The Kadampuzha Devi temple is revered among worshippers as one of the most powerful shrines dedicated to Goddess Parvati. Located at Kadampuzha, 16km from Tirur, Malappuram, Goddess Parvati is worshipped here in the Kiratha rupa (in the form of a forest hunter). The temple dates back to more than 1900 years and is unique in that it does not have an idol.
Daily prayers and offerings are made towards a hole from where it is believed that Goddess Parvati appeared in front of Adi Sankaracharya to bless him, only to then return into the hole. Adi Sankaracharya then built a temple around it and worshipped the goddess by offering ixora flowers known as thechi poovu in Malayalam. Even today, thechi flowers are used for offering prayers.
The architectural style of the temple is simple and unlike most temples, it does not have a gold-plated flag post. The temple is built using granite stones, wood and brass. The carvings of idols on the stone and intricate designs on the wood are elements of interest. The temple also has sub-shrines of Lord Ayyapan and serpent deities. A Shiva temple, ‘Madambiyarkavu’ is located near the temple. The major vazhipadu (offerings) conducted are polymodal (showering of flowers over Lord Shiva) as it is considered to be the goddess’ favourite and muttarukkal (breaking of coconuts).
