Kadampuzha Bhagavathy Temple is located at Kadampuzha around 2 km from Vettichira in Malappuram district, Kerala. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvati. The story f the temple is associated with Adi Shankaracharya. Bhagavathy is worshipped in three different forms in a day.
Legend has it that Adi Shankaracharya who was on his way to Chottanikkara temple from Mookambika temple found stuck at Kadampuzha and he was unable to move ahead.
He initially failed to understand as to what was blocking his path. After intense meditation, Adi Shankara realized that ego had sprouted in his mind after he attained the Sarvajna Peedam. He immediately performed intense penance and cleansed his mind.
Later he was able to see the Divine presence of Goddess Parvati emanating from a particular spot. The present day Kadampuzha temple is located in the exact spot.
The belief is that Shiva arrived in the form Kirathamoorthy – hunter form of Shiva that appeared before Arjuna of Mahabharata to bless him with Pashupatastra. Kirathamoorthy was accompanied by Goddess Parvati in the form Kirathi. A temple of the Kirata murti form of Shiva is located a kilometer from the shrine.
Narasimha murti, Sudarshana chakra and Sastha and Nagakanyaka pratishta were done by Adi Shankaracharya. He also stipulated the poojas and rituals to be conducted in the temple.
Three Different Forms Of Kadampuzha Bhagavathy
Kadampuzha Bhagavathy is worshiped here in three forms.
- In the morning, Bhagavathy is worshiped as Vidya Durga (Saraswati) bestowing knowledge and excellence in career to all.
- In the afternoon, Bhagavathy is worshiped as Vanadurga (Durga) in the Twaritha Devi form blessing the devotees with health, early marriage, and domestic harmony.
- In the evening, Bhagavathi is worshipped as Aadi Durga (Moola Durga - Lakshmi) bestowing the devotees with wealth and overall prosperity.
The main sanctum sanctorum does not have a murti of Bhagavathi but only the self manifested presence of Goddess Parvati.