Sree Madiyan Koolom Temple

Sree Madiyan Koolom Temple stands near Kanhangad in Kasaragod district. Around 500 years old, it is one of the leading temples of the district and the headquarters of the old Allada Swaroopam. Its deities are Kshetrapalakan Eeshwaran and the mother goddess Kalarathri Amma, a form of Bhadrakali. Legend says the Kshetrapalakan, drawn by the smell of appam, chose to stay here, and his companions called him madiyan, lazy; another account links the name to his sitting on the goddess's lap, madi. A Brahmin priest performs only the noon puja, while the Maniyani community conducts those of morning and evening.

The temple covers about 6 acres and is known for wooden carvings of scenes from the Ramayana and other epics, on the Thekkini mandapam and the western gopuram, along with a mural of Narasimha; many are now in poor condition. It admitted lower castes before the Temple Entry Proclamation, its Paattu and Kalasham festivals are held across castes, and Hindu–Muslim friendship shows in its rituals.