The Elamkavu Devi Temple, Ithithanam is one of the main Devi Temples in Central Kerala. Bhadrakali in the mild form is consecrated here. The temple which is believed to be many centuries old is connected with the Kodungaloor Devi temple according to popular legends. It is believed that the Devi at Kodungaloor came to Ambalakodi on the umbrella made of Palmyra leaf when Vellappally Panikar went to worship the Devi at Kodungaloor. The original position of the temple at Ambalakoti is half a kilometer to the west of the present temple. The special rights accorded to Vellapally Panikar continues even more today. The annual festival is celebrated in the month of Medam starting on the day of Vishu and lasting for ten days. The main offerings in the temple on the days of the festival, includes Thookam (Arjuna Nrutham) and Garudan Thookam. Panthirunazhi, Arunazhi, Raktha pushpanjali, Kalabha Charthu, and special pujas for Devi with the Golaka on the day of star Bharani are the special offerings for the Goddess. In Arjuna nrutham which is offered by devotees, the person who undertakes to perform the ritual is brought from the house of the devotee with ceremonial pomp. He is dressed in a special way with green paint applied on the face and the head covered with a crown. A hook is ceremoniously inserted on the back of the man which is a symbolic representation of sacrifice. Another special offering is Pulavrutham Kali. Men dance round a lighted lamp for pleasing the Goddess. This is held on the last day of the Mandalam and on the day of the festival when the ritual of Pallivetta is held. On the 9th and 10th days of the festival Kavadi Kumbha Kuda processions come to the temple from different areas. Elephants add to the grandeur of these processions. Ithithanam is the most important meeting place for the elephant lovers of South Kerala.  The elephant show, started here in 2000 is the first such event in the southern part of Kerala. The day of star Bharani is celebrated with special pujas for the Devi decorated with the Golaka. Annadanam is held on that day. On the day of star Bharani in the month of Meenam, Thookam is held in the main temple and 101 Kudam procession is taken to Ambalakodi, the original location of the temple. Another rare ritual is the Kalamezhuthum Pattum offered to the Bhagavathy on all the 41 days of the Mandalam and the Kalmezhuthum pattum for Dharma Shastha shown as riding a horse on the 42nd day. Some other offerings are Gajapuja on the day of Vinayaka Chathurthi, Thrikala puja on the days of the Navarathri and Vavubali in the month of Karkidakam. Yakshi, Gandharvan, Velichappadu and Gurunathan are consecrated as minor deities.  The Nagas are believed to be endowed with special strength and power here. Devotees believe that offering Nagasooktham and Naga Gayathri Archana, offering Kadali (banana), Aayilyam puja and Pulluvan Pattu will ensure relief from skin diseases and defects of the eye. Offerings for the other deities are Vara nivedyam for Yakshiyamma, Palpayasam for Gandharvan, and Vellamkudi for Velichappadu and Gurunathan.  The Surya Kalady Mana has the Thanthric rights of the temple.  The present Thanthri is Surya Kalady Mana Suryan Subrahmanyan Bhattathiripad. A committee of eleven members is elected to manage the affairs of the temple. To reach the temple on the Kottayam - Changanasserry route along M.C.Road, go two and a half kilometers to the east from Thuruthi Punnamoodu Junction.