Thirumandhamkunnu Temple, Angadipuram – The Temple

Thirumandhamkunnu Temple, Angadipuram – The Temple

The Thirumandhamkunnu Temple is situated on top of 60 feet high hillock. The hill top provides an enchanting view of the surroundings. Presiding Deity of this Temple is Lord Shiva. However, famous deity is Bhadrakali, locally known as Thirumandhamkunnilamma and Ganesha. The Shiva Linga housed in the sanctum and is facing east. It is in split condition confirming to the Mandhadha legend. It can be seen only during the abhisheka before the Usha Pooja. Mother Parvathy is facing west.

The Sanctum does not have a roof, which is an evidence of it having been a Kavu. Hence, it was necessary to have two darshan openings one to the east and the other to west. The family descendants of Valluva Konathiri do not generally open the one on the west except for darshan. On either side of the doorway, there are two openings through which other worshippers can have darshan of the deity. But in recent past, the restrictions have been eased. After each pooja, the door is kept open for some time for darshan of the deity by devotees.

The temple deity, Thirumandhamkunnil Amma, was considered as official goddess of the kings of Valluvanad, the local feudal kings ruled the area in the Middle Ages. She is housed in north facing shrine along with Saptha Matrikas, Veerabhadra and Ganapati were installed facing north. This Shrine is called as Mathrusala. The Idol of Thirumandhamkunnilamma in Mathrusala is of Daru.  A number of Bhadrakali temples in Kerala have Daru idols, but one at Thirumandhamkunnu excels them all.

The idol of this temple is almost identical with that at Kodungallur, except that the Angadipuram idol is taller. Due to this, the Angadipuram Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathy is considered the elder sister of Kodungallur Bhagavathy. The other difference is that no animal sacrifices are done at the Angadipuram Temple. The famous marriage oblation (Mangalya Puja) is performed to Lord Ganesha. Devotees believe Mangalya puja will remove obstacles for one's marriage.

There is an idol of Rurujit (one who conquered Ruru, the Asura) in Mathrusala. The idol is about six feet high, in a sitting posture with the left leg bent up to the lap and the right one freely hanging down. The painting on the walls of the Mathrusala depicts the temple legend. These paintings along with the wall paintings of Suchindram, Pundarikkapuram, Vaikom and Guruvayur were executed in 1944. Nagas and Brahmarakshas can also be found in the Temple premises.

There is also an idol of Child Ganapathy at the foot the age-old Peepal tree standing on the northern side of the temple. The Nair warriors (called Chavers, literally martyrs) of Valluvanad king set out from this temple to Thirunavaya, to participate in the famous Mamankam festival. A memorial structure called the Chaver Thara (platform of the martyrs) can be found in front of the main entrance of the Thirumandhamkunnu Temple.