INTRODUCTION

The word Palakkad is derived from the combination of two Malayalam words Pala (Alsteria scholaris tree) and Kad (forest). This shows that the entire place was once a forest full of Pala trees. It is also believed that this land was known as Palakkattusseri in the long past. Historians say that the word Palakkad derived from Paalainilam, which means a dry area. Palakkad had a long history dating back to the Paleolithic period and a large number of megalithic relics have been discovered from the region.
Palakkad is the land of paddy fields and palmyra. It is one of the major granaries of Kerala. Situated at the foot of the Western Ghats, it is a land of valleys, hillocks, forests and rivers.  Palakkad is the gateway from Tamil Nadu to Kerala through a large gap in the Western Ghat Mountains.   Palakkad suffered several invasions from Kongunadu, Hydr Ali and Tipu Sultan of Mysore and the British. Till independence, Palakkad was under the control of British. 

Religious history of the district

In the ancient days, the people followed an independent religious philosophy related with Dravidian practices. Around 3rd Century B.C., Jainism and Buddhism came into the district. It was the Jainism that set foot in the region. The Jains might have reached Palakkad through the palakkad gap on the eastern boundary of the district from Dharmapuri or Salem. Two prominent temples were there – one at Jainamedu in Palakkad town and the other near Alathur. Kavasseri village was a promiment Jain settlement. Now there exists only one Jain temple at Jainamedu.  

Buddhism did not make much impact in the district unlike southern part of the state. Both Jainism and Buddhism declined consequent on the insurgence of Aryans and by the revival of Hinduism. Efforts of Sri Sankaracharya and Bhakthi movement donated much for the promotion of Hinduism. Contributions of Thunchath Ramanujan Ezhuthachan, Melpathur Narayana Bhattathirippad and Poonthanam Namboodiri accelerated the Bhakthi movement initially in the central region of Kerala and later to the whole state. Kunchan Nambiar, who born in the district, also contributed to the movement.

Though Christianity came to Kerala in 52 A.D., it did not make any impact on the religious thoughts of the people. The arrival of foreigners created a favourable atmosphere for Christianity, but situation did not improve till the influx of Christian immigrants from Travancore to the eastern parts of the district during the first half of 20th Century. However, Islam religion spread widely in the district after 7th Century A.D.  Communal harmony and religious tolerance are the remarkable characteristics of the people of the district.

A peculiarity in the mode of worship is that non-brahmins like Nairs are acting as the priests in certain temples of the district. The tribes of the district have their own religious rites. Influence of Chola, Chera and Pandya kingdom can also be seen in the temples. Deities worshipped by Chola kings are common in the district.

Antiquity and deities:

It is believed that the Varahamoorthy temple at Panniyur of the district is the oldest temple in Kerala. The Department of Census, Government of India identified 48 temples of the district as very ancient having more than two thousand years of age.  93 temples were constructed between 1st and 9th Century AD. Between 10th and 20th Century AD, 1737 temples have been constructed. The department could not ascertain the antiquity of 84 temples. 

The deities of the district are mainly Goddess Bhadrakali or Bhagavathy, Lord Vishnu, Lord Siva, Lord Ganapathy, Lord Subramanya, Lord Sastha etc based on various kalpa or sankalpa (concept). Combination of sankalpa such as Sankara-Narayana, Uma-Maheswara, Lakshmy-Narayana, Siva-Parvathy etc are also there. Number of temples based on various sankalpa is given below:

Administration:

In ancient periods, King or local chieftains are owned and administered temples. Some of the temples were owned by madams, tharawads or individuals. However, majority of them were under the administrative control of King or local chieftains. When the foreigners established their power in the area and powers of local rulers faded away, administration of temples was also taken over by them. In 1790, the British Government came forward with certain regulations to control the administration of temples in Malabar region. The first enactment on these lines was the Madras Regulation VII of 1817. Subsequently, the Religious Endowment XX of 1863 was enacted. Since this Act was found to be a failure, the Government brought out another one repealing the Act of 1863. Later in 1927, the Government passed the Madras Hindu Religious Endowment Act (Act II of 1927) and brought temple administration under their control. After independence, the Congress Government of erstwhile Madras State introduced the Madras Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act of 1951 to govern the temples. When the Kerala State was formed and Malabar region formed its part, this Act was made applicable to the temples of that region which includes the district except temples of Chitoor Taluk. A Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Board also came into existence. Later the Board was converted into a Department. Till 2008, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department held control over the temples. In 2008, the Government of Kerala, amended the Act and constituted the Malabar Devaswom Board.

Temples governed by Malabar Devaswom Board

1          Adakaputhoor Temple, Thrikkadeeri
2          Adithyapuram Gopalakrishnaswami Temple, Pirayiri
3          Akaloor Bhagavathy Temple, Peroor
4          Alamballam Varadarajaswami Temple, Vadavannoor
5          Amayur Temple, Kizhakumbram
6          Ambikapuram Srikrishnaswami Temple, Puthoor
7          Anchumoorthy Devaswom, Mangalam
8          Ankalamman Temple, Koppam
9          Anthimahakalan & Mandathu Bhagavathy Temple, Olassery
10        Anthimahakalan Temple, Karalmanna
11        Anthimahakalan Temple, Kodunthirapully
12        Anthimahakalan Temple, Kothakkurissy
13        Apathukatha Ganapthy Temple, Arakkurissy
14        Aramkunnathukavu Temple, Karattukurissy
15        Aravakkattukavu Temple, Vadakkumbram
16        Arayankod Temple, Thenkara
17        Aruvannoor Bhagavathy Temple, Kollankode
18        Aryanamby Temple, Ariyur
19        Athazhanelloor Siva Temple, Kodunthirapully
20        Attassery Bhagavthy Temple, Karimbuzha
21        Attupurathu Vishnu Temple, Edathara
22        Avinhipereery & Cherumukku Temple, Thekkum Mury
23        Ayambilly Temple, Mannambatta
24        Ayinikkizhy Temple, Palppuram
25        Ayyappan Kavu Temple, Cherppulassery
26        Ayyappan Perumal Temple, Kodunthirapully
27        Ayyappan Temple, Manhapra
28        Ayyapuram Perumal Temple, Puthur
29        Azhakathu Mahadeva Temple, Kuzhalmandam
30        Azhikulangara Bhagavathy Temple, Mudappallur
31        Balikolamba Temple, Kunnathurmedu
32        Ganapathy Temple, Kalpathy
34        Chandana Bhagavthy Temple, Puthupariyaram
35        Chandrasekharaswami Temple, Edathara
36        Chathankavu Temple, Mannur
37        Chathankulangara Temple, Akathethara
38        Chembrakulam Ayyappan Temple, Kottayi
39        Chemmattiyakavu Bhagavathy Temple, Thiruvalathur
40        Chengalery Vishnu Temple, Chengalery
41        Chenganikkottukavu Temple, Vellinezhy
42        Chengottur Ayyppankavu Temple, Edathara
43        Chennapuram Temple, Peroor
44        Cherukattupulam Siva Temple, Vaniyamkulam
45        Cherukunnu Bhagavathy Temple, Kadambazhippuram
46        Cherumkudi Temple, Kattukulam
47        Cheruvathoori Bhagavathy & Sivalathur Temple, Puthussery
48        Chethallur Temple, Chethallur
49        Chimba Temple, Chembrakulam
50        Chinakkathoor Bhagavathy Temple, Palappuram
51        Chokkanathapuram Minakshi Sundareswaraswami Temple, Kalpathy
52        Chorottur Sri Kurumba Bhagavathy Temple, Thrikkangode
53        Chunakkal Temple, Thrikkadeery
54        Easwaramangalam Temple, Srikrishnapuram
55        Edappalam Temple, Alanelloor
56        Elamandam Temple, Thenkurissy
57        Elamkunnu Temple, Thachanattukara
58        Enganamkurissy Temple, Ezhuvanthala
59        Erattakulam Bhagavathy Temple, Pulinelly
60        Erkkattukunnu Temple, Alanelloor
61        Gopalakrishnaswami Temple, Padur
62        Govindapuram Temple, Viyyakkurissy
63        Govindapuram Vishnu Temple, Vallappuzha
64        Hariharakulangara Temple, Edathanattukara
65        Illikkottukurissy Temple, Cherppulassery
66        Jnana sivalyar madam, Vadakanthara
67        Kachanamkulam Thirupuraikal Bhagavathy Temple, Koppam
68        Kadiyatta Temple, Vellinezhy
69        Kadukkamkunnu Siva Temple, Kadukkamkunnu
70        Kaimakunnathukavu Temple, Mannur
71        Kaipa Siva Temple, Peroor
72        Kakkayoor Siva Temple, Kakkayoor
73        Kakkothu Bhagavathy Temple, Kodunthirappully
74        Kalangattiry Siva Temple, Alanelloor
75        Kallekulangara Emoor Bhagavathy Temple, kallekulangara
76        Kalloor vishnu Temple, Kallur
77        Kalluvazhy Temple, Thiruvazhiyode
78        Kandamangalam Temple, Mannur
79        Kannakiyamman Temple, Valiyangadi
80        Kannankode Bhagavathy Temple, Pirayiri
81        Kanyakaparameswari Temple, Pattikara
82        Kanyakaparameswari Temple, Sulthanpet ta
83        Karakkurissy Ayyappan & Yanapurathu Vishnu Temple, Karkidamkunnu
84        Karekakttu Subrahmanyaswami Temple, Karekkad
85        Kariottu Lakshmi Temple, Kattussery
86        Karkidamkunnu Temple, Alanelloor
87        Karukamputhoor & Muthallur Temple, Thirumittakkode
88        Karumanassery Krishnamurthy Ayyappan Temple, Kizhakkanchery
89        Kavil Bhagavathy Temple, Anikkode
90        Keezhssery Temple, Thachanttukara
91        Keralapuram Viswanathaswami Temple, Koduvayoor
92        Killikkulangara Bhagavathy Temple, Ottapalam
93        Killikkurissymangalam Temple, Lakkidy
94        Kizhakkanchery Bhagavathy Temple, Kallekadu
95        Kizhakke Kuruvattoor Temple, Thirunarayanapuram
96        kizhakkegramam Ganapathy Temple, Kollankode
97        Kizhakkegramam Siva Temple, Pallassana
98        Kizhakkekkara Vishnu Temple, Karimbuzha
99        Kizhakkethara Bhagavathy Temple, Kuthanoor
100      Kodakkadu Siva Temple, Thachanattukara
101      Kodarmanna Temple, Kadambazhippuram
102      Kodikkattu Bhagavathy Temple, Vadakkanchery
103      Kodikkunnu Bhagavathy Temple, Chundambatta
104      Koodallur Bhagavathy Temple, Koodallur
105      Kothakkurisy Temple, Kothakkury
106      Kothamangalam Temple, Kuthanur
107      Kottakkavu Temple, Chunangadu
108      Kottukulangara Bhagavathy Temple, Kizhakkanchery
109      Kottukulangara Bhagavthy Temple, Kannadi
110      Krishnaswami Temple, Kattussery
111      Kumaramputhoor Bhagavathy Temple, Kumaramputhoor
112      Kumarapuram Vishnu Temple, Puthur
113      Kunneswaram Temple, Kattukulam
114      Kurichimala Siva Temple, Kollankode
115      Kurumaly Temple, Thachanattukara
115      Kurumba Bhagavathy Temple, Kizhak kanchery
117      Kurumba Bhagavathy, Kunissery
118      Kuruthiraman Temple, Bemmaniyoor
119      Kuruvayur Bhagavathy Temple, Elumbalassery
120      Kuthirakkurissy Temple, Lakkidy
121      Lakshmi Narayana Temple, Kuzhalmandam
122      Lakshminarayanapuram Gopalakrishnaswami Temple, Puthur
123      Lakshminarayanaswamy Temple, Pallippuram
124      Lakshmiperumal Ganapathy Temple, Vadakkanchery
125      Lord Krishna Temple, Vadavannur
126      Madhyarany temple, Thenary
127      Mahadevappanthal Temple, Cherukode
128      Mahaganapathy Temple, Ayathoor
128      Mahaganapathy Temple, Kizhakkanchery
130      Mahaganapathy Temple, New kalpathy
131      Mahaganapathy Temple, Panangattiry
132      Mahaganapthy Temple (Chathapuram), Old kalpathy
133      Malamakkavu Temple, Koodallur
134      Malleaswaran Temple, Attappady
135      Manalur Siva Temple, Kannadi
136      Manappullykkavu Temple, East yakkara
137      Manchery etc Temples, Kongadu
138      Mangod Devaswom Temple, Viramangalam
139      Mangottukavu Bhagavathy Temple, Athipotta
140      Manimangalam Temple, Karkidamkunnu
141      Mankarayamman Temple, Elappully
142      Mankurussy Temple, Mankurussy
143      Mannanoor Bhagavathy Temple, Cherukattupulam
144      Mannathu Bhagavathy & Vettakkorumakan Temple, Erimayur
145      Mannathu Bhagavathy Temple, peringottukurissi
146      Mannattur Bhagavathy Temple, Kuthannur
147      Mariyamman Temple, Arakkurissy
148      Mariyamman Temple, Koduvayur
149      Maruthi Bhagavathi Temple, Ethanoor
150      Maruthi Bhagavthy Temple, Vilayannur
151      Mavundassery Temple, Marayamangalam
152      Mekkanamkulam Ayyappan Temple, Kottayi
153      Melur Thalachilavan Temple, Kuthanur
154      Methrukkovil Temple, Chalavara
155      Methrukovil Temple, Alanellur
156      Minakshy Sundareswaraswami Temple, Kannadi
157      Mookambika Bhagavathy kalappetty sathram, Kalappetty
158      Moonnumoorthy Temple, Thrikkadeery
159      Mudappullykkavu Temple, Bemmaniyoor
160      Mukkai Siva Temple, Puthur
161      Mukkannan temple, Viyyakkurissy
162      Mulanhur Bhagavathy Temple, Managalam
163      Mulayankavu Bhagavathy Temple, Kulukkallur
164      Mundanamkurissy Temple, Nellaya
165      Munikudam Temple, Kinassery
166      Muthalaprakkavu Temple, Ambalappara
167      Nagarkulangara Bhagavathy Temple, Thadukkassery
168      Nalussery Temple, Elumbalassery
169      Nedumbrayur Temple, Puthussery
170      Nedumbrayur temple, Vilayannur
171      Neitharambullly Subrahmanyaswami Temple, Puthur
172      Nellaya Temple, Nellaya
173      Nenmenipurathu Ayyappan Temple, Alanellur
174      Nenmini Perumthrikkovil Temple, Kollankode
175      Naluchira Bhagavathy Temple, Vallappuzha
176      Nharalathu Temple, Alanellur
177      Nilavilkkunnu Temple, Elumbalassery
178      Nochur BhagavathyTemple, Koduvayur
179      Noorany Grama Temple, Noorany
180      Oottukulangara Bhagavathy Temple, Peruvembu
181      Oottupura Ganapathy Temple, Kanniyambram
182      Oottupura Vishnu Temple, Kavassery
183      Pachayil Temple, MannampattaC
184      Padinhare Karuvattoor Temple, Vallappuzha
185      Padinharegramam Temple, Pallssana
186      Padur Siva Temple, Padur
187      Pakaravoor Temple, Cherppulassery
188      Palakkeezh Bhagavathy Temple, Mundoor
189      Palappuram Vishnu Temple, palappuram
190      Pallikkurupu Group Temples, Thachambara
191      Palneery Siva Temple, Karinkarappully
192      Pananchery Vishnu Temple, Chalavara
193      Panankurissy Temple, Chethallur
194      Panayookavu Temple, Kadambur
195      Pangil Siva Temple, Puthupariyaram
196      Parakkattukavu Bhagavathy Temple, Kavassery
197      Paraligrama Temple, Paraly
198      Parikkanchery Bhagavathy Temple, Pallathery
199      Pariyanampatta Temple, Kattukaulam
200      Paruthippullykkalam Temple, Paruthippully
201      Pathiramanna Temple, Edathanattukara
202      Pavizhakode Temple, Eledathu Madamba
203      Pazhampalakkod Vishnu Temple, Pazhamapalakkod
204      Perandappully Siva Temple, Polpully
205      Peringottukavu Bhagavathy Temple, Elavanjery
206      Perumal Thrikkovil, Kollankode
207      Perumalkovil Temple, Kollankode
208      Perumana Sabha Yoagam -Temples, Pallassana
209      Perumangode Temple, Srikrishnapuram
210      Perumthrukkovil Temple, Kulukkalloor
211      Perunkulam Siva Temple, Kattussery
212      Perunkurussy Siva Temple, Polpully
213      Pisharikkal Temple, Veeramangalam
214      Pisharikkovil Temple, Mannampatta
215      Ponmugam Siva Temple, Nellaya
216      Pookkottukalikavu Temple, Kattukulam
217      Pookkulangara Bhagavathy Temple, Kunissery
218      Poothakode Siva Temple, Tharur
219      Poothrukovil Temple, Chalavara
220      Pottur Konamala Temple, Alanellur
221      Pulakkattu Vishnu Temple, Nellaya
222      Pulappatta Kootala Temple, kallaldikkode
223      Puliyankavu Ayyappan Temple, Mannampatta
224      Puliyankurissy Temple, Cherukodu
225      Puthanalikkal Bhagavathy Temple, Cherppulassery
226      Puthankavu Temple, Pallassana
227      Puthoor Siva Temple, Elumbalassery
228      Puthrakovil Temple, Alangadu
229      Puthugramam Viswanathaswami Temple, Kollankode
230      Puthukkode Siva Temple (Puthukkodappan), Kannanoor
231      Puthukkudi Bhagavathy Temple, Vadavanoor
232      Puthukkulangara Bhagavathy Temple, Vengassery
233      Puthukode Temple (Naduvil Madam), Puthukode
234      Puthukulangara Temple, Puthussery
235      Puvakkadu Siva Temple, Kinassery
236      Puvvakkadu Temple, Kottappuram
237      Ramakrishna Niranjanasramam, Palappuram
238      Ramanathapuram temple, Puthur
239      Ramanathapuram Temple, Vadavannoor
240      Ramapuram Vishnu Temple, Vadakkanthara
241      Ramaswami Temple, Karimbuzha
242      Ramaswami Temple, Kongadu
243      Randumoorthy Temple, Thrikkangodu
244      Rushinaradamangalam Temple, Kannambra
245      Sankara Narayana Temple, Panamanna
246      Sankaramnagalam Temple, Thadukkassery
247      Sarada Asramam, Palappuram
248      Sekharapuram Temple, Adakaputhoor
249      Selvavinayakan Temple, Koppam
250      Simhanadeswary Temple, Tharakkode
251      Soundammal Temple, Kallanchira
252      Srimahaganapthy Temple, Kalpathy
253      Srikrishna Temple, Kulukkiliyode
254      Srikrishna Temple, Thrikkangode
255      Srikrishnapuram Temple, Vellinezhy
256      Srikrishnaswami Temple, Payyallur
257      Subrahmanyaswami Temple, Kodumbu
258      Subrahmanyaswami Temple, Sulthanpetta 
259      Thalayanakkadu Temple, Thannikkunnu
260      Tharekkadu Viswanathaswami Temple, Koppam
261      Thayankavu Temple, Thenkurussi
262      Thechikkode Siva Temple, Alanellur
263      Thekkegramasamooham Temple, Puthukkod
264      Thekkekuruthiraman Temple, Chunangadu
265      Thekkinedathu Temple, Parali
266      Thekkinedathu Vishnu Temple, Puthupariyaram
267      Thenchery Temple, Thachanattukara
268      Thennilapuram Krishnaswami Temple, Thennilapuram
269      Thevar Temple, Ethanoor
270      Thevarkulam Temple, Elavanchery
271      Thillamandattil Kalapura Sathram, Koduvayur
272      Thirukachamkurissy Temple, Payalloor
273      Thirumanangadu Siva Temple, Kavilpadam
274      Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathy Temple, Kongadu
275      Thirumullappally Temple, Karalmanna
276      Thirunageswara Siva & Ganapathy Temple, Peruvembu
277      Thirunellayi Grama Temple, Pirayiri
278      Thirunelly Group Temples, Kundalassery
279      Thirupuraikkal Bhagavathy Temple, Puthur
280      Thirupuraikkal Bhagavathy Temple, Vadakkanthara
281      Thiruvalapatta Temple, Karkidamkunnu
282      Thiruvalathur Temple, Thiruvalathur
283      Thiruvalayandu Bhagavathy Temple, Karimbuzha
284      Thiruvambram Subrahmanyaswami Temple, Alangad
285      Thiruvara Temple, Kizhakkanchery
286      Thiruvaraikal Bhagavathy Temple, Thiruvazhiyode
287      Thiruvazhiyode Temple, Thrikkadeeri
288      Thiruvenkidappan Temple, Vadakkanthara
289      Thiruvillampatta Temple, Vadavannoor
290      Thondikulam Venkidachalapathy Temple, Pirayiri
291      Thondiyanoor Temple, Vallapuzha
292      Thootha Bhagavathy Temple, Thekkummuri
293      Thrangaly Bhgavathy Temple, Vaniyamkulam
294      Thrangaly Methrukkovil Bhagavathy Temple, Cherukattupulam
295      Thrichamanthrukkovil Temple, Chalavara
296      Thrikkaramanna Temple, Mundakkottukurissy
297      Thrikkarangattu Siva Temple, Nellikkattiri
298      Thrikkazhikunnu Temple, Srikrishnapuram
299      Thrikkovil Temple, Karalmanna
300      Thrikkovil Temple, Kunduvampadam
301      Thrippalamumda Temple, Peringodu
302      Thrippallavoor Temple, Pallavoor
303      Thrippalleswaram Temple, Koppam
304      Thrippavallur Siva Temple, Pullode
305      Thrithamara Temple, Bemmaniyur
306      Thrivikramapuram temple, Kalluvazhy
307      Thumbaya Temple, Nellaya
308      Thuppallikadu Temple, karimbuzha
309      Thuppanattu Temple, Naduvilmadam
310      Uchinimahaly & Karivallur Mariyamman Temple, Sulthanpetta
311      Udayamandattil Temple, Koduvayur
312      Ukkanikode Temple, Kallur
313      Uthrathilkavu Temple, Thiruvazhiyodu
314      Vadakkegramam Ganapathy Temple, Vadakkethara
315      Vadakkegramam Krishnaswami Temple, Mangalam
316      Vadakkegramsamooham Sp. Endowement, Puthukode
317      Vadumanna Devaswom, Vellinezhy
318      Vaduvakkottukurissy Temple, Mannur
319      Vaidyanathaswami Temple, Puthur
320      Valiyammakkavu Temple, Paruthippully
321      Varadarajaperumal Temple, Kattussery
322      Vayilliamkunnu Bhagavathy Temple, Kadamba zhipuram
323      Vellanthira Siva Temple, Kollankode
324      Vellur Temple, Neithirimangalam
325      Vembathu Temple, Peruvembu
326      Venkidachalapathy Temple, Panangattiry
327      Vettakkara Ayodhya etc Temple, Alangad
328      Vettakkarn Kavu Temple, Elayedathumadamba
329      Vettakkorumakan Temple, Kulukkiliyod
330      Vettakkorumakan Temple, Puthur
331      Vettakkorumakan Temple, Thachanattukara
332      Vikramundeswaram Temple, Mundur
333      Vilangary Temple, Koonathara
334      Vilayannoor Gramam Temple, Vilayannur
335      Viswanathaswami Temple, Kalpathy
336      Viswanathaswami Temple, Panangattiry
337      Vithunny Temple, Yakkara

ANCHUMOORTHY TEMPLE, THIRUMITTAKKODE

(From left to right) Temples established by Dharmaputhra, Bhima and Arjuna

Location: Thirumittakkode is located 8 km south-west of Pattambi. The temple is on the bank of Bharathapuzha.

Nearest Railway Station: Shornur (20 km)
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Air Port (90 km)
Panchayat: Thirumittakkode

Village: Thirumittakkode

Legend/History: This ancient temple has a great historical past. Legend says that the idols of the temple were consecrated by Pandavas. After the great Kurukshethra war, Dharmaputhra, the eldest of Pandavas decided to do expiatory rites to all departed souls. He did rites at Thirunavaya, Thrithala, Thirumittakkode, Thiruvanchikuzhi and Thiruvilluamala. Of these, Thirumittakkode has importance as an idol of Lord Vishnu each by three elder brothers of Pandavas (Dharmaputhra, Bhima and Arjuna) and one by other two brothers (Nakula and Sahadeva) together in the same complex. In addition to these four idols, idol of Lord Siva was also consecrated by a Brahmin after several years. The legend associated with the installation of Lord Siva is as follows. The Brahmin who consecrated the idol was returning after a pilgrimage to Varanasi. When he reached the temple, he kept his cloth bag on the balikkal of the shrine and left for taking bath. After bath, he could not take back his bag which was found stuck on the balikkal. When he used some force to take the bag, the balikkal broke into two pieces and he could see a swayambhoo siva linga idol. Realising that it was the idol of Viswanathaswamy, the principal deity of Varanasi, he built a temple and consecrated Lord Siva. Thus the temple has idols of Anchumoorthies (five deities) and came to be known as Anchumoorthy temple. All these five deities have equal importance. Prabhandas of Alwar, famous Tamil luminary, has mention about this temple. The temple was owned by eight Brahmin families in the past. Now, the temple management is vested with the Malabar Devaswom Board. 

Deities: The idol at the main shrine as well as the idols of three other shrines is that of Maha Vishnu. Lord Siva is also considered as the principal deity of the temple. Lord Ganapathy, Lord Dakshinamoorthy, Lord Ayyappa and Goddess Durga Bhagavathy are the other deities.

Time of worship: From 05.00 to 10.00 hrs and from 17.00 to 19.30 hrs.

Festivals: Sivarathri, Ashtami Rohini, Navarathri, Mandala pooja are the main festivals.  

BHAGAVATHY TEMPLE (NELLIKULANGARA BHAGAVATHY), VALLANGI

Location: Vallangi is located about 30 km south of Palakkad.

Nearest Railway Station: Palakkad (30 km)
Nearest Airport: Coimbatore (76 km)
Panchayat: Nemara
Village: Vallangi

Legend/History: According to legend, the original seat of Goddess Bhagavathy of Vallangi was at Nellikulath hills of Nelliyampathy hills of Sahya Mountains. The region was once owned by Palakkad Raja and later handed over to the Cochin Royal family. The prince of Cochin Royal family entrusted Kodakara Nair to look after the estates etc. of Nelliyampathy region. Whenever Kodakara Nair visited Nelliyampathy, he used to worship the Goddess Bhagavathy at Nellikulath hills. Once he prayed that the Goddess may have presence at Vallangi also. It is believed that the Goddess was pleased and accompanied the Nair in his umbrella, made of Palmyra leaves. On reaching Vallangi, he placed his umbrella near a tank to wash his feet. When he tried to take his umbrella, he found that it is fixed to the ground. A devaprashna (an astrological method to resolve problems) revealed that the Goddess accompanied him on the umbrella. Kodakara Nair then made all arrangements for consecrating the Goddess.

The temple was under the management of Cochin Royal family till 1951. Then the temple was taken over by the Cochin Devaswom Board. 

Deity: Goddess Bhagavathy is the principal deity. Lord Ganapathy and Lord Sastha are the other deities.

Time of worship: From 05.00 to 10.30 hrs and from 17.00 to 20.00 hrs.

Festival: Nenmara-Vallangi Vela is the main festival of the temple. This is a regional festival and considered as equally important as Thrissur Pooram 

CHANDRANATHASWAMY (JAIN) TEMPLEI

Location: Chandranathaswamy Temple is located about 3 km north-west of Palakkad municipal town on the bank of Kalpathy River. The place is known as Jainamedu.

Nearest Railway Station: Palakkad
Nearest Airport: Coimbatore (60 km)

Legend/History: This temple has been built about 500 years ago by two Jain brothers, Inchanna Sathar and Chikku Payappa Sathar, for the Jain sage Chandranathaswamy. It is believed that the Jains arrived to Palakkad through the Palakkad Gap from Mysore due to harassment and ill treatment by the rulers. They settled in two places - one at Palakkad and the other at Kavasseri near Alathur. These two settlements were known as Manikya-pattanam and Muthu-pattanam since the former was purchased from the local people by giving manikya (diamonds) and latter with muthu (pearls) instead of money. It is believed that there were nearly 400 families lived at Jainimedu. They were mainly traders and had a very affluent lifestyle. They built two Jain temples in both the places. During Mysorean invasion, these settlements were attacked and valuables were looted.  Almost all the Jains fled to other places. The temple at Muthu-pattanam was destroyed completely. The temple at Manikya-pattanam was also subjected to severe damages. Most of the granite pillars and slabs were taken by the garrison forces of Mysore for build Palakkad Fort. Now, there is very few Jain families in Palakkad. The Jain settlement at Kavasseri does not exist. The administration of temple is now managed by a Trust.
Deity: Chandranathaswamy is the main deity. Idols of all 24 Theerthankaras, Vijaya Yakshaka, Jwalamalini, Brahmaeva, Padmavathi, Sidhdha Parameswara, Parswanatha, Dharmedra, Navagrihadeva are also installed in the temple.
Time of worship: Though the temple is open from 6.00 to 9.00 hrs and from 18.00 to 20.00 hrs on all days, there is no pooja. The eldest female member of the Inchanna Sathar family lights lamps every day. Poojas are performed only on Mahaveera Jayanthi, Deepavali and Navarathri.
Festival: No festival is celebrated in the temple.

CHINAKKATHUR BHAGAVATHY TEMPLE, PALAPPURAM

Location: Chinakkathur Bhagavathy temple is located five km east of Ottappalam Municipal town.

Nearest Railway Station: Ottappalam
Nearest Airport: Coimbatore (90 km)
Village: Ottappalam

Legend/History: The legend associated with this temple is associated with Sri Rama. Sri Rama and Lakshmana were returning to Ayodhya after the war with Ravana. They were accompanied by Lord Ayyappa and Goddess Bhagavathy. When they reached Thiruvilluamala, Sri Rama decided to do expiatory rites for which Lord Ayyappa and Goddess Bhagavathy were asked to find out a suitable place. But they did not obey the directions and spending time leisurely. Sro Rama got angry and kicked down Lord Ayyappa. When He approached the Goddess to punish her also She fled from there screaming “Ayyo! Odivarane!! Thachu Kollunne!!!” (Alas! Help!! Please come and rescue me!!! I am beaten to death) She crossed the Bharathapuzha River and took refuge at Palappuram.  Even today devotees utter the above words loudly during festival days.  There are two shrines in the temple complex known as Melekavu and Thazhekavu.
There are three dhwaja sthambas (flag masts) in the temple, which is very rare and unique.

Deity: The deity at the Thazhekavu is Godess Durga and that of Melekavu is Chinakkathur Nallamma, daughter of Koungallur Bhagavathy. No subsidiary deities are installed in the temple.

Time of worship: From s5.30 to 10.30 hrs and from 17.30 to 20.00 hrs.

Festival: Pooram held during the month of Kumbham is the important and famous festival. Caparisoned elephants, horse-motif, Kala (ox)-motif, Theru, Thattinmel-Koothu, Vellat, Poothan and Thira are some of spectacular items connected with Pooram 

horse-motif

HEMAMBIKA TEMPLE, KALLEKULANGARA

Location: Kallekkulangara is located 7 km north of Palakkad town on the Palakkad-Malampuzha road.

Nearest Railway station: Palakkad (2 km)
Nearest Airport: Coimbatore (60 km)
Panchayat: Akathethara
Village: Akathethara

Legend/History: It is believed that this ancient temple was established by Lord Parasurama who consecrated Balambika of Kanyakumari, Lokambika of Lokanarkav, Hemambika of Kallekulangara and Mookambika of Kollur. In the ancient period the original seat of Goddess Hemambika was on the top of Karimala hills near Palakkad Gap. As devotees could not reach the top of hill, the temple was shifted to Muthiramkunnu (near the present Malampuzha dam) in the 9th Century by Sri Sankaracharya. A senior Brahmin of Kurur Mana at Akathethara who used to worship the deity regularly became old and he was unable to reach Muthiramkunnu. The Goddess pleased and told the Brahmin in his dream that Her presence would be felt in a pond near to his house. To his surprise, he could find a pair of hands of Goddess in the pond. The delighted Brahmin jumped into the pond to catch the hands but the hands turned into sila (stone) hands (kaipathies). He then installed the divine hands near the pond. Later, with the aid of Palakkad Rajah, a temple was constructed and the idol of divine hands consecrated. This temple is also known as Emoor Bhagavathy temple. This is the one and only temple in India where the unique idols of two hands of the Goddess is consecrated.

The idol was the tutelary deity of the Palakkad royal family. It was in this temple that the coronation ceremony known as "Ariyittuvazcha" of the kings of Palakkad is conducted. The temple became famous during the period of Sekhara Varma Valiya Rajah (1831-1911 A.D). Neelasura Vadham Kath Kali poem based on the origin of the temple and enormous powers of the Goddess was written by Sekhara Varma  (also known as Kombi Achan). The administration of the temple was looked after by Palakkad royal family till 1994. Now it is under the control of the Malabar Devaswom Board. It is said that Smt. Indira Gandhi, former Prime Minister of India, decided to choose the palm of the Goddess as the election symbol of Congress (I) after her visit to this temple and impressed by the Goddess. 

Deity: The pair of hands believed to have contained the divine spirit of Goddess Hemabmika is the deity. The concept of deity is Goddess Saraswathy in the morning, Goddess Lakshmy at noon and Goddess Durga at night. The idol of Nandi is also installed in the temple.

Time of worship: From 05.00 to 11.30 hrs and from 17.00 to 20.30 hrs.

Festivals: Navarathri, Sivarathri, Vishu, Onam are important festivals celebrated here.

KILLIKURISSIMANGALAM MAHADEVA TEMPLE, LAKKIDI

Location: Killikurissimangalam is locaoted 7 km east of Ottappalam on the northern bank of Bharathapuzha.

Panchayat: Lakkidi-Peroor
Village: Lakkidi-Peroor
Nearest Railway Station: Ottappalam
Nearest Airport: Coimbatore (67 km)

Legend/History: Killikurissimangalam is known after the birth place of Kunchan Nambiar. His ancestral house Kalakkath is near to the Mahadeva Temple. The temple is believed to have been established by Suka Maharshi. It is believed that Lord Siva, the principal deity of the temple is on penance. Because of this belief, festivals are prohibited as it may disturb the penance of the Lord. The temple administration is vested with a Trust consisting of the members of seven Namboodiri Illams (Houses).

Deity: Lord Siva (also known as Dakshinamoorthy) is the principal deity. Lord Ganapathy and Goddess Bhagavathy are other deities.

Time of worship: From 05.00 to 09.00 hrs and from 17.30 to 20.30 hrs.

Festivals: No festival is conducted in the temple. However, annual function is held in the month of Thulam (October-November). 

VISWANATHASWAMY TEMPLE, KALPATHI

Location: Kalpathi is located about 3 km north of Palakkad town.

Municipality: Palakkad
Village: Palakkad
Nearest Railway Station: Palakkad
Nearest Airport: Coimbatore (60 km)

Legend/History: The temple was built in the year 600 M.E. (1425 A.D.) by the Palakkad Rajah. Legend says that a Brahmin lady belonged to Mayooram (Mayapuram on the bank of River Kaveri in Tamil Nadu) brought a Bana-linga from Kasi (Varanasi) and given to the Palakkad Rajah for consecration in his territory. The Brahmin lady had also given her entire wealth to the Palakkad Rajah for the construction of temple. The Rajah had also granted paddy fields to the deity for meeting day-to-day expenditure of the temple. He also brought Brahmins from Tamil Nadu for conducting poojas and got them settled in a near to the temple. A Trust was also constituted by the Rajah for temple administration.

Deity: Bana-linga with the concept of Lord Viswanatha (Lord Siva) with His consort Goddess Visalakshy (Goddess Parvathy) is the main deity of the temple. Lord Ganganathan, Lord Chandaleswaran, Lord Subramanya and Goddess Valli, Lord Bhairavan are the other deities.

Time of worship: From 05.30 to 09.30 hrs and from 17.30 to 20.00 hrs.

Festivals:

Ratholsavam (divine chariot festival) is the important festival of the temple. This famous festival, known as Kalpathi Ratholsavam, resembles the festival celebrated in the Mayooranatha Temple of Mayooram.  Ratholsavam is celebrated with the participation of four Gramas viz., Puthiya Kalpathi, Pazhaya Kalpathi, Govindapuram and Chathapuram. Three chariots belonging to Lakshminaryana temple of Pazhaya Kalpathi, Ganapathy Temple from Puthiya Kalpathi and Ganapathy temple from Chathapuram are towed to the Viswanathaswamy temple in a procession for paying respects to Him.  The festival attracts lakhs and lakhs devotees within and outside the state. It commences on 22nd Thulam (October-November) and continues for nine days. The other festivals are Sivarathri, Thiruvathira, Navarathri and Mahamakam

SIVA TEMPLE, PALLAVUR

Location: Pallavur is situated 22 km. south of Palakkad town on Koodallur-Nenmara road.
Panchayat: Pallassana
Village: Pallassana
Nearest Railway Station: Palakkad (22 km)
Nearest Airport: Coimbatore (82 km)

Legend/History: The temple is one of the oldest and ancient temples of Kerala. Legend says that Khara consecrated the idol here along with the idols at Thrippalur and Ayiloor at a time. It is believed that the structures of temple were constructed by Pallavas of Kanchi in their architectural style. It is also said that the Pallavur was the second capital of Pallava Kingdom and hence the place got the name Pallavur (land of Pallavas). Later the temple came to the control of five Namboodiri families and they managed the temple administration till 1945. Then the HR&CE Department took over the control and now the temple is under the control of Malabar Devaswom Board.

Deity: Lord Siva in the form of Rudraksha sila linga is the principal deity. Goddess Parvathy,Lord Ganapathy, Lord Subramanya with His consorts are the other deities.

Time of worship: From 04.30 to 10.15 hrs and from 17.30 to 20.30 hrs.

Festivals: The annual festival of the temple is held in the month of Meenom (March-April).

THIRUKACHAMKURISSI MAHA VISHNU TEMPLE, KOLLENKODE

Location: Kollenkode is located 22 km south of Palakkad town.
Panchayat: Kollenkode
Village: Kollenkode
Nearest Railway Station: Palakkad
Nearest Airport: Coimbatore (88 km)

Legend/History: It is believed that the temple was established by Sage Kashyapa and all the idols of the temple were consecrated by Him. The idol of Lord Maha Vishnu, the principal deity, was made by Lord Viswakarama and given to Sage Kashyapa. Since all the idols of the temple had been consecrated by Sage Kashyapa, the temple is also known as Kashyapa Kshethra.  For a long period the temple was administered by the Rajah of Kollenkode who had also been authorized for the custody of essential items for the conduct of Somayaga.  Following this tradition, Somalatha, one of the articles for the Somayaga is still taken from this temple. Later, the Kollenkode Rajas lost their entity; the temple administration was handed over to Cherukunnam illam (Namboodiri House). In 1994 the HR&CE Department took over its control and now the temple is being managed by the Malabar Devaswom Board.

Deity: The principal deity is Lord Maha Vishnu on Ananthasayanam pose with Goddess Lakshmi Devi and Goddess Bhoomi Devi. Lord Ganapathy, Lord Ayyappa, Lord Subramanya,and  Lord Siva (in the form of sila linga) are the other deities.

Time of worship: From 05.15 to 10.50 hrs and from 17.15 to 20.00 hrs.

Festivals: No festival has been celebrated in the temple except observing important religious days with special poojas.

SIVA TEMPLE, THRITHALA

Locoation: Thrithala is located 20 km north of Shornur on the bank of Bharathapuzha.
Panchayat: Thrithala
Village: Thrithala
Nearest Railway Station: Shornur (20 km)
Nearest Airport: Kozhikode (Karipur) International Airport (90 km)

Legend/History: The origin of the temple is associated with Agnihothri, son of Vararuchi, who was brought by Mezhathole Brahmin family in his childhood. One day his mother took the child to Bharathapuzha for taking bath. The child was allowed to play at the river bed in soil with a thalam (plate) while she took bath. The boy had made a small Siva Linga out of sand on the plate. Before returning to home, the mother tried to remove the sand but could not. The boy claimed that he had consecrated Lord Siva and offered some flowers from nearby plants. On hearing the incident, the senior male member of the family visited the site and to his astonishment, he could see a halo around the mud idol.  He then made arrangements for the construction of a temple in the river bed and consecrated Lord Siva. Since the mud idol was made on a thalam (plate), the deity came to be known as Thrithalathappan and the place as Thrithala.

Deity: Lord Siva in the form of linga is the principal deity. Lord Ganapathay, Goddess Bhagavathy, Lord Krishna, Lord Ayyappa are the other deities.

Time of worship: From 06.00 to 10.00 hrs and from 17.00 to 20.00 hrs.

SIVA- SANKARANARAYANA-MAHA VISHNU TEMPLE, THIRUVEGAPPURA

Location: Thiruvegappura is located about 28 km north-west of Shornur.
Panchayat: Thiruvegappura
Village: Thiruvegappura
Nearest Railway Station: Shornur (28 km)
Nearest Airport: Kozhikode (Karipur) International Airport (85 km)

Legend/History: The temple is very ancient one datable back at least 3000 years. There are three separate shrines for each deity. Each shrine has been constructed in different architectural styles. Legend says that the idol of the principal deity was installed by Garuda. It was Garuda who took the Mandhara Mountain for churning the Palazhy. By carrying mountain for a long distance, Garuda became weak and to regain his health he was advised by Lord Brahma to take a dip in the holy river Ganges. When he took the dip, he got two idols of Siva-linga. Lord Brahma advised him to consecrate one idol at Adithyapuram and the other at Ashokapuram. Thiruvegappura was known as Ashokapuram in the ancient days. Sri Sanakaracharya consecrated the idol of Lord Sankaranarayana during 9th century. It is not known who consecrated the idol of Maha Vishnu. In the ancient period, the temple was owned by Azhvancheri Thamprakkal. Later the temple administration was handed over to five Namboodiri families. Now the temple is governed by a Trust consisting of the elder member from these five Namboodiri families.

Deities: Lord Siva, Lord Sankaranarayana and Lord Maha Vishnu are the principal deities of the temple. Idols of the Lords are consecrated in separate shrines in the temple complex. Goddess Parvathy, Lord Ganapathy, Lord Ayyappa are the other deities.

Time of worship: 04.00 to 10.00 hrs and from 16.30 to 20.00 hrs.

Festival: The annual festival of the temple is held in the month of Kumbham (February-March) that lasts for eight days.