthan Bathery in Wayanad, accessible by KSRTC bus or private cab from Kozhikode, Bengaluru, or Mysore. From Sulthan Bathery, Pulpally is 25 km northwest; from Kalpetta, it is 32 km northeast.

The temple is near the Pulpally Police Station and bus stand, easily accessible by auto-rickshaw or a short walk. The nearest railway stations are Nilambur Road (85 km), Kozhikode (102 km), and Mysore Junction (115 km).

The closest airports are Kannur International (110 km), Calicut International (111 km), and Mysore Airport (125 km). For accommodation, several options are available nearby, including Jungle Bay Resorts and Spa, Adrak Mountain Mist Forest Resort, Woodside Homestay, and The Woods Resorts.

Visitors can also explore nearby attractions such as Kuruvadweep, Chethalayam Waterfalls, the Ancient Jain Temple at Sultan Bathery, Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, and Edakkal Cave.

Adequate parking is available, but photography and videography are strictly prohibited inside the main sanctum and inner temple premises. For further information, the temple office can be contacted at +91 4936 241 175.