Sree Madiyan Koolom Kshethrapalaka Temple – Madiyan Koolom / Kaliyattam Festival

About this event

Sree Madiyan Koolom Temple, located at Madiyan near Kanhangad in Kasaragod district, is an important centre of temple ritual and Theyyam traditions in North Kerala. The temple is situated in Ajanur village, about five kilometres from Kanhangad, and its principal deity is Bhadrakali, worshipped here as Kalarathri Bhagavathy. Other important deities associated with the temple include Kshetrapalakan, Bhagavathy and Bhairavan. The temple is particularly notable for its distinctive system of worship: according to the Kasaragod district administration, a Brahmin priest performs the noon pooja, while the morning and evening rituals are conducted by members of the Maniyani community. The temple’s ritual calendar includes festivals during Edavam (May–June) and Dhanu (December–January), reflecting the seasonal rhythm of worship and ritual performance in the region. (kasargod.gov.in) Madiyan Koolom is also featured by Kerala Tourism in its documentation of Theyyam, with several ritual forms performed at the temple, including Kalarathri Bhagavathy, Kshetrapalakan, Manavalan, Manavatty, Manjalamma and Nadayil Bhagavathy Theyyam. These performances form an integral part of the temple’s ritual culture rather than being presented simply as stage entertainment. Theyyam combines elaborate costumes, distinctive face painting, headgear, movement, percussion and ritual observance, creating a powerful visual and devotional experience characteristic of the sacred groves and temples of North Malabar. The temple complex also contains traditional features and objects associated with its ritual heritage, including a temple pond, shrines, a traditional performing space known as the Koothumadam, bronze objects, murals and items connected with Theyyam performances. Kerala Tourism’s documentation highlights the temple’s physical setting as well as its collection of traditional cultural elements. The annual ritual season provides an opportunity to observe living traditions that continue to connect worship, community participation and performance in the cultural landscape of Kasaragod. Visitors interested in Theyyam and North Malabar’s temple traditions can experience the atmosphere of Madiyan Koolom most meaningfully during scheduled festival and Theyyam days, when the ritual performances take place as part of the temple’s religious observances. The exact performers and performance schedule vary according to the festival calendar, so visitors should confirm the current programme before planning a visit.

🚆 Railway: Kanhangad Railway Station – approximately 4.7 km from Madiyan Koolom Temple.

✈️ Airport: Mangaluru International Airport – approximately 81 km from the temple.

🚌 Bus: Madiyan Bus Stop – approximately 850 m from the temple. The temple is on Moolakandam–Madiyan Road in the Madiyan/South Chittari area of Kanhangad.

🏨 Stay: Hotels and other accommodation options are available in Kanhangad and the surrounding area.

✅ Notes: Kerala Tourism lists the main Theyyam period at Madiyan Koolom as around the second half of May (Edavam 8–9), while the Kasaragod district administration records temple festivals during Edavam and Dhanu. Confirm the current festival and Theyyam schedule with the temple before visiting.