Mathur Mannampulli Bhagavathy Temple

Mathur Mannampulli Bhagavathy Temple is located in the Palakkad District of Kerala. Sri Mannampullikavu temple dates back to the ancient temple and is said to be thousands of year old. It is almost I7 km from Palakkad junction. The temple was damaged along with many other temples by Tipu Sultan and his army men. This temple remained in a dilapidated condition for a number of years. Devotees irrespective of caste, creed, language, religion etc. throng the temple from far off places to receive the blessings of the Goddess Kali.

History of Mathur Mannampulli Bhagavathy Temple Mathur Mannampulli Bhagavathy Temple is an ancient temple situated in a village called `Mannampulli." The temple faces the east direction. Hence the name `Mannampulli kavu" `Puli` means tamarind tree, Kavu means temple "Mathur means `Mahathaya oor`- a famous renowned place.

Earlier the temple was under the administration of a Brahmin called Peringottu Karanavar. He carried all the administrative work of the temple and also looked after the temple. However, the local people wanted the temple should be handled by a person of local nativity hence a local priest was then given the responsibility. Peringottu karanavar left this temple and went for pilgrimage to Himalaya Mountains.

Festivals of Mathur Mannampulli Bhagavathy Temple
Mathur Mannampulli Bhagavathy Temple is also known by many names like Santharooopini, Sathrusamharini, Thejaswini etc. The temple celebrates many festivals during which it is beautifully decorated with lights and flowers. Festivals like Vishu Vela Mahotsham, Nallamapattu, Desa Ootu, Prathishta Dinam, Mandala Vilaku, Kanji Parcha, Puthari Payasam, Vidyarambham are celebrated here. Apart from these the Swayamvara Parvati Pooja also holds much significance. The pooja is dedicated to Goddess Parvati. There are various forms of worships and the most prominent among them is that of Shakti or the Divine Mother. As per a legend the divine mother took the incarnation of Goddess Parvati in order to get married to Lord Shiva. None other than Lord Shiva himself gave the Swayamvara Parvati mantra to Goddess Parvati. This enabled her to reunite with her divine consort. It is believed that by performing the Swayamvara Parvati pooja, various obstacles that delay any marriage can be eradicated. And the eligible bride or groom is blessed with suitable spouse.

The Mathur Mannampulli Bhagavathy Temple remained in a dilapidated condition for many years. Even the main idol of the deity remained under the main level of ground about 5 1/2 below. Later the temple was repaired and renovated. The main idol was retrieved and Lord Ganesha, Ayyappan, Gurunathan were also installed. The renovation works was started during 2008 and Punaprathishta was conducted on March 8, 2008.

The temple celebrates many festivals on a grand scale. During the festivals time the temple is beautifully decorated with lights and flowers. Some of the festivals celebrated by the temple have been mentioned below:

Vishu Vela Mahotsham
The festival of Vishu Vela Mahotsham is observed with much pomp and show by the temple. The arrangement for the Vishu Vela begins during the malayala month of Kumbam after the Pongala. Penkalivattom is usually observed before the Vela for pleasing the Bhaghavathi. This Vela continues for two daytime and a night. The date for the Vishu Vela is fixed by the Kanniyar which is announced by the Karanavar of the native.

Nallamapattu
During the Malayala month of Kumbam the first Friday is selected for organising a festival in the temple in honour of a sub deity called Sri Kurumbha Bhagavathi. During this time the deity is worshipped by singing songs usually performed by Mannan a particular caste people authorized to sing. After the song of Dharigavadam on the seventh day the sub deity is worshipped with all the musical instruments and Velichappadu.

Desa Ootu
Every year on the Malayala month of Kumbam the last Thursday is selected for this Annadanam (Ootu).This is done in Vaileri Bhagavathi Temple situated in the North West direction of the main temple. During this festival all the women folks assemble together and prepare a payasam in a conventional fire wood oven. It is the offered to the goddess.

Prathishta Dinam
Every year in the Malayala month of Kumbam on the Pooyam Nakshathiram day the renovation day of the temple i.e. the Prathishta Dinam is observed by the devotees and the temple authorities.

Mandala Vilaku
This is celebrated every year that begins from the first of Malayala month of Vrichikam to the tenth of Malayala month of Dhanu. It extends for a period of 41 days.

Kanji Parcha
Every year this festival is celebrated in the Malayala month of Karkidakam usually called as Ramayana Month by the malayalees. On this day distribution of gruel takes place. Daily thousands of people take part in this distribution and drink the gruel. They also take part in Ramayana Parayanam two times in a day.

Puthari Payasam
This festival is celebrated every year in the Malayala month of Chingam. On the Uthradam day a Payasam (sweet rice) is prepared out of new rice from the field and Jaggery (Gud) in a mud repel. It is specially prepared for this occasion. After offering to the deity the sweet rice is distributed among the devotees.

Vidyarambham
Navarathri aghosham is a famous festival of the temple. This attracts large number of devotees from different places. Vidyarambham is conducted on Vijayadasami day of the Navaratri ulsavam. During this occasion babies of 3 to 6 age group are initiated to the three R`s- Reading, Writing and Arithmetic in the presence of Goddess Saraswati. Durgashtami, Mahanavami and Vijayadasami are also very important festivals that are celebrated here.