The different myths surrounding the origin of Muchilot Bhagavati appear to originate from the belief that she was a Brahmin woman born in a place called Maniyottu, located in the village of Peringellur, near Taliparamba, Kannur in Kerala. However, the stories diverge from this point onward.
According to the prevalent narrative, after completing her studies but before her betrothal, the ‘Peringellur Mootha Gurukkal,’ a Brahmin elder teacher from Peringellur, and his disciples challenged the girl's knowledge of Vedic matters.
Envious of her wisdom, they asked her about the greatest pain and greatest pleasure, and she replied that giving birth and making love represented these, respectively.
The Gurukkal argued that someone who had never experienced love-making or childbirth could not know this and questioned her virginity. As a result, she was expelled from her home and sought refuge in Lord Shiva at the temple in Karivellur.
Feeling desperate, she attempted to meet Shiva through suicide by standing on burning coal and asking a Vanya (merchant) to pour coconut oil over her. However, she was blessed by Lord Shiva and transformed into a goddess.
During her journey on earth, she rested at the home of a Muchilot Padanair, a Vanya belonging to the Muchilot clan and a soldier in the service of the Kolathiri king. The wife of Muchilot Padanayar had a vision of Sree Muchilot Bhagavathi while drawing water from the well. After this incident, the pot that held the oil that burned the girl began to levitate.
The following day, Muchilot Padanayar noticed that the palm tree in front of his house had dried up, and it is believed that the Devi made her presence visible to him when he considered cutting the tree. The Karanavar (head of the family) also had a vision, realizing that the soul of the virgin had been sent back by Lord Shiva to reside within him.