Mythology Of Bhagwati Temple - Chengannur

There is a legend describing how Shiva and Parvati came to reside in Chengannur. It was the wedding of Parameswara at Mount Kailas. All the 33 crores of Devas and asuras had assembled for the occasion. It looked as though the earth would tilt towards the north because of the undue weight on that side. Shiva summoned sage Agastya and requested him to proceed to the south to maintain the balance of the earth. Sage Agastya felt sorely disappointed as he would miss the celestial wedding. Parameswara understood his feelings. He assured him that he would see everything through divine sight. Shiva promised him that after the marriage ceremony he with his consort would come to the South and grant him darshan. Accordingly sage Agastya journeyed towards the South and selected that part of the Sahyadri called Sonadri for his meditation. True to his word, Shiva went there with Parvati and blessed Agastya. While there the Devi had her menses. The divine couple therefore stayed here for twenty-eight days after the purificatory bath.