According to legend, Trichur Pooram was the zestful venture of two goddesses. It is said that a mighty goddess called Paramekkavu Devi resided under a tree in what now is the compound of the Vaddakunathan temple. Lord Shiva's devotees decided to enlarge his small shrine into a grand temple. Therefore, they moved the goddess, who was thought to be his daughter, to a temple of her own. Her elder sister, Thiruvambady Devi, resides in another temple. These sister goddesses are the main participants of the Trichur Pooram festival.