According to famous folklore, the Paramekkavu Bagavathi Temple is one of the most ancient temples in Thrissur, Kerala. Situated in the outskirts of Vadakumnathan temple ground, the primary deity worshipped here is one of the many incarnations of Goddess Durga, Devi Vaishnvy, popularly known as Goddess Bagavathi. Being closely located in the vicinity of the Thrissur Railway Station makes this temple easier to visit.
As the popular legend goes, the head of the local Nair family had great faith in the Devi and used to visit the temples regularly. Due to old age catching up to him, he decided that it was no longer possible for him to make regular visits to the Devi. However, on the last day of his visit, he decided to rest on the corner of the road to catch his breath. Once he decided to carry on, his umbrella seemed to be stuck to the ground, and could not be moved despite multiple attempts.
A sage who was passing by saw this and decided to enquire about the same. After understanding the story of the old man, he concluded that Devi now resides in the umbrella and hence, the Paramekkavu Bagavathi Temple was built at the same location. Due to this popularly believed story, the temple attracts flocks of tourists from all over the country in high numbers.
Thrissur Poornima is one of the biggest festivals celebrated at this temple. It includes a large elephant procession followed by a local competing event.