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Thiruvarkadu Bhagavathi Temple (a.k.a. Madayi Kavu) is the mother temple of all Bhadrakali shrines of north Kerala. The deity is the Fierce form of Bhadrakali. Shiva, Saptha mathrika, Ganapathy, Veerabhadra and Kshetrapalaka are the dieties inside the temple.

The Bhagavathi is addressed by tantrics/ kalaripayattu martial arts practitioners in the vicinity as Tiruvarkkad Achchi . Achan(male)/Achchi(female) is the ancient colloquial addressing of the chief teacher(gurukkal) of a Kalari martial arts school.

The temple administration is Malabar Devaswom Board. The temple is a revered shrine of Chirakkal Royal Family and a shrine of Chirakkal devaswom before. The temple is situated in Madayi, Payangadi, hence prominently known as Madayi Kavu.

Etymology

The diety is addressed as Thiruvarkkadu Bhagavathi or Madayikkavil Amma.^[2]

It is believed the Bhagavathi resided in Rajarajeshwaram temple. However the as time passed the fierce form of Bhagavathi increased gradually the puja vidhi thus required became gradually incompatible with the pure sattvik puja in Rajarajeshwaram temple.^[3]

Shiva then called his disciple Parashurama to find a solution for this. Parashurama invoked the Bhagavathi in Rajarajeshwaram temple in a counch and throwed the sacred counch from Rajarajeshwara temple towards sea. The counch flew away and fell on a big rock surrounded by dense forest. The rock hill and the forest then started shivering(In malayalam 'Virra' means shiver). Thereby Thiruvirayal kavu is believed to have changed to Thiruvarkadu.^[4][5]

The sanctum that one can see while entering from the front entrance is of Shiva (Due to the tantric temple architecture Rurujith Vidhanam).^[6][7]

Legend

There are different folklore about the origin of the temple. One of the legend says, The Bhagavathi, Madayikkavilamma was residing in western gopuram of the Rajarajeshwara Temple. But, as she was required pashubali (animal sacrifice), she could not exist in the Shiva temple. She ordered the then King of that region to construct a separate shrine for her.

The legend says, Madayi was troubled by a demon Darika and Madayikavilamma killed him and requested Shiva to enshrine in a temple near him. Lord Shiva ordered his disciple Parashuram to consecrate a shrine for the Shakti. Parashurama invoked the goddess in a counch and threw and the sacred counch fell on Madayippara.^[8] The shrine is considered the last resort for the removal of Occult Sorcery (Black Magic and Witchcraft).

There are 6 types of Tantra shastra Shaivam, Vaishnavam, Shakteyam, Souram, Ganapthyam and Kaumaram. In Kerala Shakteya tantra is predominanat due to the prescence of mother goddess worship in majority of the villages.

There used to be a "strothasamuchayam" known as "panchasthavi" in Kashmir province. There were Laghustuthi, ghatasthi, charchasthuthi, Ambasthuthi, sakalajananeestuthi. These five came under "sreevidyasambrathaaya" which stipulates like Aanavopayam, Saakthopayam, saambhavopayam, anupoyam etc. These were practiced by the Bhattakaaras of kashmir. One of the Bhattakarar travelled from kashmir towards south and he has built 13 temples of saakthyaaradhana. they are from north starting from mannampurath kavu of Neeleswaram, Thiruvarkkattu kavu or Madaayi kavum, Kalarivathulkkavu of Valapattanam, Mamanikkunnu kavu near Mattannur, Thiruvancheri kkavu near Koothuparambu, Kaliyam kavu near edacheri of Vadakara, Koyilandi kollam pisharikkavu, thiruvalayanaadu kavu of Kozhikode, Modikkunnathu kavu near Pattambi, Thirumandamkunnu kavu of Angadipurath, Kodungallurkkavu, Muthoot kavu of Thiruvalla, Panayannar kavu of Mannar near thiruvalla.

The Piradar brahmins performed the poojas came from Kashmir and they practiced Saaktheya pujas, which is practiced here at Madaayikkavu

History

The temple is believed to be the coronation ceremony center of the erstwhile Mooshika kingdom.^[9]. The 11th king of Mooshika dynasty Shatasoman(Sutasoman) renovated the building of Perinchallur(Talipparamba) temple, the family deity of the dynasty Bhadrakali was also worshipped there. Centuries later in 344 AD Kola swaroopam raised the Bhagavathi temple.^[10]

During the incursion of Hyder Ali into Malabar, Circa 1780, Madayi Kavu was desecrated with the entrails of slaughtered cattle, following which a local Nair warrior named Vengayil Chathukutty beheaded the miscreant responsible for the act, delivering the severed head to temple authorities. Thereby the Nair family of Vengayil received the title of Nayanar.^[11]

Worship

Kadu Sarkara Yogam

The main idol of Bhagavathi is crafted using a rare and closely guarded technique called 'Kadu Sarkara Yogam,' a method passed down as a legacy by artisans. This technique is used to create sacred idols in specific Kerala temples.

An additional metal idol exists for abhishekam, a ritual purification. This idol is taken outside the temple during 'aarattu' ceremony during festival.

By the time of the restoration of Padmanabha Swamy temple and planning of new idol, the Attingal rani's of Travancore who were adopted from Kannur started worshipping an idol of Madayi kavil amma from Attingal palace. It is believed that the new idol of Padmanabha Swamy Temple in Trivandrum, made from 12,008 Shaligram stones and completed in 1739 using 'Kadu Sarkara Yogam,' drew inspiration from them.

The following is the detailed process of 'Kadu Sarkara Yogam'. Unlike most idols, those crafted with 'Kadu Sarkara Yogam' are built on-site within the temple itself. The process begins with constructing a strong skeleton using high-quality woods like sandalwood and Devatharu. These individual pieces are then meticulously joined together using copper wires and plates. A unique paste called Ashta-bandha-lepana provides stability and reinforcement for the idol's framework. This secret recipe is a blend of specific proportions of tree gum, Guggulu, jaggery, and other ingredients, all carefully heated and mixed in an earthen pot.

To mimic the human body's nervous system, fine fibers derived from treated coconut husks are meticulously woven into the idol's structure. This intricate network adds a layer of realism and spiritual significance. A special medicated mud plays a crucial role in shaping the idol's form. This mud is prepared by collecting soil from diverse landscapes, including dry lands, marshy areas, and deserts. The soil is then treated with various herbal concoctions, imbuing it with healing properties. This unique mud is then applied to the idol, meticulously sculpting its features.

Once the desired shape is achieved, pure silk is carefully wrapped around the entire idol. This layer provides an additional layer of protection for the medicated mud beneath. Natural gums or latex are used to securely fasten the silk in place.^[12]

The final stage involves applying a special coating called Kalkka. This protective layer is made by finely grinding a combination of river sand, black sand, and other natural elements for an entire month. The resulting paste is then applied to the idol's surface, offering a durable and aesthetically pleasing finish. Conch shell powder can be used on top for a beautiful whitening effect. Interestingly, due to the unique properties of the materials used, idols crafted with 'Kadu Sarkara Yogam' cannot undergo traditional bathing rituals (abhisheka). The exact ingredients and proportions used in Kadu Sarkara Yogam remain a secret, passed down through generations of skilled artisans. This meticulous process results in incredibly detailed and long-lasting idols. There are very less temples whose idols are prepared like this.^[13]

Koula Sampradaya

The temple rites are followed in Koula sampradaya. The ability to control Ashtapaashas (eight fetters that obstructs a persons spiritual and social progress) – ghrina (hatred), lajjaa (shame), bhaya (fear), shanka (doubt), jugupsa (reproach/ insult others), kula (family pride), jaati (caste/ creed) and sheela (modesty)^[14] – are key for meditation especially in Koula Sampradaya. The theological belief is that, if a devotee is able to control the ashta pashas, the Bhagavathi raises the devotees consciousness to Shivam. In other words Bhagavathi develops a person with primordial thoughts to a conscious wise human.

This theological belief has another version in Kundalini theology where practice of tantra or yoga helps a human to arise his consciousness from Muladhara Chakra – Root Chakra, Svadhishthana Chakra – Sacral Chakra, Manipura Chakra – Solar Plexus Chakra, Anahata Chakra – Heart Chakra, Vishuddha Chakra – Throat Chakra, Ajna Chakra – Third Eye Chakra, Sahastrara Chakra – Crown Chakra. So tantra theology says that with the practice of tantra Bhagavathi raised the consciousness to Sahastrara or Shivam^[15]

Kattumadom Esanan Namboothirippad is the Tantri (Head Priest) of the shrine. Kattumadom is one of the four major Mantravada clan of Brahmin families in Kerala.^[16]. The temple rites are performed by Pidarar Brahmins who follow Koula sampradaya.

The major festival of the temple is Pooram in March. There are also festivals in the Malayalam months of Thulam, Vrishchikam and Makaram in addition to the Pooram in Meenam. The Perumkaliyattam is in the Malayalam month of Idavam.^[17] The temple is also associated with the Bhadrakali temple of Mannanpurathu Kavu (Nileshwaram) and Vadukunnu Shiva Temple.

The Shiva shrine faces east, while the Bhadrakali shrine faces towards the west. A particular aspect of the temple is Kozhi Kalasham, which is the sacrifice of poultry for the goddess which is held in high regard.^[18]

Thiru Arattu Kavu Attingal, Thiruvanathapuram

Located in Thiruvananthapuram, the Bhagavathi temple is believed to house the deity Madayikavil amma. This temple holds significance due to Maharaja Swathi Thirunal's reverence for the goddess, as expressed in his keerthanams (compositions) where he addresses her as "pahi parvatha nandini." Notably, Swathi Thirunal's maternal lineage hails from Kannur.

Historical records suggests that Madayikavil amma's presence in Thiruvananthapuram is linked to an adoption from the Chirakkal Kingdom of Kannur into the Travancore Royal family. Rani Umayamma Aswathi Tirunal adopted two sons and four daughters from the Pally Kovilakam of the Kolathunad Royal House in Kannur. These adopted members were then allocated a palace in Attingal.^[19]

As the Kolathunad Royal family of Kannur worshipped Madayikavil amma as their family deity, the adopted princesses brought a Bhagavathi idol from Kannur to Attingal and worshipped it as Madayi kavil amma. Initially housed within the palace, the royal family later built a dedicated temple for the Bhagavathi nearby.

These princesses subsequently married princes, also from the Kolathunad royal family of Kannur. Kings Marthanda Varma and Dharma Raja were the next generation descendants of these adopted males and females, ensuring the continuation of the worship and traditions.

The Travancore royal family built upon a tradition of adoption, echoing the precedence of the adoption by King Sangramadhira Ravivarman Kulaśēkhara^[20] of the Chera dynasty centuries ago. In 1305 CE, he adopted two princesses from the Kolathiri dynasty, known as Attingal and Kunnumel Ranis. The line of kings following Ravi Varman adhered to the Marumakkathayam law of matrilineal succession. Thus, the royal family continued through the female lineage.^[21] Whenever there were no females to take forth the line, princesses were adopted from the Kolathiri family, the latest adoption being in 1994.^[22]

Temple Etiquettes

Dress Code

• Men: Traditional Mundu is allowed. Lungi, Shirt and Vest/Banian are not allowed inside the temple
• Women: Salwar Kameez, Saree, Set Mundu, Skirts and Blouse allowed. Jeans/ non conservative westernized outfits are not allowed inside the temple.

Behaviour:

• Not allowed to enter after liquor consumption, smoking, paan or any intoxicating substances.
• Not allowed to spit or dispose garbage

Access

The national highway passes through Taliparamba town. Goa and Mumbai can be accessed on the northern side and Cochin and Thiruvananthapuram can be accessed on the southern side. The road to the east of Iritty connects to Mysore and Bangalore. The nearest railway station is Pazhayangadi on Mangalore-Palakkad line. Trains are available to almost all parts of India subject to advance booking over the internet. There are airports at Kannur [Kannur International Airport ], Mangalore and Calicut. Both of them are international airports but direct flights are available only to Middle Eastern countries.

See also

• Madayi, Payangadi
• Kalarivathukkal Bhagavathy Temple

References