Kanhangad Sri Madiyan Koolom Temple- Kerala

Address

Kanhangad Sri Madiyan Koolom Temple-Shri Madiyan Koolom Temple Road, Madiyan, Kanhangad, Kerala 671316 Phone: 0467 226 8477

Deity

Kshetrapalan Amman: Kalarathri Amma (Bhadrakali)

Introduction

• Sri Madiyan Koolom Temple is located near Kanhangad in Kasaragod District, Kerala.
• One of the oldest temples in North Kerala, dating back 1,000 years.
• The temple is dedicated to Kshetrapalakan Eswaran and Goddess Kalarathri Amma (Bhadrakali).
• The temple is renowned for its ancient wooden carvings and epic poems symbolizing unity among different religions and castes.
• A unique feature is the division of pooja rituals, with a Brahmin priest performing the noon pooja, while Maniyanis handle the morning and evening poojas.

Puranic Significance

• Kshetrapalakan Eswaran, the temple’s main deity, was part of a legendary journey from Udinur, settling in Madiyan after being attracted by the scent of Appam (a traditional offering).
• Eswaran, also called “Madiya” due to his laziness, is seated on the lap of Kalarathri Amma, who was in her fierce form.
• The temple is symbolic of religious unity, where the lower caste was allowed entry before Kerala’s Temple Entry Proclamation.
• Major festivals like the “Paattu” and “Kalasham” are celebrated with harmony, embracing people from all castes.
• The region of Alladaswarupam, where the temple is located, was ruled by the ruthless lord Allohalan before Kshetrapalakan’s intervention and conquest led by Kerala Varma.

Special Features

• The temple covers 6 acres, featuring traditional Kerala-style architecture.
• Famous for intricate wooden carvings depicting ancient epics like the Ramayana and Dakshayagam.
• Wooden etchings of the 12 Raashis and Navagraha devatas, and carvings of the “churning of the ocean” are some of the temple’s artistic highlights.
• The western gopuram showcases depictions of Amruthamadhanam, Kaliyamardhanam, and Ananthashayanam.
• The temple houses two ponds and features a small sculpture of a bowing elephant and a snake, each linked to temple legends.
• A notable mural painting of Lord Vishnu’s Narasimha avatar is another attraction.

Festivals

• Pattu Utsavam
• Kalasham Festival

Century/Period/Age

1000-2000 Years old

Managed By

Travancore Devaswom Board.

Nearest Bus Station

Kanhangad

Nearest Railway Station

Kanhangad

Nearest Airport

Kannur

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