Cheranellore, a serene village located approximately 10 kilometres north of Ernakulam town, boasts one of the 108 major Durga temples in the country, known as the Cheranellor Bhagavathy Kshetram. The temple is dedicated to the presiding deity, 'Kaarthyaayani Devi,' who is revered as Aadiparaashakthi in her full splendour. Devotees believe that worshipping this divine goddess grants blessings for a lifetime, absolving them of all agony and sins. Regarded as a compassionate mother to all devotees, she graciously bestows blessings in the form of knowledge, peace, and prosperity. Legend has it that a Namboothiri from the 'Kavyapilli mana' in Cheranellore, devoted to 'Kumaaranellore Bhagavthy,' had a divine vision. more Due to old age, he couldn't visit the Kumaranellore temple regularly. In his vision, the Devi promised to reside in Cheranellore for his convenience. Shortly after, he encountered a celestial damsel, believed to be Devi Kaarthyaayani, who led him to Cheranellore. A temple was constructed, and an idol of Devi, as seen in his vision, was installed, depicting her in a standing posture with Shankhu (conch), Chakram (discus), Thathaa (parrot), and Kathir (paddy stalk) in her four arms. The Devi is worshipped as Kaarthyaayani in her virgin form in this temple. According to belief, Devi Kaarthyaayani dispatched Ganapathy to find a suitable location for her abode. Ganapathy found what he deemed ideal land but decided to stay. When the Devi and her escort, Yakshi, came in search of him, they found Ganapathy occupying the destined spot. In retribution, Ganapathy was expelled from the temple compound, while Yakshi was permitted to reside within.