Dakshina Mookambika Temple is located at North Paravur in Ernakulam district, Kerala. The shrine is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. A unique prasadam or naivedya in the temple is Kashayam.
The sreekovil or sanctum sanctorum is located amidst a pool of water. The Upa Devatas worshipped in the temple are Ganapathy, Subrahmanyan, Mahavishnu, Yakshi, Hanuman and Veerabhadran. A shrine dedicated Yakshi is at the southwest corner of the temple.
The temple is famous for ezhuthiniruthu – initiating children into the world of letters – on Vijayadasami day.
The 10-day annual festival in the temple concludes on Uthrattathi nakshatra in Makaram month. The 9-day Navratri (September – October) is another important festival here.
Dakshina Mookambika Temple Story
As per local legend, the deity in the temple was consecrated by Paravur Thampuram. He used to visit Mookambika in Karnataka for worship once in a year. In one year, he prayed to the Goddess saying that he might not be able to visit next year to old age. It is said Goddess Mookambika came along with Thampuram. (Mookambikayil ninnum bhajichu kondu vannu kudiyiruthi).
The temple earlier belonged to Paravur Swaroopam.
Kashayam Naivedya For Athazha Pooja
Kashayam in Ayurveda is water decoction or water extract of a single herb or group of herbs. Sixteen different types of herbs are used to prepare the Kashayam Naivedyam in Dakshina Mookambika Temple. This is offered to the deity during Athazha Puja (evening puja).
It is believed that having this Kashayam will improve memory and intelligence of children.