Maalayidal
₹10Ceremonial offering of garlands to deities as a symbol of devotion, respect, and beautification of the divine.
Palakkad · Kerala
Vadakkanthara
Thirupuraikkal Bhagavathy
A vriksha moola sthanam beneath a sacred fig tree, where Goddess Kannaki blesses devotees under the open sky.
Official online puja booking · WhatsApp 9090-9595-65
Presiding Deity
Goddess Kannaki (Bhagavathy)
Official WhatsApp Booking
9090-9595-65 · send VKB
Darshan
5:00 AM – 11:30 AM · 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Festival
Valiya Vilakku Vela, every 3 years
About the Temple
A Goddess Beneath the Fig Tree
Vadakkanthara Sree Thirupuraikal Bhagavathy Temple is a prominent bhagavathy temple in Palakkad and it attracts many devotees from even the neighbouring states. Devotees believe that the presiding deity here is is Kannaki (Karnagi) who came to Palakkad after burning Madurai, as told in the epic Silappadikaaram. The temple festival celebrated once in every three years, called Vadakkanthara Valiya vilakku Vela is very popular for its unique rituals and grandeur.
Vriksha Moola
Sthanam
In Vadakkanthara village of Palakkad district, about 2 kilometers from Olavakkode Railway Station, the Thirupuraikkal Bhagavathy Temple is located. It can be reached by taking the Olavakkode–Chunnambuthara–Victoria College Road, and from the Chunnambuthara junction, a short two-minute walk southward leads directly to the temple.
Set amidst serene, lush village surroundings, the temple stands beneath a majestic fig tree (Athi maram) beside an open ground. Within the compound wall, the goddess is enshrined beneath this fig tree, in a natural crevice of the tree — a vriksha moola sthanam (tree-root shrine). Since there is no permanent roof structure built over the sanctum, the deity is known as Thirupurakkal Bhagavathy. The original pedestal is not visible from outside, so a mirror-like image sculpted on stone has been fixed with ashtabandham (a sacred adhesive), allowing devotees to have darshan of the Goddess in all ornamented glory.
There is no traditional sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) here. Instead, the deity is sheltered by a raised copper-roofed structure supported by a simple platform with protective railings on all sides. The goddess, exposed to sunlight and rain, continues to bless devotees in a calm and benevolent form. An outer half-wall surrounds the space. Lamps are regularly placed around it, and facilities are provided for placing lamps on the walls and in the courtyard area.
Although the age of the fig tree is unknown, it remains in healthy condition, and thousands of devotees visit the temple regularly, with the temple revenue increasing steadily — believed to be a testimony to the immense power of the goddess.
The Legend of Kannaki
It is believed that only a woman born unnaturally (ayonija) can kill another of the same kind. When the asura Darikan, who had gained great powers through penance, became invincible, Lord Shiva invoked a supreme power through his third eye. This resulted in the manifestation of the divine feminine force, who took the form of Kannaki, believed to be the presiding deity of this temple.
During the Deva-Asura war, although many asuras were killed by Lord Vishnu, the powerful demon Ruru remained undefeated due to a boon. Eventually, Vishnu entrusted the task to Parashakti, who then assigned Chamundi (a fierce form of Kali) to destroy Ruru. Goddess Kali, in multiple forms, annihilated Ruru.
After this, the surviving asuras and Ruru's sister Dhanavati performed penance to Lord Brahma and gained various boons, including:
Thus, an asura child named Dhanavadhika Dhara was born through an unnatural womb. Shiva and Parvati granted him a boon to grow fully within three-quarters of a muhurtam (approximately 1.5 hours) in the womb and reach full youth shortly after birth. This led to a massive increase in the asura population, threatening the balance of the cosmos.
Because of these boons, Darikan became unstoppable. The devas were expelled from heaven. To counter him, Lord Vishnu and Parashakti combined their powers. When Parashakti cast her gaze through Shiva’s third eye, Kali was born in a fierce form.
This Kali avatar later took the form of Kannaki, the deity worshipped at Thirupuraikkal.
Due to the boon of Raktabija, every drop of blood that fell from Darikan created another demon. To prevent this, Goddess Kali summoned Vetala, who drank all the blood before it could hit the ground.
Finally, Kali and her divine attendants destroyed Darikan's six powerful battalions, and beheaded him, ending his reign of terror.
Darshan Hours
Temple Timings
Morning and evening darshan, every day of the week.
DayMorningEvening
SundayMorning: 5:00 AM – 11:30 AMEvening: 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM
MondayMorning: 5:00 AM – 11:30 AMEvening: 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM
TuesdayMorning: 5:00 AM – 11:30 AMEvening: 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM
WednesdayMorning: 5:00 AM – 11:30 AMEvening: 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM
ThursdayMorning: 5:00 AM – 11:30 AMEvening: 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM
FridayMorning: 5:00 AM – 12:30 PMEvening: 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM
SaturdayMorning: 5:00 AM – 11:30 AMEvening: 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Vazhipadu & Offerings
Puja List
Book any of these vazhipadu online through the official WhatsApp number or the web booking page. Rates are per offering, in rupees.
Special Puja · up to 6 members
Poomoodal
A sacred floral offering in which the deity is beautifully adorned and covered with flowers, seeking prosperity and the Goddess's grace for the family.
₹4,000
Book PoomoodalKettunira
₹10Special ceremony conducted for children or young adults, seeking divine protection and guidance during important life transitions.
Chembarathymala
₹15Offering a Chembarathymala (hibiscus flower garland) to the deity is a sacred act of devotion, especially pleasing to Goddess Devi. The hibiscus, symbolizing purity and strength, is believed to invoke the blessings of protection, vitality, and inner power. This simple yet powerful offering enhances spiritual connection and is ideal for seeking mental peace, good health, and divine grace
Pushpanjali
₹15Pushpanjali, the offering of flowers to the gods and goddesses, symbolizes deep respect, reverence, and gratitude. This sacred act is believed to bestow blessings of longevity (ayur) and good health (arogya vardhana), nurturing both spiritual and physical well-being in the devotee's life.
Enna vilakku
₹15An oil lamp offering lit with devotion to seek divine blessings. It symbolizes the removal of negativity and the welcoming of light, peace, and prosperity into one's life.
Neyvilakku
₹20Sacred lamp lit with pure ghee, offered to deities for prosperity, spiritual illumination, and removal of obstacles.
Vedi vazhipadu(Kathina vedi)
₹20Malar nivedhyam
₹30A floral offering made with devotion, symbolizing purity and love towards the deity. It represents a heartfelt prayer for blessings, peace, and spiritual growth.
Aikyamathya pushpanjali
₹30Aikyamathya Pushpanjali is a sacred flower offering performed to invoke unity, harmony, and mutual understanding among individuals, families, or communities. The ritual symbolizes the merging of minds and hearts in peace and cooperation
Bagyasooktha pushpanjali
₹30Bhagyasooktha Pushpanjali is a special offering performed to invoke divine blessings for prosperity, happiness, and well-being. This ritual involves reciting the Bhagyasooktha mantras and offering flowers to deities, seeking wealth and fortune. It is believed to remove obstacles and bring harmony to one's life.
Swayamvara pushpanjali
₹30Special floral offering to Lord Ayyappa for finding suitable life partners and marital harmony.
Saraswatha pushpanjali
₹30A devotional flower offering to Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge and wisdom. This ritual is believed to enhance learning, memory, and success in education, while removing obstacles in studies.
Booking Instructions
How to Book Puja Online
Official online booking for Vadakkanthara Thirupuraikkal Bhagavathy Temple. Offer your puja from anywhere in the world in three simple steps, using only the official WhatsApp booking number 9090-9595-65.
- 01
Start on WhatsApp
Send VKB to the official WhatsApp booking number 9090-9595-65 and choose Malayalam, English, Tamil, Hindi or Kannada. Or use the online booking button below.
- 02
Choose Your Puja
Pick from the temple's full puja list, add the devotee's name and star, and select the date for the offering.
- 03
Receive Blessings
Pay securely online. The puja is performed at the temple in your name, and your booking confirmation arrives on WhatsApp.
BookMyPuja (bookmypuja.app) is the official online booking partner of Vadakkanthara Sree Thirupuraikkal Bhagavathy Temple.
Online Booking FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book a puja online at Vadakkanthara Thirupuraikkal Bhagavathy Temple?
You can book online through BookMyPuja, the official online booking partner of the temple. Send VKB on WhatsApp to the official booking number 9090-9595-65, choose your language, select the puja and complete the booking. You can also book on the web at vkb.bookmypuja.app.
What is the official WhatsApp booking number for Vadakkanthara Bhagavathy Temple?
The official WhatsApp booking number is 9090-9595-65 (9090959565). Send VKB to this number to start your online puja booking.
Is BookMyPuja the official booking partner of the temple?
Yes. BookMyPuja (bookmypuja.app) is the official online puja booking partner of Vadakkanthara Sree Thirupuraikkal Bhagavathy Temple. Bookings are made only through the official WhatsApp number and the official booking links on this page.
Which languages are supported for online booking?
Online booking on WhatsApp is available in Malayalam, English, Tamil, Hindi and Kannada.
Which pujas and vazhipadu can I book online?
You can book more than 80 offerings, including Poomoodal, Niraputhiri, Muttarukkal, Bhagavathi Seva, Laksharchana, Pushpanjali, Neyvilakku, Koottupayasam and the various muttu offerings. See the full list with rates in the Puja List section.
What is the price of Poomoodal at Vadakkanthara Temple?
Poomoodal is ₹4,000 and can include up to 6 members.
What are the darshan timings of Vadakkanthara Thirupuraikkal Bhagavathy Temple?
The temple is open from 5:00 AM to 11:30 AM and from 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM. On Fridays the morning darshan runs until 12:30 PM.
Where is Vadakkanthara Thirupuraikkal Bhagavathy Temple located?
The temple is at Vadakkanthara, Palakkad, Kerala 678012, about 2 kilometres from Olavakkode Railway Station via the Olavakkode–Chunnambuthara–Victoria College Road.
How can I contact the temple?
Call the temple office on 0491 - 2500229 or 9188411229, or email sreethirupuraikkalamman2010@gmail.com. For help with online booking, contact BookMyPuja customer care on 9090959565.
Glimpses