Dhandyangat Bhagavathy (Kammadathamma)

ദണ്ടിയങ്ങാനത്തു ഭഗവതി

According to regional tradition, Kammadathamma, also known as Dhandiyanghanathu Bhagavathy, is regarded as a manifestation of Adi Parashakti… Learn the full story, rituals, and temples on Theyyakkalam.

Communities: Vannan

Deity type: Goddess

Origin & Sacred Story

According to regional tradition, Kammadathamma, also known as Dhandiyanghanathu Bhagavathy, is regarded as a manifestation of Adi Parashakti and is closely identified with Bhadrakali.

After slaying the asura Darika, the goddess remained consumed by her fierce raudra bhava. Tradition holds that her divine energy reached the dense forests of present-day Kammadam, where she remained in a wild and untamed form. Over time, the sanctity of the forest transformed her wrath into the protective aspect under which she came to be worshipped as Kammadathamma.

Near present-day Chittarikkal lay an immense forest whose boundaries could scarcely be perceived. Because its limits were unseen, it came to be known as Kanakkavu ("the unseen forest"), and the goddess herself became known as Kanakkavilachi, the Lady of the Unseen Forest.

At that time, the principal household of the region was Kammadath Illam, administered by the Adukkath family, who were renowned practitioners of mantra and tantra. One of their dependents, Kadayangan, was sent to search for a missing cow.

Deep within the forest, he encountered a radiant woman seated upon a swing woven from forest vines. She directed him to the missing cow and instructed him not to reveal that he had seen her.

Unable to conceal the experience, Kadayangan eventually informed the tantric of the illam. Realizing that the mysterious woman was no ordinary being, the tantric entered the forest carrying a sacrificial rooster.

There he beheld the goddess in her terrifying form. When the rooster was lost as Kadayangan fled in fear, the tantric cut his own finger and offered his blood to the goddess.

Pleased by his devotion, the goddess accepted his worship.

According to another local tradition, the goddess had begun descending into the earth at that very spot. The tantric's act of surrender caused her to remain there, making the place her eternal abode. This sacred grove continues to be revered as Kanakkavu.

The resident deity of the household, Chamundi, willingly yielded her place to the newly manifested goddess. Thus the principal deity of the illam became Dhandiyanghanathu Bhagavathy, while, because her first established seat was at Kammadath Illam, she came to be affectionately known as Kammadathamma.

Performance & Rituals

Although the temple stands outside, the goddess is believed to reside permanently within Kanakkavu. Before every major ritual, priests ceremonially escort her from the sacred grove to the temple, where she is enthroned and worshipped. After the rituals conclude, she is respectfully returned to her forest abode.

Historically, the annual festival lasted twenty-one days, but today it is generally observed over five days.

The Theyyam is distinguished by: Pulliyittezhuthu (dotted facial painting) A Thirumudi crafted from areca palm sheaths (kavungin paala) The ritual procession between Kanakkavu and the temple Numerous rare ceremonial practices preserved at Kammadam

Cultural Significance

Kammadathamma is revered as both the fierce Bhadrakali who destroys evil and the compassionate mother who protects her devotees.

She is remembered under two principal names: Dhandiyanghanathu Bhagavathy, reflecting her association with the ancient forest of Dhandiyanghanam. Kammadathamma, commemorating her first established seat at Kammadath Illam.

According to local tradition, the goddess extended her presence from Kammadam to the Eighteen Cheri Stones (Pathinettu Cheri Kallukal), resulting in her worship across numerous shrines throughout northern Kerala.

Today, she remains one of the most important Bhagavathy traditions of Kolathunadu, revered as the guardian of forests, land, prosperity, cattle, and the people of the region.

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