Mridanga Saileswari Temple
Mridanga Saileswari temple, Kannur, is named after the deity Mridanga Saileswari, who is known to be a goddess with four arms. It is one among the 108 Durga temples of ancient Kerala, believed to have been installed by Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu.
The main Deity in this temple is Durga who is also called Mizhavil Bhagavathi in a separate Sanctum prohibited to public. Mizhavil Bhagavathi, exists as Chandi and Chamunda in this temple. Mizhavil Bhagavathi exhibits herself as Saraswati, also called Mridanga Shaileshwari in this temple Srikovil, with a predominant power of knowledge, giving blessings of skill (Siddhi) in arts and as Chamunda also called Porkali outside the main temple complex. Mizhavil Bhagavathi as Mridanga Shaileshwari, in this temple acts as the patron of music, arts and all kinds of knowledge. Mridanga Shaileshwari in the main temple sanctum sanctorum (Srikovil) can also be worshipped as Saraswati, Parvati Lakshmi or Chandi depending upon the need. The power of Saraswati, knowledge is said to be predominant here and she is the goddess of arts, especially music as per legend. The worship of this temple is said to be not complete unless one worship the secret Mizhavil Bhagavati in the secret sanctum.
Mridanga shaileshwari is the family deity of Kottayam royal family. The legends of Pazhassi Raja is closely associated with this temple.
Popular lore suggests that long ago, a Mridanga, a percussion instrument, fell on this spot from the heavens. Thus, this site got the name 'Mridangashaila Nilayam' which means, the place where the Mridanga fell. Later on, it also came to be known as Muzhakkunnu.
Location
Muzhakkunnu
Main Deity
Goddess Durga
Other Deities
Lord Aiyyappan, Chamunda (Porkali) & Lord Ganesha.
Festivals
The annual Kathakali festival in the temple begins from Vishu day (April 15). Navratri (September – October)
Main Offerings
Deepasthambham, Thrikala puja, Alankara Puja, Saswatha puja, Niramala (Visheshal).
How To Reach
By Air: Kannur International Airport is situated 21.9 KM from the Temple.
By Road: Thalassery KSRTC Bus Depot is 37 KM from the Temple.
By Rail: Thalassery Railway Station is situated 36.1 KM from the Temple.