History of Bhagavathi
The temple is situated where there was once a paddy field. Legend has it that a farm worker plowing the field heard a sound of his plow hitting metal, releasing a flow of blood. He ran away and narrated the incident to the landlord. The Landlord inspected the place, was convinced of the peasant's story, and brought in an astrologer. After conducting the prasanam, the astrologer concluded that the idol was the swaymbhu idol of the Bagavathy, making the venue extremely sacred. The landlord constructed a temple where the idol was found. The temple sreekovil is roof less and its idol is below the Asoka tree. Older residents say that this Asoka tree remains exactly the same size as it was in their own childhood.
Long ago, in a thick forest area, around midnight melodious voice of a lady was heard by a person from 'Panan' community. What was heard at a distance soon came close by. As he stood mesmerized by the melody of the song, he heard a heavenly voice: "Do you like music so much?", to which he replied: "Yes". He expressed his desire to have a glimpse of the singer. Then the voice said: "if you insist to see the singer, you may do do so by closing one eye and seeing through the other eye". Accordingly he did, saw and stood shocked at the sight. He saw a radiant lady singing while swaying on a swing. The frightened Panan immesdiately informed other community people like Blacksmith, Carpenter, Goldsmith etc. Following astrological advice, the Devi was installed at Thoovasseri Mannam, after decorating the floor with rice flour Rangoli. As per the wish of the Devi, the present Temple was built by the families of Mannattil and Naduvath. Thus the festival which started with rice flour decoration was named as "Nila Manichil Vela". After consulting the "Thantry", the Devi-in 'Saumyya Bhava' was installed at this Temple with all religious rituals and practices. Even today. the Trustees of the Temple are the heads of Mannattil and Naduvath.