The renowned Manickamangalam Karthyayani Devi Temple is located about 2 kilometres from Kalady, the birthplace of Adi Shankaracharya, and approximately 32 kilometres from Ernakulam town in Kerala. Tradition holds that the early spiritual journey of Acharya Adi Shankara began at Manickamangalam, under the divine blessings of Manickapuratthamma. The presiding deity, Goddess Karthyayani (Durga), is worshipped by millions of devotees from Kerala and across India. The temple is distinguished by its self-manifested (Swayambhoo) idol of Parashakthi, revered in the form of Lord Krishna’s sister. It is also recognised as one of the 108 prominent Durga Devi temples in Kerala. Originally owned by the Panayil Pazhur Mana, an ancient Namboothiri more family of Manickamangalam, the temple is now administered by the N.S.S. Karayogam. The Thanthrik rights are held by the Puliyannoor Thanthri family, with Brahmasree Puliyannoor Anujan Namboothirippadu serving as the present Thanthri. The temple also houses several sub-deities, including Lord Dharmashasta, Goddess Elanjikkal Bhagavathy, Goddess Bhadrakali, and Nagaraja. Major annual festivals include the nine-day-long Manickamangalam Pooram, celebrated in the month of Meenam, and the Karthika Lakshadeepam, observed on the Karthika star day in the month of Vrishchikam to commemorate the birth of the Goddess, marked by the lighting of one lakh lamps.