IRINGOLE BHAGAWATHY MANDIR, ERNAKULAM (Ker)

The cruel King Kamsa killed Devaki’s new-borns one by one. As he tried to kill the 8th one, the baby rose up and beams emanating from her body fell on earth. The place where the beam fell was called 'Irunnol' that later became Iringol.

The trees n undergrowth are never removed as it is said that Devas descended on Earth to pray to Devi and became trees and plants in the grove
Another belief is that Rishi Trinabindu did tapasya in these forests. He was disturbed by child Hanuman so much that Rishi cursed him.

The curse was that Hanuman would forget his infinite strength. Vayudev, Hanuman’s father, came to the forest when he heard the curse.
All trees started shaking except the one on which Hanuman sat. That tree is believed to be here and worshipped as ‘Valiya Ilavu’
@Ashwinsampathk

On Vayudev’s request, the Rishi said that Hanuman will be reminded of his powers by Jambavan when Sri Vishnu would take birth as Ram. He also blessed Hanuman that so long as Ram’s name stays in the universe, Hanuman will stay a 'Chiranjeevi'.
@GampaSD

In the Mandir, the Devi changes from Saraswati in the morning to Vanadurga in the afternoon and later in the evening becomes Bhadrakali. Unlike other mandirs, here only female elephants participate in the mandir festival.
(Credit: @VinodNGK and various sites)