History

Kayanna Sri Bhagavathi Temple, one of the oldest temples in north Kerala, has a legacy of around 2500 years. This is evident from the relics and remnants of the temple. The temple has a vast ‘Chuttambalam’, ‘Balikkallu’, a vast tank with special bathing ghats, All those form an integral part of a ‘Mahakshethram’ (a big temple). There is a beautiful ‘Kavu’ abounding with many oldest and tallest trees. All these arise memories of a ‘Mahakshethram’, which existed in the long past.

It is believed that the temple was consecrated by saint Kasyapa and locality came to be known as ‘Kasyapamannu’ (soil of Kasyapa), which later lost some syllables and became ‘Kayanna’ as it is known at present. This is mentioned in the historical studies of the costal communities of early 17^th century. Kayanna was part of the ‘Payyormala Nadu’, which was under the control of the Payyormala Nairs, viz Paleri, Avaniyatt or Koothali Nairs.

Records from history witness that a highly meritorious Hindu society existed here for a long time. This temple is one among the many living legends of history. This temple was under the control and rule of Avinhat Moothavar. The temple properties was almost under the verge of ruin. The daily poojas were almost abandoned, when a group of ardent devotees put their heads together, formed a committee and started the daily poojas. They reconstructed the sanctum and built some other buildings. Moreover the committee was expanded in 1985 with a clear byelaw and soon started functioning. It enlivened the hopes of the people, when it was able to renovate and reconstruct the temple well (‘Manikkinar’), the tank, Namaskara-mandapam, Chuttambalam, Balikkallu, Balikkalpura, hundials, offices etc.

Besides those works, the committee was able to mend the idol of the temple in ‘panchaloha’ (Traditionally described as an alloy of gold, silver, brass, and iron with copper as the major constituent). The deity is believed to be showering the blessings on the ardent devotees. Other sub deities like ‘Ganesha’, ‘Ayyappa’, and ‘Dakshinamoorthy’ were consecrated in the respective places inside the temple compound. After the renovation work ‘renovation kalasam’ was performed, which lasted for a fortnight. By performing the kalasam, the present generation has been able to enjoy a rare and unique blessing of the deity, which would perhaps be intangible for the future as well as the past generation.

‘Naveekarana Kalasam’ is the most important offering performed in any temple as a mark of repentance. This, actually, is a rebirth as the deity is concerned. A huge amount was spent for the same. Rare flowers, herbs, precious stones, gold, silver, ghee, cloths, rice, paddy, other cereals etc were used for the kalasam. All these things were procured through the relentless support offered by the inhabitants of the remote locality of Kayanna. As a result the venture became a big success!

Time has moved on with the deity showering the blessings on the devotees. Countless devotees reach the shrine chanting Kayanna Sri Bhagavathi Amma’s name and offering poojas throughout the year.

'May Kayanna Sri Bhagavathy Amma bless you and your family'.