The temple was built by Chera king, Chenguthuvan. The deity, Kannagi (also called Bhadrakali or Bhagavathi) possesses immense power, it is believed. The main festival called Bharani is celebrated in Meenam (March-April) to symbolize the killing of demon. The temple has an unusual system during its festival. During the seven-day long festivals obscenic songs are sung by the devotees to appease the deity. The intensity of the songs has come down considerably following vehement protests from various learned sections. The government is afraid of banning it, fearing backlash from some sections. Yet another unusual ritualistic custom also prevails here – butchering of chicken during the festival. There is a marked venue and Kozhikallue (chicken-stone) for this purpose.

Believe it or not, thousands of pilgrims, mostly from Kasargode and Kannur districts (north end of Kerala – Thrissur is in the middle of Kerala) with swords in hands come during the festival. With swords in hand they agitatingly dance before the temple to appease the goddess and earn her blessings for well-being.

• More temples in Thrissur