Temple

Madayi Kavu, also known as Thiruvar Kadu Bhagavathi Temple, is an ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Kali. It is believed to be the oldest temple built in Kerala. The temple also houses a Shiva shrine. Thiruvar Kadu Bhagavathi Temple is a revered shrine of Chirakkal Royal Family. As of now, the temple administration is under Malabar Devaswom Board.

Legend

According to the legends, originally the Bhagavathy, Madayikkavilamma was residing in Taliparambha Rajarajeshwara temple. But, as Madayikkavilamma was a non-vegetarian, she could not continue to reside at Rajarajeshwara temple. Madayikkavilamma ordered the then King of that region to construct a separate temple for her. The king built a new temple for Madayikkavilamma. Thus 'Madayikavu' temple came into existence as per the deity's wish.
According to another legend, once a demon named 'Dharaka' was troubling the people of Madayi. People prayed to Madayikavu Amma to help them from demon. Madayikavu Amma came to help the people from demon in the form of Kali and killed him. Madayikavu Amma then requested Lord Shiva to give a place on earth for her where people can worship her always. Lord Shiva ordered Sage Parashurama to fulfill the wish of Madayikavu Amma and as per Shiva's orders Parashurama hit the ground with his sword and the sea which made way for a hill was transformed into a "Punya Kshethara" of mother Kali very popularly known as Madayi Kavu Amma or Thiruvar Kadu Bhagavathi.

Architecture

The Madayi Kavu temple is built in traditional Kerala style of architecture. The Goddess is considered as Brahmin Mother and hence do not face the temple entrance gate, her sanctum is inside the shrine; the sanctum that we can see while entering from the front entrance is of Shiva (Also due to the tantric temple architecture Rurujith Vidhanam) and in Annapoorneshwari Temple it is Krishna's shrine in the front entrance. So the temple is known by the name of Shiva rather than the Goddess.

Darsan Info

The Madayi Kavu(Thiruvarkadu Bhagavathi Temple) is open from 5:30 AM to 1 PM and from 5 PM to 8 PM.

Darsan Dresscode

At Madayi Kavu(Thiruvarkadu Bhagavathi Temple), Kerala traditional attire is preferred

Famous Festival

April - Madayikavu Pooram

Culture

Kannur has got a vibrant and rich political history. It also has got an illustrious history in social revolutions.

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Temple Rituals

Madayi Kavu(Thiruvarkadu Bhagavathi Temple)  rites are in Koula sampradaya. The ability to control Ashtapaashas (Eight chains)- (Ghrina (Hatered), Lajjaa (Shame),Bhaya (Fear), Shanka(Doubt), Jugupsa(Reproach), Kula(caste), Jaati(creed) and Sheela (Modesty), is key for meditation especially in Koula Sampradaya. If a devotee is able to control these, The Bhagavathy raises our consciousness to Shivam.

Special Rituals

The Shiva shrine faces East, while the Bhadrakali shrine faces towards the West. The priests at the temple even though Brahmins are not Namboothiris, they are Pidarar Brahmins, belong to a particular sect associated with Kali worship, and are not barred from consumption of meat. A particular aspect of the Madayi Kavu(Thiruvarkadu Bhagavathi Temple)  is Kozhi Kalasham, which is the sacrifice of poultry for the goddess which is held in high regard.

Additional Info