Chinakkathoor Kavu temple is located at Palappuram, around 5 km from Ottapalam, in Palakkad district, Kerala. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali and Mele Kavil Bhagavathy. The shrine is also referred to as Chenakkathoor.
There are two temples here – Thazhekavu and Melekavu. The darshanam of both the temples are towards south. There are three flag posts or kodimaram in the temple. Thazhekavu has two flag posts one inside the temple and one outside.
The deity worshipped in Melekavu is believed to be the daughter of Kodungallur Bhagavathy. The vigraham of Goddess Bhadrakali worshiped in Thazhe Kavu is swayambhu – of divine origin.
The Upa Devata worshipped in the temple is Ganapati. This Ganapati is famous as Vidya Ganapathi.
Koothu and Pooram are held at Melekavu. Pattum and Arattu are held at Thazhekavu.
Mele Kavilamma is the devata of 7 deshams (villages) – Pallavurmangalam, Palappuram, Ottappalam, Mettanna, Evarkottiri, Thekkumangalam and Vadakkumangalam. The pooram festival in this kavu is famous as Chinakathoor pooram.
The uralanmar of the temple were Keezharnellor, Eranoor, Mathoor and Thekkiniyedam. Mathoor mana became extinct and their place was taken by Poomully Mana.
The annual prathisha festival in the temple is held on Makayiram nakshatra day in Malayalam Meena Masam.