Legend goes that once a namboothiri of the 'Kavyapilli mana' at Cheranellore, who was a great devotee of 'Kumaaranellore Bhagavthy' had a divine experience. As old age had caught up with him, he could not regularly visit the Kumaranellore temple. In a vision the Devi promised him that She would come and reside at Cheranellore so that he could worship Her daily. A few days later he was blessed with the 'darshan' of a very beautiful celestial damsel (the bhagavthy) who approached him and held his hand. Convinced she was none other than 'Devi Kaarthyaayani', he led Her to Cheranellore. A temple was constructed and an idol of the Devi as seen in his vision in standing posture and with Shankhu (conch), Chakram (discus), Thathaa (parrot) and Kathir (paddy stalk) each in the four arms was installed. The "Devi" is worshiped as Kaarthyaayani in 'kanyaka' (virgin) form in this temple.

It is believed that the Devi sent Ganapathy to find a suitable location for Her to settle. In this search, Ganapathy came across this piece of land which He thought was the ideal location. However He stayed on and did not return. The Devi accompanied by 'Yakshi' her escort, came in search of Him and found that He had occupied the position that was destined for Her. As a punishment, Ganapathy was pushed out of the premises and was allowed to remain outside the 'Mathilkkakam' (temple compound).

However 'Yakshi' was permitted to reside within the temple compound.

Cheranellore is a small green village located at about 10kms to the north of Ernakulam town. This place was named Cheranellore as it was thought to be a good place to settle at. This village is blessed with one of the 108 major Durga temples as well as one of the 108 major Siva temples in Kerala, namely the Cheranellor Bhagavathy Kshetram and the Maraparambu Vaidyanatha Kshetram. The presiding deity of the temple is 'Kaarthyaayani Devi'. Though worshipped thus, She is 'Aadiparaashakthi' in all glory. Worshipping this Devi bestows upon the devotees blessing for a life time and removes all agony and sins. A mother to every devotee she generously showers her blessings in the form of knowledge, peace and prosperity. This temple is believed to be more than 1200 years old.

The temple is a fine example of traditional Kerala temple architecture. There are three 'Gopurams' (gates), one each on the East, West and South. There is a 'Chuttambalam', 'Sreekovil' (sanctum sanctorum) with its gold plated Thaazhika Kudam, Balikkal pura, the considerably large pathinaaru kaal (16 pillared) Mandapam in front of the Sreekovil, Vilakkumaadam, Deepastambham and Kodimaram. The copper plate roofing of the sanctum is noted for its style. The two tired eastern (or main) Gopuram, the exquisite wooden carvings on the ceilings of the mandapam, balikal pura and gopuram, the murals on the walls of the sreekovil are all marvelous pieces of art and architecture that talk loud of a proud past of this temple. The 'vilakkumaadam' with its intricate array of metal lamps (chuttu vilakku) lit on special occasions is a brilliant sight to behold. The acoustically and aesthetically well designed Nadapura of this temple requires a special mention.

The temple has two large ponds, the kshethra kulam (temple pond) that lies adjacent to the temple towards the southern side and the second, Kannam Kulam that is situated a few meters away from the temple premises, towards the east. During the utsavam, the 'aaraatu' of the Devi is conducted in the Kshethra kulam adjacent to the temple.

The 'thanthri' who is considered as the chief priest is the final authority on all religious matters abiding to the temple. The thanthram of the temple is vested with the Aavanaparambu mana of Vadakkanchery. The 'Ooraanma' or ownership of the temple was earlier shared between Kavyapilli mana and a few other Namboothiri families. However with the passage of time the Ooraanma was confined to Kavyappilli mana. For the proper functioning and maintenance of the temple, the Namboothiri of the Kavyapilly mana entrusted the temple with the Cochin Devaswom Board. This temple is now owned and managed by the Board while the status and privileges of 'Kavyapilli' as (owner) continues to be honoured. The 'Ooraalan' has certain rights and privileges in the temple and is bound to participate in some of the rituals.

The local population has constituted a Kshethra Upadeshaka Committee - an elected committee of members, according to the Devaswom Board norms. This committee plays an important role in the proper functioning of the temple activities.
The Devi is worshipped as a 'Kanyaka'
Marriages are not conducted in the main temple. However, it may be conducted at the Maha Vishnu temple
'Kumkumam', fragrant flowers and agarbathis are not offered here
Devotees are not permiited to wear jasmine flowers while taking the darshan inside the 'Naalambalam'
Tuskers are not allowed inside the temple premises
'Thaneer Amruthethu' is a special offering very dear to the goddess
Devi is worshiped as Sree Parvathy for 7 days along with 'Brahmini Paatu' during 'Thiruvaathira' period
'Mandalaacharam' is observed only for 40 days
No 'Upadevadas' are worshipped in this temple
Vedi vazhipaadu is not performed in this temple

The other deities worshiped here are Maha Vishnu, Ganapathy and Yakshi. A small sreekovil, circular in shape with a conical roof situated towards the south of the main structure in the temple premises is devoted to Mahavishnu. Here the Ganapathy shrine is situated outside the Nalambalam itself, at the south-western corner. 'Yakshi' resides in a small 'srikovil' to the north of the Main temple.