Sri Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathi Temple- Kerala

Address

Sri Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathi Temple- Angadipuram, Perinthalmanna Kerala 679321

Deity

Shiva Amman: Bhagavathi/ Parvati/ Durga

Introduction

• Location: Angadipuram, Malappuram district, Kerala, India.
• Historical Significance: Capital of Valluvanad Rajavamsham; temple deity is Thirumandhamkunnil amma, the paradevatha of Valluvanad kings.
• Chavers: Nair warriors set out from this temple to participate in the Mamankam festival at Thirunavaya.
• Chaver Thara: A memorial structure in front of the temple honoring the martyrs.

Puranic Significance

• King Mandhata: Ruled the Surya dynasty and chose to meditate on Lord Shiva.
• Shiva Lingam: Received from Shiva at Mount Kailash; the king installed it at Thirumandhamkunnu.
• Parvati’s Quest: Parvati sought the Lingam back, leading to a battle with Bhadrakali and bhootha.
• Historical Conflict: The fight lasted 15 days, with both sides using divine powers.
• Installation of Deities: Parvati entered the Lingam, with Bhadrakali installed nearby. Both deities received worship.
• Significance of Sreemoolasthanam: Location of the split Lingam, visible during specific rituals.

Beliefs and Practices

• Mangalya Puja: Removes obstacles for marriage; Thirumandhamkunnilamma represents the Supreme Mother and Shakthi Devi.
• Devi Attributes: Creator, protector, destroyer, nature, and kundalini.

Festivals

• Thirumandhamkunnu Pooram: Major annual festival lasting 11 days, celebrated in March-April.
• Aarattu Ceremony: Holy bathing ritual of the Devi’s idol on a decorated elephant, followed by a procession to a nearby lake.

Additional Notes

• Historical Figures: King Mandhata entrusted the temple to two Brahmins, leading to its upkeep traditions.
• Cultural Practices: The temple maintains traditions passed down through generations, including restrictions on darshan for certain royal descendants.
• Wall Paintings: Recent murals depict legends associated with the temple, linking it to other important temples in the region.

Century/Period/Age

1000-2000 Years old

Managed By

Travancore Devaswom Board.

Nearest Bus Station

Thirumandhamkunnu

Nearest Railway Station

Angadipuram,

Nearest Airport

Kozhikode

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