This temple is on the banks of the Achankovil River, at Venmani village near Pandalam in Alapuzha district. According to legends, the famous ascetic Shanrngamuni performed penance and pleased Goddess Durga. As per his wish, the Goddess agreed to remain in the forest where the ascetic had performed his penance and appeared as a self-originated idol there. After the time of the ascetic, the area became a huge kavu, a sacred grove. Years later, a woman came there to gather firewood and sharpened her sickle on a stone. Blood oozed from the stone. She felt unconscious, and the local people gathered there. Astrological consultations were more held, and the presence of Goddess Durga was confirmed. Later, Lord Manikandan (Lord Ayyappan) happened to pass that way, and he realised that the Goddess was the Kuladevata of the Pandalam Royal family. So, a temple was built there by the King of Pandalam, and poojas were started. During the astrological consultation, it was seen that the Goddess had a golden palace under the Achankovil river, and if a temple was built there, it would benefit the whole of mankind. Members of the Kottarathil Illam were put in charge of the affairs of the temple. It is believed that Lord Hanuman, consecrated here, is guarding the Goddess as instructed by Lord Siva.