Malayalappuzha is a small hamlet located at an aloofness of about 9 km from Pathanmitta town in Pathanmitta district of South Indian state of Kerala. The village is renowned for its Bhagavathi Temple which is placed in the heart of the village in calm and relaxing environs. The name of the village Malayalappuzha literally translates to Mala ‘mountain, Ala ‘Home or Abode’ and Puzha ‘River’ which means ‘The spot between the mountain and the River’.
Devoted to goddess Mookambika who is also known as Malayalappuzha Amma, the temple is supposed to be constructed about 1000 years ago. The Idol of this temple resembles Bhadrakali in a vicious form and is built of determined jaggery. The 5 feet tall statue has eight hands with one stepped back and another kept on the Vetala. The goddess here is supposed to grant boons to devotees and aid them in realizing their aims or dreams in life.
The Legend: According to a popular legend, once two people of Namboothiri caste of northern Travancore were meditating and as they finished their meditation they received prophesy from goddess Bhadrakali whose idol they had with them while meditating. Goddess told them that the idol will have her everlasting presence.
Then the Namboothiris continued their pilgrimage with the idol in their ownership. Continuing their tour they became old and once again Bhadrakali appeared in their vision and suggested to erect the idol at Malayalappuzha as it was the perfect place for the erection of the idol.
Both of them followed the suggestion and erected the idol at Malayalappuzha which is currently known as the Malayalappuzha Bhadrakali Temple.
According to the mythology, this temple is believed to have been constructed in an area which is a place of serpents.
The prime idol of this temple which is built of ‘Sharkkara’ (replacement of sugar, and is made of sugar cane) measures a length of 2 meters owing to which ‘Jalabhishekam’ is not allowed to perform here and thus only pouring the idol with flowers (Pushpabhishekam) is performed by the devotees. The temple houses two more idols which are constructed of 5 metals including copper, brass, gold, silver, and tin; meant for worship of flowers by devotees and for temple parade.
Along with goddess Bhadrakali, Lord Shiva, Serpent God (Nagaraja), Lord Narsimhamoorthy, Brahmarakshasu, Lord Ganapathy, Yaksha and Madaswamy are also worshipped in this temple as Upadevas.
The main offering done in the temple by the followers are Rakthapushpanjali which is an offering of flowers, kunkumam and achiote along with kadumpayasam (type of kheer) and beads of red sandalwood which are presented for private benefits.
The temple celebrates its yearly festival during February-March (Kumbham month according to the Malayali calendar) during which the premises remains crowded with devotees from varied parts of India and other countries. The 11 days festival has many events of which worship with devotional songs (pattustavam) and Siva Rathri are the prominent ones.
Pooja Timings:
The pooja timings for this temple are from 4:00 am to 9:00 am and 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Best time to Visit: An ideal time to pay a visit to this temple is from the month of March to August as the climatic conditions remains pleasurable and satisfying.
Accommodation: Accommodation options are available in the town of Pathanmitta ranging from luxurious to budget hotels and resorts. Contour Jungle Resorts (about 8 km), Hotel River Walk and Voyage Hotel are some of the nearest hotels to this temple where you can opt to stay.
How to Reach:
Closest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport at about 120 km is the nearest airport.
Closest Rail Head: Pathanmitta Railway Station is the closest at about 9 km.
By Road: Frequent bus services are available from the town of Pathanmitta to reach this place. One can also get on a bus or hire a small vehicle to reach the temple from the airport and railway station.
This post first appeared on Tourist Places In Munnar, Kumarakom, Kovalam, Thekkady., please read the originial post: here
