Mridanga Saileswari Temple

Mridanga Saileswari Temple is a renowned Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Durga, located in Muzhakkunnu village of Kannur district, Kerala. It is one of the 108 ancient Durga temples believed to have been installed by Parashurama. The temple holds historical significance as the family deity of the Kottayam royal dynasty and Pazhassi Raja, with legends connecting it to the origins of Kathakali dance.

Visitors can expect a serene temple experience in a forested setting. The temple features traditional Kerala architecture with the main sanctum housing Goddess Durga in her form as Mridanga Saileswari. A separate shrine contains Porkkali Devi. Visitors can observe daily pujas, witness the sacred pond area where free prasadam is served, and explore the temple premises which include a depression believed to mark where the celestial mridanga fell.

The temple is believed to have been constructed by Lord Parashurama as one of the 108 Durga temples. It served as the family deity temple of the Kottayam royal dynasty and was closely associated with Veera Pazhassi Raja, who offered prayers here before battles. The temple gained national prominence after revelations about mysterious events involving attempted thefts of the temple idol.

The temple holds significant cultural importance as the birthplace of the lady form of Kathakali dance, with famous Kathakali plays composed by Kottayathu Thampuran at this location. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga in her dual forms as Mridanga Saileswari (patron of music and arts) and Porkkali Devi. The name derives from the legend of a mridanga (percussion instrument) falling from heaven at this spot.