Muchilot Bhagavathi

Muchilot Bhagavathi is the tutelary deity of the Vaniyas[1] social class of North Malabar, in southwest India.

[5] Various legends on the origin of Muchilot Bhagavati begin with her as a Brahmin woman born in Maniyottu Mana, a house associated with the highest caste in the village of Peringellur, near Taliparamba, Kerala.

[6] The popular oral lore states that following the end of her studies and before her betrothal, the elder teacher of Peringellur (Peringellur Mootha Gurukkal, a Brahmin) and his disciples challenged her authority on Vedic matters.She defeated them in all kind of debates and afterwards jealous of her wisdom, they asked the girl what the greatest pain and greatest pleasure were.

She was expelled from her house and took refuge at the temple in Karivellur and promptly resolved to meet the great god Shiva through suicide.

Lord Shiva created this powerful goddess for the wellbeing of humans and sent her to the Earth in a golden chariot called "Otta thanden".