Thirupuraikkal Temple, Palakkad

Thirupuraikkal Temple, formally Sri Kachanam Kulam Thirupuraikkal Bhagawathy Temple and also called the Karnaki Amman Temple, stands at Moothanthara (now Karnaki Nagar) in Palakkad town. It is described as the only temple in Kerala where Karnaki is worshipped as a full idol. The Moothan community linked to it trace their roots to Tamil Nadu but mainly speak Malayalam, and the building blends Tamil and Malayalam styles.

In the same compound is the Visalakshi Sametha Shiva Temple. Nambudiris perform Kerala-style rites for Karnaki, while Tamil Brahmin priests follow Tamil Shaiva practice for Shiva. Tipu Sultan is recorded as having ransacked the temple during his rule over Palakkad; devotees protected the idol, which the Moothans kept and still worship at Moothanthara. The main festival, Valiya Aarattu, lasts three days and is funded by the goddess's devotees among Palakkad's merchants.