Manarcad - Devi who butchered the yakshi

Manarcad temple is situated in the district of Kottayam, and can be seen at a distance of 1.5 km northwards from Manarcad junction on NH 220 (former K.K road) along Manarcad-Kidangoor road.The Devi here is worshipped as the manifestation of Kurumba Kali of Kodungalloor.

Once upon a time, there lived a pious Brahmin in Thanniyil Ellam in the place named Elambanakkadu. He was a great devotee of Kodungalloor Devi. Once in every month, he used to visit Kodungalloor Temple for prayers. Once during his usual visit, he prayed to Kodungalloor Amma "Due to my old age and failing health, I may not be able to come again to Kodungalloor Temple to worship. So, Amma please help me to continue my devotion towards you". That day night Amma gave told him in a dream "When you wake up, you will find a Kuda (traditional umbrella made of palm leaves) near you. You go home with that and I will be with that Kuda. You will never again need to come to Kodungalloor to worship me". When the Brahmin woke up, he found the Kuda near him and as directed by Amma, he went home with that. When he reached near Elambanakkadu, he broke his journey to take some rest placing the Kuda on the ground. But after taking rest, he was not able to lift the Kuda. He met the local ruler and informed the matter. An astrologer was summoned and he detected the holy presence of Kodungalloor Amma. The Brahmin again got Amma’s direction in his dream to build a Bhagavathi Temple in the nearby Choorakkadu (bamboo forest) which was the abode of a Nagaraja (Snake God). Thus the Bhagavathy Temple was built with popular support.

During that time, a Yakshi (Feminine form of yaksha who prey on males after seducing them) named 'Elambi' was creating problems in that area. Devi killed Elambi and her cronies. Elambi’s 'Mani' (bell) was thrown southwards. Since the Mani was thrown, Elambanakkadu came to be known as Maniyerkadu and later became Manarcad.