Mangottu Bhagavathi Temple is situated in Mangottu. It is a highly revered Hindu shrine with the sovereignty of Olappamanna Mana. Here Goddess Sree Mangottu Bhagavathi Devi is worshipped. The Goddess is believed to be the younger sister of Parakkattu Bhagavathi.
Mythology states that Mangottu Bhagawathi had arrived at this particular location to satisfy the yearning Kuttan – a weaver. He was a staunch devotee of the Goddess. It is said that at someplace he was charmed by the presence of the Devi and that he requested her to be a part of him. At the same time, high winds displaced the garments of the idol that was being taken out in procession. Instantly Kuttan tossed the fabric he had brought to sell on to the god. This fabric fell on the Goddess and remained irreplaceable while lying on the Goddess.
Kuttan returned to his village that very day. Tired, he placed his umbrella on the floor and slept for some rest. When he woke up, he found that the umbrella couldn’t be moved off the ground. An astrologer was immediately called, who bore the informed Kuttan that Goddess had taken the umbrella and wished to live in this very location. The astrologer threw the stick in his hand and declared that a temple must be erected where it falls. This place is now Athipotha.
Major festivals celebrated in the Mangottu Bhagavathi Temple are: Vela, Utsavam, Laksharchana
Vela festival is celebrated in April. It is conducted by the people known as Desam. It draws a large number of devotees. During Navratri, a special pooja is performed at the Mangottu Bhagavathi Temple.
Vela is followed by Utsavam, a 10-day extravaganza during which numerous Tantric Rituals are conducted. Devotees perform a holy bath to purify themselves during Aarattu and Deeparadhana. Laksharchana is another Tantric Ritual. It is observed annually during Kanni. During this 7-day Ritual, devotees flock to the temple. In Navratri, Navarathri Vilakku is conducted in the temple Vishukkani, Illam Nira, Nira Puthari etc. are also celebrated with zest here.