About Kaavu Bhagavati Temple
The Madayi Kavu, or Thiruvarkadu Bhagavathy Temple, is considered the mother of all Bhadrakali temples in North Kerala. In this case, the deity is Bhadrakali in her fierce form. Bhagavathy is also referred to as Tiruvarkkad Achchi. The temple is in Madayi, Pazhayangadi, Kannur District, Kerala. The temple is open every day of the year from 5.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and in the evenings from 5 p.m. to 7.45 p.m. Usha pooja at 6 a.m., ucha pooja at 11:30 a.m., and sandhya pooja at 5:30 p.m. are important rituals performed at the temple.
history
Madayi Sri Thiruvarkkaattu Kaavu Bhagavati Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Bhadrakali in Madayi, Payangadi, Kannur district, Kerala, India. It is regarded as the mother temple of all the Bhadrakali shrines in North Kerala. The deity is Bhadrakali in her fierce form. Because of this, tantrics in the area refer to Bhagavathy as Tiruvarkkad Achchi. The Malabar Devaswom Board runs the temple.
The temple is thought to have been built in the tenth century by Chera King Kulasekhara II. There are various legends surrounding the temple’s origin. According to legend, the Bhagavathy, Madayikkavilamma, was residing in the Rajarajeshwara Temple. She couldn’t exist in the Shiva temple because she wasn’t vegetarian. She requested that the then-king of that region build a separate shrine for her.
In an additional legend, Madayikavilamma killed the demon Darika, who had been troubling Madayi, and asked Shiva to be enshrined in a nearby temple. The consecration of a shrine for the Shakti was mandated by Lord Shiva to his disciple Parashuram. The Madayippara and the Holy Shrine were made by Parashurama.
Over the years, the temple has experienced numerous additions and renovations. The temple’s current layout was designed in the eighteenth century. The main shrine of the temple is situated on the upper tier of its two-tiered construction. The goddess Bhadrakali is honored at the main shrine. The goddess is shown standing, her right foot resting on the demon Darika’s head.
Here are some significant events in Madayi Sri Thiruvarkkaattu Kaavu Bhagavati Temple's history:
- 10th century: The temple is thought to have been built by Chera king Kulasekhara II.
- 17th century: The Chirakkal royal family renovates the temple.
- 1780: Hyder Ali’s forces desecrate the temple.
- 18th century: The Chirakkal royal family rebuilds the temple.
- The temple is expanded and renovated in the nineteenth century.
- 20th century: The Malabar Devaswom Board renovates the temple.
The temple is a significant cultural and religious landmark in Kerala. It is a reminder of the rich history and tradition of Hinduism in the region.
The temple is a popular pilgrimage destination for Hindus from all over Kerala. The temple is also a popular tourist attraction.