Sri Mulayankavu Bhagavathy Temple, Kulukkallur, Palakkad Vela Festival 2026 - Temple History - Legends - Unique Idol

Sri Mulayankavu Bhagavathy Temple in Kulukkallur, Palakkad, is a renowned shrine celebrated especially for the annual Pooram in Meda Masam. The temple is deeply rooted in folklore and possesses several rare features that distinguish it from other Devi temples in Kerala. Dedicated to Balabhadrakaali (Bhadrakali in the form of a child), the Sree Mulayankavu Bhagavathy Temple honors the deity worshipped as Mulayamkavil Amma. The idol is unique compared to other Bhadrakali depictions; she sits with folded knees, resembling the posture of Lord Ayyappa. Sri Mulayankavu Bhagavathy Temple Valiyakala Vela 2026 date is May 9 and Valiya Pooram is on May 10. The festivals are usually held on the same date.

Origins and Historical Legend

Discovery of the Swayambhu Stone

According to tradition:

• The area where the temple now stands was once a dense bamboo forest.

• A Harijan Samuthayam woman visited the spot and, while sharpening a tool on a rock, was shocked to see blood oozing from the stone.

• She immediately informed a local Nair who, in turn, conveyed the incident to the Veluttedam Thampran (local chieftain).

• Recognizing the stone as a Swayambhu (self-manifested) presence of the Goddess, the Thampuran consecrated a temple at the very spot.

The name Mulayankavu is believed to be derived either from:

• the abundance of bamboo (mulay) in the region, or

• the belief that the divine presence resembled that of a Mulaya woman.

The Legend of the Elephant That Turned to Stone

One of the temple’s most unusual features is the presence of two mukha mandapam, each linked to a dramatic legend:

Why the Deity Faces West

• In earlier times, an elephant was brought into the temple premises.

• The Goddess, then believed to be in her Bala Swarupini (child) form and originally facing north, became displeased.

• In anger, she turned towards the west, leading to the construction of a second mukha mandapam on that side.

• Even today, devotees receive darshan from the west-facing sanctum.

Formation of the ‘Stone Elephant’

Local belief says:

• The frightened elephant was cursed by the Goddess and turned into stone.

• Labourers who were gathering bamboo nearby saw the enraged elephant and sought refuge in the Goddess.

• She chased it away and petrified it at a distant location.

• About one kilometre from the temple, in the area known as Vandum Thara, lies a massive boulder shaped like an elephant.

• Attempts to break it are said to have failed, with some witnesses claiming that blood emerged from the stone.

• The region continues to be known as Anapara (“Elephant Rock”).

Unique Features of the Deity

Uncommon Idol Form

The Bhagavathy’s idol is exceptionally rare:

• The form resembles that of Sabarimala Ayyappa Swamy, which is unusual for a Devi temple.

• Scholars believe this may symbolize the Goddess’s playful or mischievous child form.

• She is depicted with:

  • a palliwal, and

  • Bhadravatakam in both hands, indicating her dual aspects.

Absence of Sub-Deities

• The temple does not have any sub-shrines, another distinctive feature.

• The spirit of Sri Kunjunni, considered an immortal presence, is believed to dwell in the temple grounds near Pat Kotil by the western gateway.

Festivals and Ritual Calendar

The temple follows a rich yearly cycle of rituals and festivals:

Regular Observances

• Thalappoli – Held on the last day of the Vrischikam month.

• Kalampattu – Begins on Makara Tuesday; may continue until Meenam depending on the number of devotee offerings.

• Pratishta Day (Goddess’s Birthday) – Celebrated on Punartham star in Meenam.

• Kalavela and Edapooram – A smaller festival in Meenam.

Mulayankavu Vela (Major Annual Festival)

This is the temple’s principal celebration:

• Begins on the first day of Medam and continues throughout the month.

• Tholpavakoothu performances are held from the 5th day of Medam for 25 days, depicting the Ramayana episodes from Panchavadi Pravesham to Pattabhishekam.

• Important ritual days include:

  • Vishukani on Medam 1 (April 14 or April 15)

  • Kotippurappad on Medam 1

  • Panevela on Medam 2

  • Chapupevela on Medam 3

  • Karivela on Medam 4

  • Anjam Vela (Tholpavakoothu begins)

Desha Velas and Night Pooram

• Each local region (desham) has a designated day for its Desha Vela.

• The famous Vallapuzha Desha Vela Day is when the night Pooram is celebrated.