The presiding deity of the temple is Goddess Bhagavathy, facing south. Lord Ganapathy is a prominent sub-deity.
Manalarukavu Bhagavathy is revered as the guardian deity of 96 desams (localities), extending from Ottapilavu to Thrithala. The temple performs three daily poojas. Historically, the temple was under the ownership of Vadakke Veettil Nambiyar, but it is now managed by a local committee under the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowment (HR&CE) Board. The Palakkattiri Madom traditionally holds the Tantric rights for the temple.
Festivals
The Temple has a number of festivals. The important ones are :
Thalappoli
The primary festival celebrated at Manalarukavu Bhagavathy Temple is Thalappoli, observed on the 30th day of the Malayalam month of Kumbham (usually late February or early March). This is a vibrant celebration where devotees offer "Kottichuttuvilakku" (a specific offering involving lamps and drum beats), with the presence of a "Velichappadu" (an oracle representing the goddess).
Bhagavathy Pattu / Kalam Pattu
While not explicitly mentioned as the second main festival in every source, Bhagavathy temples often celebrate specific rituals like Kalam Pattu or Bhagavathy Pattu, which involve elaborate ritualistic drawing of the deity's image on the floor using colored powders and subsequent singing of devotional songs. These are often performed for blessings and prosperity.
Contact Address:
Manalarukavu Bhagavathi Temple
Nagalassery,
Palakkad - 679533,
Kerala, India.
