Thanikudam Bhagavathi temple is located at Thanikudam Village in Thrissur district and is an unique abode of Goddess worship in Kerala. By traveling in Chembukavu-Peringavu-Cherur route, we can reach this temple. The Presiding deity is Vana Durga known as Thanikkudathamma.
The idol of the main deity is taken to a nearby pond on special occasions for a holy dip, called Aarattu in Kerala generally. However, things work the other way round in the Thanikkudam Bhagavathi temple. Here, the Thanikudam river that flows by the side of the temple overflows and makes it's way to the deity for Aarattu and hence Aarattu day cannot be decided early and is a rarity of this temple. Aarattu festival is held once in a year here. Devotees take a holy dip in the water along with the idol.
As the monsoon intensifies, the Thanikkudam River overflows and the water reaches the temple's sanctum sanctorum. Since all rivers embodies Ganges, the day its water completely submerges the idol, it is considered the day for Aarattu. Devotees throng the temple to take a dip in this water, an act they believe will bring them prosperity. Generally, Vana Durga shrines wouldn't be covered with a roof and same is the case here. Similar style can be seen in many of the Vana Durga shrines like Kadambuzha and Chakkulathukavu devi temples also.
Another rarity is that it is the only temple in Kerala where you could not see a Brahmin dwelling near the temple. According to the legends, once upon a time there were many Brahmin homes near by the temple. Once a Bhikshu came to this place at night and requested Brahmins to give him a place to stay that night but they refused to do so. They ridiculed him and told him that there is a Warasyar (feminine gender of Warrier) staying beneath a Thani tree and she will help to survive night. He went near the tree and found a beautiful home. When Bhikshu called out, Warasyar came out and she gave him food and shelter and told him that he will hear some unusual sounds that night but should not come out. In the morning, Bhikshu woke up to see that all the Brahmin homes which he went yesterday asking help were completely destroyed and Warasyar was no where to be found. To his surprise, there was no home beneath the tree and suddenly Bhikshu realized that Warasyar was none other than Devi herself. Bhikshu worshipped devi beneath the Thani tree and which later became Thanikudam Bhagavathy temple.
Thanikudam temple festival also called as Thanikudam Vela is one of the major festivals of the place.
