Madayi Kavu

Madayikavu (Māḍāyik्kavu), also known as Thiruvarkadu Bhagavathi Temple, is an ancient Kaula Shakti shrine in Kerala, located near Pazhayangadi, Kannur. With a history over two millennia long, the sacred grove was administered by various regional dynasties. The Bhagavathi was revered by these dynasties as their royal family deity, and they also carried out renovations of the Kavu at multiple junctures throughout history. Renovation in modern time is taken care by devotees.

Madaayikkavu enshrines the fierce form of Bhadrakali and is regarded as the 'mother temple' of North Kerala's Bhadrakali shrines. This is due to the practice of consecrating idols in many regional temples through rituals originating from Thiruvarkkadu temple, with those deities considered avatars of the deity of Madaayikkavu. The temple complex houses deities Shiva, Saptha Mathrika, Ganapathy, Veerabhadra, Kshetrapala, and Shasthavu. Local folklore states that the shrine is believed to be a place of recourse for the removal of occult sorcery, including black magic and witchcraft.

The Maadayikavu temple lies at the top of Maadayippara Hill, a biodiverse area with a variety of plant and flower life, especially during the rainy and spring seasons. The hill serves as a habitat for diverse avian and insect species. During the summer dry period, wildfires have been recorded. The village of Eripuram, located nearby, derives its name from this phenomenon, translating to ‘Burned Village’. Within Maadayippara Hill there is another shrine, Vadukundu Shiva Temple, and a temple pond—the central location for the temple's ‘Aarattu’ festival. The hill features another pond named 'Juuda kkulam' (meaning "Jew Pond"), believed to be associated with past Jewish traders. This pond remains a water source during the dry summer months. Furthermore, the hill bears the remnants of an ancient fort, adding to its historical significance.

Historical accounts suggest that the site originated as a simple Kavu (sacred grove). Over time, it evolved into a temple complex, receiving patronage from the Mushika, Kolathunad, and Chirakkal dynasties, along with support from nearby provinces.

During British colonial rule, an incident occurred during the construction of a railway bridge across a nearby river, where a bridge pillar repeatedly collapsed. The discovery of a sacred Shankhu (conch shell) near the construction site led to a major renovation of the temple by local villagers, which coincided with the successful completion of the bridge. Renovations are currently in progress at the temple.

The Malabar Devaswom Board currently manages the temple. Previously, it was a shrine under the patronage of the Chirakkal Royal Family and belonged to the Chirakkal Devaswom. Situated in Madayi near Pazhayangadi, the temple is more popularly known as Madayi Kavu.