Sree Mannampurathu Kavu Bhagavathy Temple

Sree Mannampurathu Kavu Bhagavathy Temple is a sacred kaavu in Nileshwar, Nileshwar, Kasargod, Kerala, where Theyyam is performed from Kalasham Dates are decided every year. Find theyyam forms, history, visitor info, and directions.

Location: Nileshwar, Nileshwar, Kasargod

Performance dates: Kalasham Dates are decided every year

Frequency: 1 year

Theyyams performed: 4 ritual forms

About This Temple

A powerful sacred grove of about six acres in the heart of Nileshwar town, dedicated to Mannam Purathu Kavilamma — a fierce form of Bhagavathy believed to have arrived to vanquish the cruel local ruler Mannan. The Theyyam ritual is held in May–June, after the Kalasam of Madiyan Koolom. Famous for the ancient Kanhiram tree at the centre of the kavu.

History

Sree Mannampurathu Kavu Bhagavathy Temple is one of the most revered sacred groves in Nileshwar, Kasaragod, situated in the heart of the town within a six-acre grove.

According to local tradition, the goddess Bhagavathy arrived at Nileshwar with the support of four Nair families — Koroth, Eruvatt, Aramana, and Anikkil — to defeat Mannan, a cruel ruler, giving rise to the deity's name Mannam Purathu Kavilamma ('she who came out against Mannan').

The history of the temple is closely connected with the Nair community's migration and the Nileshwar raja family. The Theyyam festival is held annually in May or June, linked ritually to the Kalasam of the nearby Madiyan Koolom temple.

The kavu is built around an ancient Kanhiram tree, and the architecture employs traditional laterite stone walls and clay tile roofing, preserving an authentic Kerala sacred grove character.

Rituals

Visitor Guidelines