Mekkotta Bhagavathy temple is located in Vallikkunnu village in Malappuram district, Kerala. The temple is located atop a small hill. The shrine is dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathi. The annual Thalappoli festival is held in Kumbha Masam and it begins with the kuriyidal.
Mekkotta Bhagavathy Temple – Thalappoli Festival
During the annual Thalappoli festival Mekkotta Bhagavathi comes down from the hill and visits her sister who is worshipped at Thalappoli Parambu, which lies about 1.5 kms south.
During the festival the Thiru Udaval – the sword and main weapon of Mekkotta Bhagavathi is tied up with Thiru Udayada – dress of Bhagavathy. The Udaval is brought atop a caparisoned elephant to the accompaniment of melam along with the golden mirror at midnight to Thalappoli Parambu and returns back with Thalappoli carried by women to Mekkotta Bhagavathi temple.
The Thalappoli begins when Komaram or oracle starts running. Women who bears Ari Thalam (plate with uncooked rice) shower the thalam in the temple after completing three rounds around the temple.
During the festival, the Kalam or image of Goddess Devi is drawn using various powders and is rubbed away at the end of the festival.
The temple remains closed after the Thalappoli festival for seven days.
Mekkotta Bhagavathy Temple History
The hill was the fortress and capital of the ancient Parappanad Kingdom. Machil Bhagavathi was the para devata of this kingdom and she later became the famous Mekkotta Bhagavathy.
A king named Kerala Varma of Parappanad kingdom worshipped the powerful Rudra form of Goddess Shakti. It is said that the Goddess appeared before him and directed him to a spot where a Rudra Ghora Murti of Goddess was hidden. It is said that the king was able to carry the murti back to his kingdom.
As the murti was installed in Machil or Kula Devatha room she came to be known as Machil Bhagavathy. She was later worshipped as Mekkotta Bhagavathy.
There is no murti in the temple – a golden mirror or Kannadi Bimbham is worshipped in the shrine.
Kuruthi is performed in the temple.
Mekkotta Bhagavathy Temple Timing
Morning darshan timing is from 7:00 AM to 10:30 AMEvening darshan timing is from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
The famous Niram Kaitha Kotta temple is located downhill.