Palluruthy Azhakiyakavu Bhagavathy Temple is a renowned temple located just 1.5 km from Kochi Thopumpady Junction. The locals revere Palluruthy Azhakiyakavu Bhagavathy as the Goddess of West Kochi. Historically, the Vanneri Perumbadappu rulers of Ponnani settled in Palluruthy after fleeing rivalry with the Zamorin. Over time, the descendants of these settlers established a dominant presence in Kochi, forming a powerful state. The name "Palluruthy" is believed to derive from a word meaning "king's seat." Palliviruthi Palace was one of the palaces of the maternal kings of Cochin, although administrative headquarters were later moved to Mattancherry and Tripunithura. The temple at Azhakiyakavu was constructed about 800 years ago. According more to legend, the site of the temple was once a large forest. A Brahmin vendor, who made a living by selling tender coconuts along a nearby road, encountered a beautiful young woman in the woods who requested a tender coconut. She promised to repay him later as she had no money at the time. When the Brahmin returned, the woman was nowhere to be found. Upon investigation with neighbours, a miraculous spirit was seen in the forest. Recognizing this as the presence of the Goddess, the Brahmin built a shrine at the spot where her spirit was felt. This original location was maintained as the Sreemoola position, and the Goddess, conceptualized as Mahalakshmi, was Worshiped at another spot by the Brahmins. To facilitate the worship of the Goddess, her Chaitanya (spiritual presence) was established in Vadakkumthottam, the region’s main abode, where she was revered as Bhadrakali. As the family home of the Kochi royal family, the kings of Kochi paid particular attention to the temple. They oversaw the construction of a large temple sanctuary for the Goddess, and the royal connection is still evident in the temple's rituals. The main festival, Meena Bharani, was chosen in part due to the rivalry between the Kochi king and the Kodungallur Bharani devotees, whose devotion was a primary source of income for the Kodungallur kings. Meena Bharani has since become one of the most celebrated festivals in Kerala. Visitors enter through an ornamental tower along the main road, leading to a large ivory tower. The temple features a wood-carved altar, a Nalambalam, a copper shrine, and a prayer hall, all exuding royal grandeur. The Chaitanya Kendra, a self-contained rock formation, serves as the sanctum sanctorum. Here, the Goddess is depicted in a serene form, holding a nandaka and a Vattaka, and is adorned in the robe of a goddess. Behind this is a wooden statue with sixteen hands, where the Chantattam ritual is performed. Deities such as Ganapati, Shiva, Sastha, and Nagas are also Worshiped in the temple, and the concept of Vadayakshini is given special reverence.