Oorpazhachi Kavu Temple

There are several stories associated to the legend of the temple and its deities. The legend associated to Goddess Bhagavathy is related to how Kali (the dark Goddess) became Gauri (the Goddess with fair complexion). However, both the Goddess are the incarnations or forms of Goddess Parvathi Devi. The legend says that Lord Shiva repeatedly addressed Goddess Parvathi as Kali to an extent that made her feel inferior about her dark complexion. The angry Goddess said that she would return only after getting a fair complexion and left the place. She reached Madhya Adavi and performed meditative penance. Pleased with her penance, Lord Brahma granted the complexion she wished for. The history of the Oorpazhachi deity is that Lord Vishnu, once, had to harmlessly laugh at his consort which made the Goddess angry. She cursed Lord Vishnu that he would lose his head. After all the devas and the Trimurtis pleaded for a long time, she agreed to give his head back on a condition that Goddess Kali’s wish has to be granted by Lord Brahma. Thus, Lord Vishnu got his head back.