The Mridanga Saileswari Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Durga, located in Muzhakunnu, Kannur district, Kerala, India. It is considered one of the 108 Durga temples of ancient Kerala, believed to have been installed by Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu.
The main deity of the temple is Mridanga Saileswari, a four-armed Durga depicted holding a conch and discus in two hands pointed upwards, blessing her devotees with the front right hand and placing her front left hand on her waist.
- History and Legends: According to a popular legend, a Mridanga, a percussion instrument, fell on this spot from the heavens. Thus, this site got the name "Mridangashaila Nilayam," which means "the place where the Mridanga fell." Later on, it also came to be known as Muzhakkunnu.Mridanga Saileswari Temple, Kannur
The temple is said to be the family deity of the Kottayam royal family (Kannur) and the legendary Pazhassi Raja. The renowned royal Kottayathu Thampuran is believed to have composed famous Kathakali (dance drama) plays here, including Bakavadham, Kirmeeravadham, Kalyanasaugandhikam, and Nivathakavacha Kalakeyavadham.
- Special Features: The worship of this temple is said to be incomplete unless one worships the secret Mizhavil Bhagavati in the secret inner sanctum. There's also an interesting story associated with the temple about thieves who tried to steal the idol three times but failed due to strange reasons.
If you're planning a visit to the Mridanga Saileswari Temple, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Temple Timings: The temple is generally open from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM. However, it's advisable to check with the temple authorities beforehand to confirm the exact timings.
- Dress Code: As with most temples in Kerala, devotees are expected to dress modestly.
- How to Get There: The Mridanga Saileswari Temple is located around 20 kilometers from Kannur city. You can hire a taxi or rickshaw to get to the temple.
Kerala is a beautiful state known for its backwaters, beaches, and lush greenery. So, visiting the Mridanga Saileswari Temple can be a part of a larger itinerary exploring Kerala.