Malayalapuzha Devi Temple

Introduction to the Malayalapuzha Devi Temple

The Malayalapuzha Devi Temple is one of the largest temples in Malayalapuzha Pathanamthitta district, Kerala. It is a powerful Shakti shrine maintained by the Travancore Devaswom Board.

Legend of the Malayalapuzha Devi Temple

According to legend, two Namboothiris were meditating at Kollur Mookambika temple. They had a Bhadrakali idol with them. One day, they heard an oracle from Bhadrakali that her idol would have her perpetual presence. The Namboothiris continued their pilgrimage with the idol. As they became old, Bhadrakali appeared before them and advised them that Malayalappuzha was the ideal place to install her idol. Following her advice, the Namboothiris reached Malayalappuzha and installed her idol there.

The Malayalapuzha Devi Temple had a custom of removing the deity's idol every twelve years. Once, the temple authorities and priests could not remove the idol. One of them had a dream that night in which the deity appeared and asked him to worship her with the same idol forever.

The Architecture of the Malayalapuzha Devi Temple

The Malayalapuzha Devi Temple displays Kerala-style architecture. The Thombil family is the main contributor to this temple, which is believed to be 3000 years old. It has a majestic Rajagopuram at the eastern entrance. The inner sanctum is rectangular and has a Mukha Mandapam. Inside the temple is a small Namaskara Mandapam, a Chuttambalam, and a Balikkalpura. Beautiful wall paintings and attractive sculptures adorn the entire temple.

The main deity of the Malayalapuzha Devi Temple is Bhadrakali, the fierce form of Shakti. Her idol is 5.5 feet high and has eight hands. It was made using a technique called 'Kadu Sarkara Yogam' (concentrated jaggery). Several wood pieces, Ayurvedic herbs, milk, ghee, turmeric, sandalwood, jaggery, camphor, clay, silver, gold, sand, and natural glue were used for the deity's idol. She is also known as Idathattil Bhagavathi. The idol of Bhadrakali is unique as it has all the nerves and blood vessels found in the human body.

There is a Shiva Lingam in the southern corner of the temple. The deity is also made of jaggery. Devotees worship him with red flowers.

A unique statue of Parvati feeding baby Ganapathy on her lap is at the entrance of the sanctum. An idol of Veera Bhadra is at the entrance of the sanctum. Shiva, Brahma Rakshas, and Nagaraja are the temple's sub-deities (Upa Devatas).

Devotees offer flowers, Ney Vilakku, Thoniyari Payasam (sweet rice), and Nirapara (an offering of rice, paddy, and sugar in the vessel called Para). Ablutions are done with sandal, oil, white ash, milk, ghee, and tender coconut water.

Festivals in the Malayalapuzha Devi Temple

The Malayalapuzha Devi Temple celebrates Navratri, Shivaratri, Vinayaga Chaturthi, Diwali, and other Hindu festivals on a grand scale.

The annual festival of Malayalapuzha Devi Temple starts on Thiruvathira Nakshatra day in the month of Kumbham (February–March). Kathakali, a traditional dance form of Kerala, is conducted on the fourth and fifth days. Aarattu, a ritualistic bathing ceremony (dipping the deity's idol in the river or temple tank), is performed on the eleventh day of the festival.

The Malayalapuzha Devi Temple attracts many devotees on Tuesdays and Fridays. It is the only temple in Kerala that performs the 'Satha Kodi Archana,' and large numbers of devotees from various parts of the state attend it.

Benefits of Worshipping at the Malayalapuzha Devi Temple

Devotees visit the Malayalapuzha Devi Temple and worship Bhadrakali for the blessings of marriage, employment, and prosperity. They believe that worshipping her and performing Raktha Pushpanjali Pooja can protect them from enemies, black magic, and evil eyes. Devotees bring fowls and set them free in the temple for good health.

Devotees also offer betel leaves, areca nuts, tobacco, and camphor to Bhadrakali to fulfill their wishes.