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Pinarayi – Kayalod Arathil Bhagavathi Temple – History – Festival

Arathil Bhagavathi temple is located near Kayalod on Pinarayi – Kayalod in Kannur district, Kerala. The shrine is dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathi – who is popularly known as Arathil Bhagavathy. The annual Thira – Theyyam festival is performed on Meenam 13, 14 and 15 (March 27th, 28th and 29th).

The upa devatas worshipped in the temple are Sasthappan, Pazhassi Devi, Kakkara Bhagavathi , Kelan Kulangara Bhagavathi, Gulikan (Son of Saturn) and Vishnu Moorthi.

Pazhassi Bhagwathi worshipped in the temple is presumed to be the daughter of Yashoda who was brought to Mathura by Vasudeva, the father of Bhagavan Krishna. She is fiery by nature and is considered as the protector of the Goddess Bhagavathi. 

The pooja in the temple is now conducted by Keezhara illam.

Arathil Bhagavathi Temple – History

The murti of Arathil Bhagavathy worshipped in the temple belonged to a Brahmin family who arrived at Gokarna on the request of Parashurama Avatar of Bhagwan Vishnu.

The king of Kolathunadu had difference of opinion with the Brahmins of his kingdom and he invited the Brahmin family of Gokarna to reside in his kingdom.

The family asked the king for a suitable place for their descendents and their family deity.  The king agreed and gave them the villages of Arathil, Cheruthazham, Kannur, Kulappuram and Vararuchi Mangalam. The 235 families of the Brahmins settled down in these villages. The king also built a temple for their Goddess in the Arathil village.

From then onwards Kolathunadu became prosperous along with the Brahmins who settled down there. Thinking that they were the cause of the prosperity, the Brahmins started quarrelling with the king and slowly started neglecting the temple. Then their prosperity diminished and for a period of 16 years the temple was even closed. The local population, who had benefited from the Goddess, again repaired the temple and started performing the usual worships and they again got back their prosperity.

Ganapathi Homam and Neypayasam are offered on all days in Karkidakam month (July – August).

Chuttuvilakku is done on all days of Vrischika Masam.