Centuries ago, a Brahmin devotee of the Goddess from Chengazhassery Illam at Pampady, is believed to have consecrated the Bhagavathy here. The Brahmin was on a pilgrimage when he came to Payippadu village. He kept his palm leaf umbrella under a palm tree near a pond in a forest near the Mahadeva temple. But when he tried to take it after a bath in the pond, he found it stuck there. He informed the local people who made an astrological consultation. It was found that the Goddess whom the Brahmin worshipped had come on his umbrella. As the Goddess liked this place, she had chosen to more remain here. A temple was built with the sanctum facing the west. As it was a place with a kavu (forest) the temple was named Puthenkavil. The Goddess is in the mild form here. That Brahmin stayed at the Onganallor mana nearby worshipping the Goddess. From the document issued by Maharaja Marthandavarma of Travancore, offering financial assistance, it is seen that the temple is more than 800 years old.