Thirumandhamkunnu Temple

Thirumandhamkunnu Temple stands on a hilltop at Angadipuram in Malappuram district, once the capital of the Valluvanad kings, and its courtyards look out over the countryside. Its goddess, Thirumandhamkunnilamma, was the guardian deity of the Valluvanad rulers. Their warriors, the Chavers, set out from here for the Mamankam festival at Thirunavaya, and a memorial platform, the chaver thara, stands in front of the main entrance.

Shiva is the principal deity, but the goddess, worshipped as Bhadrakali or Parvathy, and Ganesha are the best known. The Mangalya Puja offered to them is believed to clear obstacles to marriage, and Rigveda Laksharchana, Chandattam and Kalampattu are also important offerings. Legend links the Shiva linga to King Mandhata, who received it from Shiva as a reward for his penance. An eleven-day festival in March and April draws many pilgrims.