This is a famous self-originated Siva temple at Choothupara village in Wayanad district. The temple is believed to be more than 6000 years old having been consecrated in the Dwapara yuga. The temple is situated in a beautiful calm atmosphere in the lap of nature. The forest around it extends to more than 30 acres even today. Legend says that Mahadeva, pleased with the penance of the many ascetics for many years, appeared, with Goddess Ganga as a self-originated idol in the middle of the forest. The presence of many Munis, ascetics, gave the name Mahamunikavu to the area which later became Manikavu.  There are more some other suggestions also for the place getting this name. One is that the place thronged with deer, a man in Malayalam, which led to this name. There is also the belief that a type of grass known as Manipullu grew here and this led to the area getting this name. The special feature is that Goddess Ganga continues to fall on the self-originated Shiva linga to this day. This is not seen in any other place.