Thirumandhamkunnu Temple Takes Pride of Being One of the Finest Artistic Glories
When it comes to ‘mahakshetras’ (great temples), the Tirumandhamkunnu temple figures on top of the list, not only for being prominent but also for being ancient. Situated in Angadipuram in Perinthalmanna, Kerala, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali, also famously called Bhagavati, who is Goddess Parvati. The temple is in the Malappuram district and it was ruled by the Valluvanad kings, which is locally called Valluvanad Rajavamsham.
The goddess is called Thurumandhamkunnu amma by the kings who ruled the place in the Middle Ages. Being the official goddess of the kings, they sought her blessings for any event that took place during the time.
Engaging History of Thirumandhamkunnu Temple
The temple has an absorbing history; the legend says that it was King Mandhata, who belonged to Surya dynasty and who ruled the place for a long period, left the kingdom to travel to Mount Kailash and perform penance and pray Lord Shiva to attain ‘moksha’. After several years of devoted meditation, Lord Shiva appeared before him and asked him his wish. The king requested the God for his idol so that he can offer prayers to Shiva all his life. Pleased with him, Lord Shiva gave him the most precious Shivalinga, which his consort Parvati worshipped and left.
King Mandhata was delighted as he carried the Shivalinga on his head and walked to reach the place Thirumanthamkunnu. He could not resist stopping at the place for it looked amazingly beautiful, with nature around. The sounds of the water flowing from the hill and of animals and birds made him curious. He was tired and he felt his head heavy carrying the Shivalinga, so he kept it down. That moment the Shivalinga got stuck.
Meanwhile, Parvati, who was away taking bath, came back to find the Shivalinga missing. She asked Shiva and came to know that it was gifted to King Mandhata. The Shivalinga was so dear to her that she wanted it back. When she told Shiva that she is going to get it back. Shiva said he has not objection to it.
Parvati sent Bhadrakali and a group of bhootas, who reached the northern slope of Thirumandhamkunnu. By then, the light emitted from the Shivalinga stopped them. When they could not move up, they threw weapons at the king. There were ascetic people who were attending the king. They tried to defend themselves and in the process, plucked the attanga nuts from nearby and threw them at the bhootas. The divine power from the Shivalinga change the nuts into arrows. The fight lasted for several days.
Not able to withstand, Bhadrakali attained her ‘vishwaroopam’, where she was known as ‘Mahamaya’. She reached the hilltop and tried to take Shivalinga. Sensing this Mandhata embraced the linga with all his might. Mahamaya pulled Mandhata and in the struggle Shivalinga got split and a bright light known as ‘Jyothis’ appeared from it. This brought the holy trinity – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, as well as Parvati there.
Parvati met King Mandhata and told him that the Shivalinga belonged to her and she can hardly part it. She however does not want to take it back against Shiva’s wish. As a result, she entered the Shivalinga to be in it forever. She also wanted Bhadrakali to be near her. You can find the Shivalinga still split here below the ‘peedam’.
Architecture of Thirumandhamkunnu Temple
As for the architecture of the Thirumandhamkunnu temple, it is quite distinctive. with the wood lavishly used in the construction, along with stones and metals. The pyramidal roofs of the temple covered with tiles look exemplary. The roof is made of wood and have copper plates covering it to protect the framework inside from monsoon.
You can find shrines of Bhadrakali, along with Sapthamathrukkal, Veerabhadra and Ganpathy, all facing north. You can see Sree Parvathy facing west, while the Shivalinga fixed at ‘sreemoolasthanam’ is facing east. Thus there are two ‘darshan’ entrances, one on the east and the other on the west. The walls of the sreekovil are decorated with murals.
Some Facts about Thirumandhamkunnu Temple
Here are a few facts about the Thirumandhamkunnu temple:
- Devotees visit the temple to perform ‘mangalya pooja’, which helps them get a good bridegroom or bride quickly.
- The temple has ‘chaver thara’, which is a memorial platform of the martyrs, in front of the entrance of the temple.
- The goddess Thirumandhamkunnil Devi or Amma is the official goddess of Valluvanad kings and therefore, they call her fondly ‘paradevatha’.
- The goddess is believed to be the creator, protector and destroyer of the universe, while the Goddess Bhadrakali, who is believed to have come from the third eye of Lord Shiva, is worshipped for prosperity, as well as salvation.
Get to Know the Festivals at Thirumandhamkunnu Temple
The temple is known for the annual ‘pooram’ festival, which has a long history of celebrations. Earlier, it was a family festival and then it was celebrated in another version during Mamangam. You can find the festival now being celebrated for 11 days and it starts from Makyiram in Meenam, i.e. in March and April. Various poojas and rituals are performed during the festival.
The other festivals celebrated are Kalampattu, which is also called ‘Bhagavathyppattu or Bhadrakalippattu’; Kootchar Procession; Mangalya Pooja; Rigveda Laksharchana; and Attanga Erru.
Get to Know Thirumandhamkunnu Temple Timings
The temple opens at 4 a.m. and performs a few poojas, such as Usha pooja, Pantheeradi pooja, and ucha pooja before closing the door at 12 p.m. It reopens at 4 p.m. and performs Thirinju Pantheeradi pooja and Athazha pooja and closes at 8 p.m. Where you want to offer anything, you can book at the temple counter.
How to Reach Thirumandhamkunnu Temple?
You can travel from any part of the country to reach the temple by road, rail and air. The nearest airport is the Calicut International Airport, from where you find regular bus services operated by KSRTC (Kerala State Road Transport Corporation) and private operators. It takes just one hour and thirty-five minutes to reach Angadipuram. The temple is just two minutes away from the bus station.
You can also find a few trains to Nilambur from various towns in Kerala, connecting the temple.
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