Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathy Temple, Angadipuram
Bhagavathy (Bhadrakali / Parvati, Thirumandhamkunnilamma), with Shiva as the presiding deity of the Sreemoolasthanam temple · Angadipuram (near Perinthalmanna), Malappuram, Kerala, India
The Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathy Temple stands on a hill at Angadipuram, near Perinthalmanna in Malappuram district, Kerala. The goddess, known locally as Thirumandhamkunnilamma, is worshipped as Bhadrakali and as Parvati, while, according to Kerala Tourism, Shiva is the presiding deity of the temple. The temple is widely known for the Mangalya Puja, an offering made by devotees seeking to overcome obstacles to marriage.
Angadipuram was the capital of the medieval kingdom of Valluvanad, according to the Kerala Land Revenue Department, and Wikipedia describes the goddess as the paradevata (tutelary deity) of the Valluvanad rulers. The temple is tied to the history of the Mamankam festival at Thirunavaya: a platform called the chaver thara near the temple marks the place from which Valluvanad's warriors set out.
Faith & Tradition
Religious Significance of Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathy Temple, Angadipuram
The temple's legend, recorded by Wikipedia, tells of King Mandhata, who received a Shiva lingam from Shiva at Mount Kailash and carried it south until it became fixed in the ground on this hill. Parvati, who had worshipped the lingam, wished to have it back and sent Bhadrakali with an army of bhutas; in the struggle that followed the lingam is said to have split, and Parvati chose to merge into it and remain here, with her 'daughter' Bhadrakali installed nearby facing north. The spot where the lingam lies is called the Sreemoolasthanam, and Bhadrakali's shrine, with the Saptamatrikas, Veerabhadra and Ganapati, is the Mathrusala. The custom of Attangayeru, said to re-enact the legendary fight, is part of the temple's ritual year.
The Mangalya Puja is the offering most associated with the temple. Kerala Tourism describes it as a wedding oblation that devotees believe removes obstacles and brings a happy married life. Wikipedia lists Mangalya Puja, Rigveda Laksharchana, Chandattam and Kalampattu among the important offerings.
The temple's trustee, according to the temple website, is the Valluvakonathiri, the head of the former Valluvanad royal family. When a new head succeeds, he makes a ceremonial first visit to the temple, known as the Kotticha Ezhunnallathu.
Heritage
History of Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathy Temple, Angadipuram
Kerala's Mamankam festival was held every twelve years at Thirunavaya. The Indian Express (2022) explains that the right to preside over it passed to the Valluvakonathiri, but that in the 14th century the Zamorin of Kozhikode defeated Valluvanad and took over the festival. In response, Valluvanad sent bands of warriors called chavers, sworn to fight to the death, to attack the Zamorin at each Mamankam. According to the Indian Express and Wikipedia, the chavers began their journey to Thirunavaya from the chaver thara at the Thirumandhamkunnu temple, and this memorial platform can still be seen near the temple entrance.
Kerala Tourism notes that the temple's rituals are said to date back to the 16th century. Wikipedia records that the paintings on the walls of the Mathrusala, depicting the temple's legend, were made in 1944, and that a devaprasnam (ritual consultation) held in 1959 recommended that an image of Mandhata be installed and worshipped.
Architecture and sacred features
Kerala Tourism describes the temple as built in the traditional Kerala style. The temple courtyards are on a hilltop with views over the surrounding countryside. Wikipedia notes that the Sreemoolasthanam has no roof, which it takes as a sign that the site was once a kavu (sacred grove), and that the shrine has darshan openings on both the east and west. Wikipedia mentions a nearby lake to which the goddess is taken for the Aarattu, and a separate Shiva temple, the Thali Mahadeva temple, is also in Angadipuram.
Plan Your Visit
Darshan and Visitor Information
The temple is on a hill, so expect some climbing. Traditional Kerala temple customs apply; follow the instructions of temple staff, and note that darshan arrangements at the Sreemoolasthanam are specific to this temple. Mangalya Puja and other offerings are booked through the temple. Confirm current timings, dress rules and booking arrangements with the temple office or the temple website before travelling, especially during the Pooram.
Timings and arrangements change with seasons and festivals. Confirm current details with Trust headed by the Valluvakonathiri (per the temple website) (official website) before travelling. Last reviewed 1 November 2026.
Sacred Calendar
Festivals at Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathy Temple, Angadipuram
Thirumandhamkunnu Pooram
The temple's main festival, lasting eleven days, with elephant processions and temple arts, ending with the Aarattu (ritual bath) of the goddess; the temple website places it in Meenam and Wikipedia in March–April.
Kalampattu season
According to the temple website, Kalampattu (Bhadrakalippattu), in which the goddess is drawn in coloured powders and worshipped, runs from the first day of Vrischikam until Meenam.
Navaratri
Celebrated over nine nights and ending with Vidyarambham, according to the temple website.
Thiruvathira
The temple website describes an eight-day festival with Thiruvathirakali dance.
Location
How to Reach Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathy Temple, Angadipuram
According to the Kerala Land Revenue Department, Angadipuram is about 3 km west of Perinthalmanna, the Kozhikode–Palakkad National Highway 966 passes through the town, and Angadipuram railway station, on the Nilambur–Shoranur line, is on the eastern side of the village.
Location: Angadipuram (near Perinthalmanna), Malappuram, Kerala, India
Nearest railway station: Angadipuram (Nilambur–Shoranur line)
More in Hindu temples in Kerala · Bhagavathy (Bhadrakali / Parvati, Thirumandhamkunnilamma), with Shiva as the presiding deity of the Sreemoolasthanam temples · Temples in Angadippuram · Temples in Perinthalmanna Taluk · Temples in Malappuram District
Questions
Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathy Temple, Angadipuram: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mangalya Puja at Thirumandhamkunnu?
It is a wedding oblation offered at the temple. Devotees believe it removes obstacles to marriage and brings a happy married life.
Which deity is worshipped at Thirumandhamkunnu Temple?
The goddess Thirumandhamkunnilamma, worshipped as Bhadrakali and Parvati, is the best-known deity; Kerala Tourism notes that Shiva is the presiding deity.
What is the chaver thara?
It is a memorial platform near the temple from which the chavers, Valluvanad's warriors, set out for the Mamankam festival at Thirunavaya to fight the Zamorin's forces.
When is the Thirumandhamkunnu Pooram?
It is an eleven-day festival in the Malayalam month of Meenam (March–April), ending with the Aarattu of the goddess.
Who manages the temple?
According to the temple website, the trustee is the Valluvakonathiri, head of the former Valluvanad royal family.
How do I reach Thirumandhamkunnu Temple?
Angadipuram is about 3 km west of Perinthalmanna on National Highway 966, and has its own railway station on the Nilambur–Shoranur line.
Sources and attribution
- Wikipedia — Thirumandhamkunnu Temple
- Kerala Tourism, Government of Kerala — Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathy Temple
- Kerala Tourism, Government of Kerala — Thirumandhamkunnu Temple, Angadipuram
- Land Revenue Department, Government of Kerala — Angadippuram Village – About Village
- The Indian Express — From Mamangam to Mahatma Gandhi: Why there is a call to protect relics in Kerala's Thirunavaya (3 September 2022)
- Thirumandhamkunnu Temple (official website) — Festivals
Further reading: Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathy Temple, Angadipuram on Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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