| Madayikkavu | |
|---|---|
Madayi Kavu മാടായിക്കാവ് | |
 Tiruvarkkadu Bhagavathi Temple | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Hinduism |
| District | Kannur |
| Deity | Bhadrakali |
| Festivals | Pooram, Perum Kalasham |
| Governing body | Malabar Devaswom Board[1] |
| Location | |
| Location | Pazhayangadi, Kannur |
| State | Kerala |
| Geographic coordinates | 12°2′4.99″N 75°15′41.14″E / 12.0347194°N 75.2614278°E |
| Architecture | |
| Type | Kerala architecture |
| Creator | Parashurama, Mushika dynasty, Chirakkal Kingdom |
| Temple(s) | 5 sanctums |
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Madayikavu (Māḍāyik्kavu), also known as Thiruvarkadu Bhagavathi Temple, is a significant ancient Kaula Shakti shrine in Kerala, located near Pazhayangadi,[2][3] Kannur. With a distinguished history spanning over two millennia, the Kavu (sacred grove) was administered by various regional dynasties. The Bhagavathi was revered by these dynasties as their royal family deity, and they also carried out renovations of the Kavu at multiple junctures throughout history.
The deity enshrined within Madaayikkavu is the Fierce form of Bhadrakali, revered as the Mother temple of all Bhadrakali shrines in North Kerala. The temple complex houses deities Shiva, Saptha Mathrika, Ganapathy, Veerabhadra, Kshetrapala, and Shasthavu. The shrine is believed to be the last resort for removing Occult Sorcery (Black Magic and Witchcraft).
The Maadayikavu temple stands atop Maadayippara Hill, a recognized area of rich biodiversity. The hill thrives with a variety of plant and flower life, especially during the rainy and spring seasons. The abundant nature here attracts countless butterflies and birds, turning Maadayippara into a significant migration route.[4] Yet, during the summer months, a contrasting dry period prevails, occasionally leading to fires in the area. The dry season is thought to be the origin of the nearby village’s name, Eripuram, which translates to ‘Burned Village’.[5] Within Maadayippara Hill there is another shrine, Vadukundu Shiva Temple and a temple pond—the central location for the temple’s ‘Aarattu’ festival. Notably, the hill features another pond named 'Juuda kkulam' (meaning "Jew Pond"), believed to be associated with past Jewish traders. Remarkably, this very pond remains a water source even during the dry summers. Furthermore, the hill bears the remnants of an ancient fort, adding to its historical significance.
According to oral and written records, the site may have originally been a simple Kavu (sacred grove). Over time, it evolved into a temple complex, receiving patronage from the Mushika, Kolathunad, and Chirakkal dynasties, along with support from nearby provinces.
However, during British rule, an incident occurred while constructing a railway bridge across the river—specifically, one of the pillars kept collapsing. Interestingly, a sacred Shankhu (conch shell) was discovered near the site. Subsequently, the local villagers undertook a major renovation of the temple, which coincided with the successful completion of the bridge. The latest renovations at the temple are currently underway.
The Malabar Devaswom Board currently manages the temple. Previously, it was a revered shrine of the Chirakkal Royal Family and belonged to the Chirakkal Devaswom. Situated in Madayi near Pazhayangadi, the temple is more popularly known as Madayi Kavu.
- ^ "Temples under Malabar Devaswam Board, Division : Thalassery" (PDF). Malabar Devaswam Board. Retrieved 10 August 2013.
- ^ "MADAYI KAVU PAZHAYANGADI". Retrieved 25 June 2024.
- ^ "Travel". www.mathrubhumi.com/. 30 July 2020. Retrieved 25 June 2024.
- ^ "Madayipara, Kannur". Retrieved 20 July 2024.
- ^ http://eripuram.com/ [bare URL]