Ollur - Goddess in Vaishnava Bhava

Edakkunni Sri Durga Temple, situated at Ollur(Trichur), is one of the 108 Durga temples believed to have been consecrated by Parasurama. The Devi is here in her Vaishnava form with Sankha(conch), Chakra(discus), Gadha(club) and Padmam(lotus). Edakkunni Bhagavathy is believed to be “Sarvabeeshtapradhayini” (one who grants all wishes) and devotees have several stories to tell of her supreme benevolence. The uniqueness of the temple is that there are no upadevas inside the temple walls. Many a time astrologers have tried to know the Bhagavathi’s opinion on this and each time the divine will has been to continue with the status quo. Krishna and Siva are the upadevas of this temple and their shrines are situated outside the temple walls on the eastern side. The majestic Gopuram, the befitting Mathilkettu, Ootupura, Naalambalam and sanctum sanctorum herald the magic lustre of the building architecture.

The temple is considered to be as old as Triprayar and peruvanam temples. According to the lores, Parasuman did the consecration of Kuttanelloor, Cherppu and Edakunni on the same day. The temple is an important participant in the 1400-year-old grand holy congregation of Devas, the Arattupuzha Pooram. The Uthramvilakku, celebrated on the following day at Edakkunni, is famous in the circle of connoisseurs of the art of Melam as the veritable gold standard among the Panchari Melams of Central Kerala. It is also believed, and is indeed true that all the decorations on elephants and the rituals preceding the start of Panchari Melam are in perfection in Edakkunni. Old timers testify to the fact that people from far and beyond used to come for the Uthramvilakku to see and hear the perfection of Kochi's traditional rituals. The Panchavadhyam performed on that day is also one of the best in central Kerala and is truly magnificent. Uthramvilakku has its origin in uthrampattu, a form of ritual singing (Brahmani pattu) that was later converted into Uthramvilakku in its present form. This happened 150 years ago (1022 ME). This is celebrated on the uthram of Meenam. It starts with Purappadu (flag hoisting). It falls on the Makarayiram star. Edakkunni Bhagavathy celebrates Uthramvilakku with Thaikkattussery Bhagavathy, Namkulam, Chittichathakudam and Chakamkulangara sasthas. In reciprocation Edakkunni bhagavathy attends their pooram also.