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Mangottu Bhagavathi Temple – Athipotta - Story - Vela Festival

Mangottu Bhagavathi temple is located at Athipotta in Palakkad district, Kerala. The murti worshipped in the temple is a highly fierce form of Goddess Bhagavathi. As per local belief, Mangottu Bhagavathi is the younger sister of Kavasseri Parakkattu Bhagavathy.

The Upa Devatas worshipped in the temple are Ganapathi and Mookan Chathan.

Mangottu Bhagavathi Temple Story

As per history, Mangottu Bhagavathi arrived here atop the olakkuda or traditional umbrella of a weaver named Kuttan.

The weaver community headed by Kuttan used to sell clothes during temple festivals in the region. During one such journey, he happened to see the murti of a very beautiful Goddess. He wished to have the murti of Goddess worshipped in his village. During the procession of the Goddess, a huge wind removed the clothes of the deity. Kuttan immediately threw the clothes he had in his hand on the murti of the Goddess. The clothes miraculously got attached to the murti of Goddess. Next day, Kuttan returned to his village. When he reached near his village he got tired and kept his traditional umbrella down. The umbrella did not move from the place when tried to lift it up again. Soon a famous astrologer was consulted who confirmed the presence of Goddess.

Mangottu Bhagavathi Temple - Festival - Vela

The annual festival in the temple is held on second Sunday after Vishu (April 14). The festival lasts for seven days. The Mangottu Kavu Vela is held on the second Sunday after Vishu. The flag hoisting or kodiyettam is held on the first Sunday after Vishu. On Monday, Kari Kali dance festival is held – in this ritual Mannadiar and Nair community members visit Hindu homes of the region dancing and singing songs of Goddess Bhagavathi. Chamana Kali is held on the next day. Just as the day before members of Nair and Mannadiar community visit homes of devotees singing and dancing to stories of Bhagavathy.

After the pooram festival at Parakkattu Bhagavathy temple, Parakkattu Bhagavathy closes her temple and arrives and stays at Mangottu Bhagavathi temple for seven days in the month of Meenam (March–April).

Kumbha Bharani festival is also of importance in the temple.