Oorpazhachi Kavu, Edakkad

The temple's three main deities are Bhagavathy, Sree Oorpazhachi Daivathar, and Kiratha sunu (Vettakkorumakan). Within the inner courtyard are Shaiva, Vaishnava, and Shaktheya sanctums. There is also a shrine of Thondachan at the upper citadel (Mele Kottam).The deity of Bhagavathy represents the Mother Goddess. A legend associated with her at Sree Oorpazhachi Kavu tells how Kali (the dark complexioned Goddess Parvathi) became Gauri (the fair complexioned Goddess Parvathi) after Shiva repeatedly addressed her as Kali which she took to be taunting her for her dark complexion. She said, 'Wounds from arrows can heal and axed trees can regrow during the rain but a heart broken by impolite words cannot be made'. After promising herself that she would rejoin her husband only after attaining a fair complexion, she left her husband’s home to perform penance for a hundred years to attain a fair complexion. Pleased with her penance, Brahma granted her the colour of a lotus tendril (gaura varnam) and she became Gauri.Sree Oorpazhachi DaivatharThe deity of Sree Oorpazhachi Daivathar is Vaishnava amsham. A legend tells how Sree Oorpazhachi became Sree Oorpazhachi Daivathar. Kiratha sunu (Vettakkorumakan) was a great warrior but his pride distressed the Gods, at whose request Vishnu disguised himself as a hunter and engaged Vettakkorumakan in a duel with bow and arrows. During the duel Vettakkorumakan sensing a divinity in his opponent, asked, 'Daivathil aar?' and received the reply 'Daivathar'.VettakkorumakanThe deity of Vettakkorumakan is Shaiva amsham. A legend says that he was the son of Shiva and Parvathi. He misbehaved, disturbing the peace. Mahavishnu humbled the boy, gave him a dagger (Churika) and, when eventually pleased, blessed him.ThondachanThe deity of Thondachan represents Kshetrapalan (temple custodian) and is believed to be the grand ancestor. The shrine of Thondachan is at the upper citadel (mele kottam). His idol has a bow and arrow on his left hand and a churika in his right. His citadel serves as the site of performance for two forms of oracle dances, Vellattom and Kaliyattom, representing Vaishnava and Shaiva elements respectively. Thondachan is thus revered as Vishnu-Shiva in single form (as Guru and Vaidya (physician)).Shaneeshwara Sankalpam (Saturn worship)Melekottam is also the sanctum for the worship of Shani (Saturn). A legend says that Rama visited the holy grove of Eachil and received the blessings of Sree Oorpazhachi Bhagavathy to redeem him of his Shani Dosha and facilitate the destruction of Ravana and his contingent of demons.

The temple's three main deities are Bhagavathy, Sree Oorpazhachi Daivathar, and Kiratha sunu (Vettakkorumakan). Within the inner courtyard are Shaiva, Vaishnava, and Shaktheya sanctums. There is also a shrine of Thondachan at the upper citadel (Mele Kottam).

Devotees offer various items to the deities, including flowers, fruits, and coconuts. Special poojas and rituals are conducted during festivals and auspicious days.

The temple follows the traditional Kerala style of architecture. It features intricate woodwork and carvings. The temple complex includes multiple shrines and a large courtyard.

The temple celebrates several festivals throughout the year. Major festivals include Navaratri, Vishu, and Thiruvathira. These festivals attract devotees from all over the region.

Daily rituals and poojas are performed by the temple priests. Devotees participate in these rituals and offer prayers. Special ceremonies are held during festivals and important occasions.