In the captivating village of Thennilapuram, nestled within the Kavassery Panchayat of Palakkad District, stand two awe-inspiring ancient temples, Sree Mahavishnu and Sree Kunnekkattu Bhagavathy. With a rich historical heritage, these temples emanate a profound aura of divinity and spirituality. Adjacent to each other, they hold an inseparable connection to the Kavalappara Estate, which was once the center of power for the Kavalappara Swaroopam near Shoranur. Despite the passage of time and the impact of land reforms that resulted in the loss of their land holdings, these temples flourish today, sustained by the unwavering devotion and generous offerings of their loyal devotees. Among these ancient temples, Rajarajeswari Sree more Kunnekkattu Bhagavathy Temple is a revered place of worship for devotees of Bhadrakali. It is conveniently located on the Erattakkulam-Vaniyampara Road, adjacent to the Palakkad-Thrissur National Highway. People from both within and outside the state, who refer to themselves as "ADIMA" (meaning "slaves" or "devotees") of the Bhagavathy, visit this temple to offer their prayers with utmost devotion and piety. The deity, Rajarajeswari Sree Kunnekkattu Bhagavathy, is known for her benevolence and grants the cherished prayers of her devotees. The history of this temple dates back several centuries. Legend has it that an elderly devotee of Kodungalloor Sree Kurumba Bhagavathy used to embark on a pilgrimage to the Kodungalloor temple every year. However, with advancing age and declining health, he realized that he would not be able to continue the arduous pilgrimage in the coming years. On his way back from one such pilgrimage, feeling fatigued and weary, he decided to take a rest on a hilltop covered in overgrown weeds and bushes. He placed his thatched umbrella on the ground and sat beneath a tree, seeking respite. After regaining his strength, he attempted to lift his umbrella, only to find it immovable. Surprised and bewildered, he interpreted this as a sign of the Bhagavathy's displeasure with his decision to forgo future pilgrimages. Filled with remorse, he fervently prayed for forgiveness and repented his decision. To his astonishment and boundless joy, he heard a blissful voice declaring that the Devi was pleased with his unwavering dedication, and he need not visit Kodungallur anymore. The Goddess herself would reside on that very hilltop for him and others to worship. Overjoyed, he gathered people from the surrounding areas and shared the divine revelation. Subsequently, a temple was constructed at the sacred site. The Bhagavathy came to be known as Kodakkattu Bhagavathy, signifying the divine presence felt on a thatched umbrella (Olakkuda). Additionally, she is also referred to as Kunnekkattu Bhagavathy, as she resides on the hilltop. In 2011, the temple underwent renovations with the installation of a copper roof and the ceremonial Kumbhabhishekam. The tantric rites for the temple are overseen by Kallurmana Devadasan Namboothiripad. The temple also has a sub-deity called Mookenchathan, to whom Kalasam is offered as a special offering. The highlight of the temple is the annual mega festival called Vela Mahotsavam, held on the Ayilyam Star of the Malayalam month Meenam. During this grand celebration, the Devi visits her devotees astride caparisoned elephants. The procession commences from the temple, accompanied by a splendid display of ceremonial regalia and culminates with magnificent fireworks. The festivities leading up to the Vela festival include Kathirvela on Vrichikam 11, Ponninpoovu and Koorayidal on Kumbham 1, followed by Kalamezhuthupattu in Kootala. Thalappoli on Kumbham 10 serves as a prelude to the Vela festival. Other festivals celebrated at the temple include Laksharchana in Karkkidakam, Ramayana Masacharanam, Akhandanamajapam, and Chanthattam, performed twice a year in Karkidakam and Makaram months on the Ayilyam star. Additionally, Navarathri, Makara Vilakku, Mandala Vilakku, and Bhagavathy Pattu in Cheerumbakkavu are observed with great enthusiasm. A unique aspect of this temple is the involvement of every sect of the Hindu community in performing specific rituals and ceremonies during the Vela Mahotsavam. The Devi is taken on a procession in a beautifully adorned chariot on the morning of the second day of the Vela celebrations, captivating the hearts of all who witness the grand spectacle. Visiting Sree Mahavishnu and Sree Kunnekkattu Bhagavathy temples in Thennilapuram is a spiritually uplifting experience. These ancient temples, with their rich history and devotion-filled atmosphere, offer solace to the souls of devotees who seek divine blessings. The significance of these temples extends beyond their physical presence, as they serve as reminders of the enduring power of faith and the divine connection that transcends time.