In very ancient times a Brahmin family lived in the Nelliakkattu Illam near Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagawathi Temple. They were adept in the magical art and also in treating people suffering from harmful poison. Once the older member of the family dreamt of the Lord Dhanwanthari asking him to go as early as possible to Thalikunnu a place in the Southern region. In that place people were suffering from diseases and harmful poison. The Lord had asked him to serve the people there without expecting anything in return. The Namboodiri told his family about the dream and they left for Nelliakkattu. They took the idol of Bhadrakali, more their Paradevata worshiping with them. On the way they met a Saint who took them to the place known as Koothattukulam where they went to a village Kizhakombu and to the Thalikunnu Temple. The Saint left them there. On the eastern side of the Temple there is a small stream where they had bath and had Darshan of Lord Shiva and started living behind the Temple. Since this is a forest area there were very few people. But very soon the Nelliakkattu Illam became famous and people started visiting the place in order to receive treatment for diseases and to get rid of the ill effects of poison. Once a man bitten by a poisonous snake was brought to the Namboodiri for treatment. By looking at the patient he knows that it was a curse. If he treated the man the Nelliakkattu family will suffer. But when he saw the sorrow of the man's family he treated and cured the man. The cows and calves of the Nelliakkattu Illam died immediately. This made the Namboodiri unhappy; he surrendered to the Bhagawathi and started Bhajana. A Saint came to the Illom again and told the Brahmin to worship Siva and Bhagawathy. He asked him to give treatment for eye diseases and also gave him ancient books related to the treatment. The Saint said the Idol of Thalikkunnu temple consists of three forms in one- Siva, Kirathamoorthi and Uma-Maheswara. So, anyone who prays to Lord Siva here will have all desires fulfilled. So, they gave equal importance to the Bhagawathi of Nelliakkattu Illam and also to Lord Siva. The Saint who stayed with the family for some time. Once he told the Namboodiri to worship the Devi sincerely and give medicines to the patients after offering to Bhagawathi. The Saint left after giving this advice. The Brahmin built a Temple for the Bhagawathi on the North Eastern side of the Illam and installed both Bhagawathi and Dhanwanthiri Idol. He believed that the Saint was Dhanwanthiri. After many generations, even to this day the physicians of Nelliakkattu are famous for the treatment of eye diseases. It is because they give medicines after offering to the Bhagawathi. People belonging to all casts and creed visit the Illam and pray to the Bhagawathi who blesses them.