Malayalappuzha Bhagavathy Temple — Attraction in Kerala

Malayalapuzha Bhagawathi temple is just outside the Pathanamthitta town The Goddess here is in the fierce form of the Goddess known as Bhadrakali. She is called Malayalapuzha Amma. The temple attracts devotees from all major religions of Kerala. The popular belief is that the Goddess is noted for getting the unmarried girls married, protecting the devotee from enemies, helping businesses flourish, getting employment and in general extending prosperity to all the devotees. There is a popular story about the temple. Long , long time ago one Namboodiri Brahmin went by walk to the Mookambika temple at Kollur. He spent a lot of time there unable to part with the Goddess Mookambika. When he decided to go back to his native place near Maruthwa Mala, the Goddess appeared in his dream and told him that she will come along with him to his place and entered the Saligramam that he was worshipping. Since this happened at night , she came in the form of Bhadra kali with eight arms and a very fierce looks. The Namboodiri reached along with a SAligramam and an Palm leaf umbrella a palatial home called THombil Kottaram. He stayed and took rest for the few days. But when he wanted to take the Saligramam and Umbrella , they did not move from that place. That night in his dream, the Goddess came and told him that she likes the place and would like to stay there. She also told the Namboodiri, that he will not live very long and would merge with her soon. He died soon and due to that her worship was affected. Bad omens came in large number in that place and the Goddess entered in to a member of the Thombil family and asked them to build a temple for her at that spot. This temple was about 5 km from the present temple . That Goddess was consecrated facing east and nearby a Shiva Linga also has been consecrated . This was in a plateau which is in between five hills. Later according to the wish of the idapally king , the chief of Thombil clan shifted the Goddess to the present location. One story is that the Chief of the clan became very old and was not able to climb the hills and reach the temple. He consecrated the Goddess in a spot on the shores of the south Malayala puzha , and below the Idathattil mountain. It seems that there was a temple of serpents in that place and this was destroyed to accommodate the temple of the Goddess. Even today there is worship in the original temple of the Goddess and lot of devotees gather there on the first of every Malayalam month. There is another story about the origin of this temple “ This temple was originally situated in a small village called Edathitta ,in Pathanamthitta Dist.This was a full fledged village , ruled by Raja Shaktibhadran, the only Sanskrit south Indian writer.One day a tantrik from Malayalapuzha visited this place ,as he heard a lot about this temple. Malayalpuzha was in drought for many years. So the TANTRIK with his power ,migrated the shakti's of the devi to malayalapuzha.And the place progressed like anything.As the shakti's were taken away from edathitta, the place faced many destructions.And gradually there were no signs of the temple.Then according to the prashnakundali people found out as in when it was migrated and when will it come back,as the power cannot be transferred completely ,it mentioned that it will take 3000 yrs for this shakti to come back. And in 1992,somebody from that village saw a dream that the vigraham,and the pooja utensils were beneath the ground,and people started digging that place , where they found everything mentioned by the person.And the villagers then contributed towards temple. .” The idol in the present location below the idathattil mountain is very fierce looking . It is made of concentrated Jaggery and is about 5 feet tall and has eight hands, with one leg moved to the front and kept on the Vetala and another stepped back. In spite of the fierce appearance , the devotees only see mercy in...

Malayalapuzha Devi Temple is one of the famous temples dedicated for Goddess Durga in Kerala. This temple, which is located in the Pathanamthitta District of Kerala is regarded one among the 108 Durga

Temples called as 108 Durgalayas. As in the case of many other Durga or Kali temples in Kerala, the legend of this temple too has its lineage with the famous Kollur Mookambika Temple of South Karnataka.

There was a Brahmin (Namboodiri) devotee of Goddess Ma. He devoted his life for the Goddess and was always seen chanting her praises and holy hymns. Once he went to Mookambika Temple and started worshiping Goddess Ma. He used to live in the temple premises and used to have very little food that is offered from the temple. All he had with him was one Salagramam (A particular kind of stone seen in River Gandaki in Nepal. According to Hindu belief, this stone represents the divine power of Lord Vishnu and hence it is being worshiped) and an umbrella made of palm leaves.

He spent years there worshipping Goddess and one night he had a dream where the Goddess Ma came in the dreams and told him that she had her presence in the Salagramam worshiped by the Namboodiri and now he can return to his village and continue worshipping it instead of staying back at Kollur. Although he believed that it was the words from the Goddess, he was reluctant to go back to his village; instead he decided to go to Maruthva Hills and to indulge in penance till he get salvation. Thus he started his journey by walk.

As mentioned earlier, all he had with him was the Salagramam and the umbrella made with palm leaves. Hence he did not have to worry much during his journey. Accepting the food given from different houses, he continued his journey and reached at Thombil Palace, the residence of a feudal lord. The feudal lord who is known as Thombil Thampuran was a religious person and generous too. Namboodiri stayed over there for a few days accepting the hospitality and the company of Thampuran. After a few days, Namboodiri informed Thampuran that it was time for him to leave and to grand permission for it. By this time, Thampuran developed a sort of respect and fondness towards the Namboodiri and was not ready to leave him. But the Namboodiri was adamant and decided to move out.

Surprisingly when the Namboodiri lifted the Salagramam and the umbrella both have not come up. They remain on the floor of the palace where they have kept. At that time an oracle (persons who will enact as goddess after invoking the divine power in them) came there and told Namboodiri that Goddess did not like to leave that premises. Then the Namboodiri decided to stay back there worshiping the Salagramam and attained salvation within a few years.

After the demise of Namboodir, the Salagramam left alone and nobody took initiative to continue with type of rituals Namboodiri did to worship the Goddess. This negligence reflected in the life of locals. They had to undergo many troubles and ill fates. Thombil Thampuran approached an astrologer to seek a solution for the problems faced by his subjects. Astrologer told that the Salagramam, worshipped by the Namboodiri has the presence of Goddess and it has been left alone without any worship nowadays. Goddess is angry with this negligence and all the problems are due to her anger. He insisted Thampuran to construct a temple for Goddess Ma and worship the Salagramam there.

According to this instruction, Thampuran started search for an ideal place and found one which was under the jurisdiction of Edappally King. Hearing the entire story, the King happily handed over the land for constructing the temple and also helped Thampuran financially to construct the temple. This is believed to have happened almost 1000 years before and the same temple is still there in...

I recently had the divine privilege of visiting the Malayalapuzha Devi Temple, located near Pathanamthitta in Kerala.

This temple has always held a special place in my heart as I had visited it last year as well, and once again, the spiritual energy and powerful aura of this temple deeply moved me. The temple is one of the most prominent Devi temples in Kerala and is known for its ancient origins, mystical power, and unique traditions.

The main deity here is Malayalapuzha Bhagavathy, a fierce and powerful form of Goddess Durga, also worshipped as Malayalapuzha Amma.

The idol is majestic and beautifully adorned, standing over 5.5 feet tall and carved out of a rare type of stone called Panchaloha (a mix of five metals). She holds a pot of nectar and a skull in her hands and rides a lion, symbolizing destruction of evil and protection of the devotees.

The temple is believed to be over 1,000 years old and has a very strong Tantric presence in its rituals. It is said that the temple was established by a group of Namboothiris who brought the idol from Karnataka.

The Devi is considered highly powerful for solving legal problems, ensuring victory in court cases, and protecting from enemies. Devotees also believe she blesses women with fertility, protects families from black magic, and grants success in education and career.

One of the striking features of the temple is its calm yet spiritually intense atmosphere. Surrounded by lush greenery and traditional Kerala style architecture, the temple premises offer a peaceful environment perfect for meditation and prayer. A unique feature of this temple is the presence of a separate shrine for Mookambika Devi within the temple compound, showing the integration of multiple divine forms.

The Velichappadu (oracle) at the temple is an important spiritual figure, and many come specifically to seek his guidance. It is believed that Malayalapuzha Devi communicates through him during special rituals.

The Prasadam, especially the Vella Nivedyam and Payasam, is very sacred, and receiving it after a darshan feels like a divine blessing.

During my recent visit, I once again felt the strong energy and maternal protection of the Goddess. Even though it was slightly crowded, the temple was well managed, and the darshan was smooth and fulfilling. The temple staff and priests were helpful and guided everyone respectfully.

I also noticed many devotees bringing offerings such as Turmeric, Kumkum, and red silk, which are considered dear to the Goddess.

Thursdays and Fridays see larger crowds, as they are considered auspicious days for Devi worship.

Overall, my visit to Malayalapuzha Devi Temple was deeply enriching. Whether you are a frequent visitor or coming for the first time, this temple leaves a lasting impression. For those going through emotional or legal troubles, or simply seeking divine grace, Malayalapuzha Amma stands as a powerful source of support and strength. I feel truly blessed and look forward to...