The temple is at Payippad on Changanassery – Kaviyoor road in Kottayam district. According to a legend, the establishment of this temple is connected with a devotee of the Goddess from the Chengazhassery Illam in Pampaady. He had gone on a pilgrimage. While coming back he rested beside a beautiful pond in a scenic forest area in Payippad. It was near the Siva temple. He kept his umbrella under a palm tree near the pond and washed himself in the waters of the pond. After some time when he tried to take the umbrella, it was found stuck to the ground. He informed the more people in the area and an astrological consultation was held. It was found that the Devi had travelled with the Namboothiri prom Pampady and she was attracted now by the eye-shaped pond and the beautiful surroundings. The Devi wanted to be enshrined there. So, a temple was constructed facing the west and the Devi was consecrated there. As the temple was near the small forest (kavu ) the temple came to be referred to as Puthen Kavu temple.