This stanna referred to as “Manikya Mangalam” by Bhagavathies in their dialogue, is situated at a place close to Kanhangad highway. There are two idols one signifying the main deity “Punyakkal Bhagavathi” and the other signifying rest of the Bhagavathies.
“Paat” and “Pooram” are the two main rituals observed annually at this Sthaana(temple), “Paat” festivities commence by bringing the lighted lamp and prasadam from nearby Madiyam Kuyilam temple. During the rituals which lasts for six days,members of the Kaniyar community will sing various songs in praise of the Devi in a specific rhythm and style. Prasadam prepared out of beaten rice by women in the sthaana's kitchen will be offered to the Bhagavathies and then distributed to the gathered devotes .
All these rituals will be held in a pandal(sturucture resembles hut made of coconut leaves) which will have 49 (48+1) specific divisions. The ritual of dismantling of the pandal is performed by Bhagavathies by touching the pandal with their weapons. Sacrificial offering of fowls also forms a part of the rituals.
“Pooram” festival,begins with the Bhagavathies going to the nearby Uchhanam river in a procession with all the paraphernalia ,accompanied by Chuliyar Bhagawathi, Padaveeran, Toovakali and other deities being worshipped by Shaliyar community. After removing all the ornaments and other finery worn by the pathries, they take a bath in the river water holding their weapons. The male deities – Vishnumoorthi, Veeramar and Guliga do not enter the water with other female deities.
On Vishnu Sankranti which is observed as a harvest festival ,on this auspicious occasion here they celebrate by cooking raw rice in new earthen pots as a symbol of prosperity also various fruits are offered to god and later these are given to devotes as prasadam . At night “Appam” is offered as prasadam .
“Tulapath” festival is also held here just like in other sthaanas. During the rituals, darshana pathries dress themselves up with all the fineries which, however, is not the practice elsewhere. Prasadam is prepared by women from the newly made beaten rice. Besides, food is served at the three important tharavads of the area.
Image Source :MBSS
Contents Source : Bhagavathi Aradhane (Dr. Amritha Someshwar) & MBSS
