In a picturesque location surrounded by enchanting greenery, Manikiyil Sree Bhagavathi Temple is situated around 17 km. South/East of Kannur town (on Kannur - Koothuparamba road), within Poduvacherry village limits. On the way to Makreri Sree Subramanyan temple from Peralassery Sree Subramanyan temple, one has to take a left towards Mavilai U P School. Going beyond the school, this most sacred Bhagavati temple is situated by the side of the Canal Road.
The presiding deity is LORDESS BHAGAVATHI, Mother of all beings, portrayed as Sree Durga Devi and Sree Bhadrakali in TWO separate sanctum-sanctorums of equal size and shape. The two deities, revered in the form of Satva Guna and Rajo Guna of Human race in one place, is rarely seen in the land of Kerala, may be the only one abode in God’s Own Country. The two sanctum-sanctorum of Sree Durga Devi in the North and Sree Bhadrakali to its’ South, with its’ two separate Namaskaramandapam, are built of equal size and shape inside a single Chuttambalam, giving equal importance to both deities. This unique arrangement immensely personifies the power and elegance of the Divine Mother in all her pristine glory, in one place! Just outside the temple precincts, under a thick foliage, there exists a very old podium where Bhadrakali, in her most ferocious form has been consecrated. A moorthy called Perumbeshan also finds a place beside the fierce Bhadrakali. People who dared to enter this foliage for purposes other than worship have had frightening experiences.
Another unique feature of the temple is the consecration of the deities in the form of a Mirror Dome, where there is no human shape or contour. This mirror dome is made from a rare metal stone by experts following traditional values and fervor with great care. The mirror dome is surrounded by a highly crafted and shining crown (Prabhavalayam). The devotees who stand before this image and pray with folded hands, will have a penetrating feeling of seeing one’s own Self (Jeevatma) within the all pervading Self, the Supreme Consciousness (Paramatma) surrounded by the timeless Universe, from where the Nature (Prakriti) with all its’ creations (Sarvacharaacharangal) were born.
From the ancestors living around this place, it is known that thousands of years ago, this sacred place was a resting place for travelling sages and seers. An enclave for worshipping the Divine Mother was erected by them in this place. They had performed several types of religious rituals like, yagas, yagnas and vedantic recitations here. They had also attained Renunciation (Samadhi) by deep meditation (Dhyanam) in this very place. Remains of their dwellings (Namboodiri Illam) are still found in the precincts of the temple. Down the age, these Brahmins moved out and the maintenance of the enclave was entrusted to an eminent family (Edavalathu Tharavadu) who resided nearby. Realizing the presence and intense power of the Bhagavati in the enclave, a few members of the family with the initiative of enlightened local residents, decided to build a temple, by following strict scriptural practices.
A committee was formed to oversee the construction of the temple. The members of the family and others who owned land near the enclave, donated generously for the cause. A trust was registered with the support of all local people. In the month of June 2003, under the leadership of Kadachira Gireeshan Master, an Ashtamangalya Prashnam was performed, and as per their findings a master plan was drawn by renowned Kanipayur Sri. Krishnan Namboodiri, who visited the holy place. An alluring man of wisdom, Brahmasri Velloorillathu Parameshwaran Namboodiri was conferred the status of the Chief Priest (Kshetra Tantri). Naga Prathista was consecrated by Pambumekattu tantris on September 13, 2004; Kodum Bhadrakali and Perumbesan enclave was renovated and sanctified in 2005 by the Chief Priest; Balalaya was then constructed to house the deities temporarily. In the same year, construction of the Sreekovil started under the supervision of Olavara Sri. Kunhiraman Melasari and Makreri Sri. Raghavan Ashari. By the year 2007, in line with the shape and design of a Big Temple (Maha Kshetram) the Manikiyil Bhagavati Temple took shape majestically. Prathista Brahma Kalasa Mahotsavam was celebrated from June 12 to 20, 2007, to mark the opening of the temple. The temple is since then open for Daily Rituals (Nitya Pooja) in the morning and evening, by the dedicated Main Priest (Mel Shanti) KIzhara Illathu Sri. Shankaranarayanan Namboodiri.
With the undulating grace of Manikiyil Amma, and unstinted support of devotees far and wide, the construction of the temple in its’ entirety is under progress. Still, a substantial sum is needed for completion of the temple as per the original master plan. Let us all pray to our Nithyaswaroopini Manikiyil Amma to show us the way and bless us, our family and the society at large.