Harikanyaka

The pilgrimage to sabarimala is considered incomplete without the darshan of Lord Ayyappa's mother.

The one and only temple with such a unique installation found in no other district of Kerala is "Sri Harikanyaka Devi Kshethra" of Arikanniyoor lying to the east of Guruvayur at a distance of 4 km in Thrissur district.

Undertaken by the Archeology department for its immense sculptural excellence created by "Perunthachan" the famous "Vasthushilpi" and his magical tools - the temple has a glorious past of 1000 and more years.

It is a history that the Guruvayur temple and the areas surrounding Guruvayur had been under this illustrious temple of Sree Harikanyaka. The invasion of outsiders had affected the wealth of the temple tremendously.

The foremost feature of the temple is certainly its deity and the rituals connected, which is quite different picture in itself. Though, all minute details relating to the age old customs followed here is rather difficult to narrate, some outstanding specialties can indeed be specified such as

1. ladies are expected to sing "stuthees" and hold "kuthuvilakku" while performing a particular pooja. 
2. The 15 days annual festival is main attraction. It is a custom that Devi must be accompanied by Ayyappa, while she leaves temple premises during the annual festival. Lord Ayyappa, is in form of an archer, takes his mother's guard during the ceremony. 
3. Only female elephants are allowed to carry "Thidamb" of Devi and Ayyappa. 

The charm and grace of the "deity of Mohini" is so immense that it fills the heart of every devotee with peace. Probably because she beholds the form of "Shantha Swaroopini" in the sanctum of the temple. The hilltop view and stone carved dusty path is totally spectacular.

The temple's divinity and powers of Devi had been a solace for many childless couples and young unmarried youngsters.

http://wikimapia.org/123629/Harikanyaka-Bhagavati-Temple