Mulaiankavu Bhagavathi Temple

Overview

The Mulaiankavu Bhagavathi Temple is dedicated to Shakti and is located in Kerala. The temple is approached by married women with prayers for long life of husbands. Mulaiankavu Bhagavathi Temple, belonging to the Tharakkal family, is located at Mulaiankavu village in Palakkad. The temple is situated approx. 20 km from Pattambhi.

About The Temple

The speciality of the temple is that the Devi is sitting on her legs, folding her knees same as the posture of Lord Ayyappa. The koothumadams (entertainment halls) constructed for the Ramayanam Tholpavakkothu (Ramayan puppet show) is at the north side which shows that the Devi was facing north at some point of time. There is an interesting story behind Devi facing west- she was afraid of elephants. When she saw an elephant coming towards the temple during a festival, she got scared and turned her face to the west. The upset Devi turned the elephant into a stone which is still there almost 1km towards the west of the temple. Since then, elephants are not used for procession in the temple.

About The Deity

The presiding deity is Bharadevatha (Goddess Kali), the Mother deity of the family. Goddess Kali or Goddess Parvati is the wife of Lord Shiva, one of the Trinities. She is also considered to be the origin of all energy.

History and Stories

There are many stories associated with the temple. One such story goes like this - a mulaia (lower caste) woman saw blood oozing out while grinding the stone which was accepted as the presence of Devi, and hence the temple got the name Mulaiamkavu. As a result of this, all the people irrespective of their caste were allowed to enter the temple and also take part in all the functions and celebrations.

Mulaiamkavil Amma is considered as Balabhadrakali. Her posture represents the childhood and the sword and the vattaka in her hands represents the Kali. This dual nature is visible in many matters of the temple as well. For instance, the temple has two openings, one at the north side and the other at the west. The Devi is facing west unlike other temples. Only on important days and festivals, the north door would be opened.

Festivals

The pre monsoon festival of the village culminates in the extravaganza of Kalavela and Pooram. Unlike other Devi temples, every year there are two "Kalavelas" and two poorams in this temple. Only on this occasion Devi is taken outside.

Significance

Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfilment of the Marriage, Health and long life of husband.

Accessibility

Airport

The nearest International Airport is Coimbatore International Airport.

Railways

Palakkad has two Railway Stations named as Palakkad Junction and Palakkad Town Railway Station.

Road

One can easily get buses to Palakkad from other major cities.

Temple Address

Mulaiankavu Bhagavathi Temple,
Mulaiankavu,
Kulukkalloor,
Palakkad, Kerala,
Pin code - 679 303.