History

   Among Malabar's famous eighteen and half karinkaali kaavus, Sri Mundakkal Karinkaali kaavu lies in the midst. The kaavu is located in Puliakode Kottaparambu, in the village of Kuzhimanna, Ernad Taluk, Malappuram District.

The spectacular feature of this kaavu is that Devi resides in this temple in two forms. Devi faces the east in the form of Karinkaali and faces the westin the form of Chovva Bhagavathi .Daily poojas are performed for Karinkaali Devi. Manjal (Turmeric) Abishekham, Vellari Vazhipadu are part of the Chovva Vilakku which is performed for Chovva Bhagavathi. The nada (sanctum) for Chovva Bhagavathi opens only when there are 7 chovva vilakku offerings. A sanctum for Karuvettan (ascetic of Siva) lies on the northern part of Karinkaali.

Devi's Prathista Day is celebrated on Aswathi star of the month of Mithuna. Thaalapoli is the main festival in this Kaavu which is an offering from the devotees and should be conducted only on each concurrent year, especially on the 15th day of Edavam month or on some special days after this date. Normally festivals of other kaavus in Malabar are not conducted after Thaalopoli festival of Mundakkal Karinkaali kaavu because Karinkaali kavu is considered as the foremost among all other kaavus.Mandalavilakku is one of the most important offerings in the kaavu. This offering is conducted at night with oil lit lamps at every nook & corner of the kaavu. The kaavu's velichapadu (it is believed that Devi enters into the body of Velichapadu/Komaram at the time of komaram thullal) blesses & consoles the devotees, in the background of chenda melam and this is a sight to behold. This is the only kaavu wherein Mandalavilakku could be conducted even after the period of Mandalam.

Abishtakarya siddhi, Mangalya soubaghyam, santhana laabam, shathru samharam will happen under the blessings of Mundakkal Karinkaali Devi.