Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple — Attraction in Kerala

Mullakkal Temple Kerala

Set in the heart of Alleppey district in Kerala, Mullakkal Temple is dedicated to the goddess Rajarajeswari, the main deity of the temple. It's a unique temple which has beautiful architecture in traditional Kerala style. The major attraction of this shrine is the main roof that kept opened and it is especially designed for Vana Devi. Other gods of this temple are, Lord Krishna, Nagas, Ayyappa, and Hanuman Ji. There is a banyan tree in the premise where the Shivling is placed.

HISTORY OF THE TEMPLE

Mullakkal Temple is 500 years old and there are plenty of stories behind the origin of the temple. As per the legend, the soldiers of Thekkumkur King have brought the idols in this temple and all the idols were supposed to placed in a jasmine garden but later on a temple was constructed in this garden by Devanarayana, the king of Chembagasery. Another story says that during the invasion of Kerala by Tipu Sultan, a group of Namboodiri Brahmins got away from the Malabar reign and took the auspicious idol of Maa Annapurneswari along with them. Then the group found Jasmine garden and they decided to make the temple here. Before 1961, the idol of Mata Annapurneswari was placed on the main shrine. Later when the idol was placed in a Jasmine Garden it was given the name Mullakkal Bhagawthy. It is believed that a mentally challenged person entered the sanctum sanctorum and hugged the idol. After that some cracks were observed on the body of the idol. Later in the year 1962, Rajarajeswari idol was made on the shrine which was replaced with the old idol as it was damaged.

ARCHITECTURE OF THE TEMPLE

This Mullukkal Rajarajeswari Temple is designed in ancient Kerala architectural style. It has a well-maintained wall and a beautiful pond along with a plenty of trees and jasmine plants inside the premises. The idol of the temple Durga Maa is placed with four arms, well known as 'Mullakkal Devi' or 'Mullakkal Amma'. At present, Travancore Devaswom board of Kerala is running the temple. It has an open roof and at the entrance point around 20 feet area is kept under roofing. According to the old tradition, elephants are kept in this roofed place that brings the 'thidambu' of the goddess on special affairs.

FESTIVALS

There are two main festivals of this temple that include:

Navarathiri Festival- It's a nine days celebration that last two days of the festival is known as Vijayadhashmi and Mahanavmi. The last two days are celebrated in a grand way with bewitching parade of nine decorated elephants. On the top of it, many cultural events like Ottanthullal are also held during this festival.

Thaipooya Kavadi Festival- It's another popular festival celebrated once in a year in which fifteen Kavadisn take part in the parade.

Other festivals celebrated here is Mullakkal Chirappu in which a large number of tourists flock this temple during...

The Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple is a Hindu temple in Alappuzha, Kerala. The temple is also known as the Mullakkal Bhagwati Temple.The temple was designed and built in the old Kerala style. The temple grounds is filled with jasmine plants, after which the place may have been named, since 'mullai' in Tamil and 'mulla' in Malayalam mean jasmine. There are several stories related to the origin of the temple and its foundation. The idol in the inner shrine is that of the goddess Durga. The temple is run by the Travancore Devaswom Board

The temple is nearly 500 years old. There are many stories pertaining to the origin of the temple. According to one story the idol of the goddess was brought there by a group of exiled soldiers from Thekkumkur territory. They placed the idol in a jasmine garden. Later a temple was constructed in the jasmine garden by King Devanarayana of Chembagasery. Another story says that upon seeing the goddess at the Kodungalloor Bhagavathy temple, king Devanarayana of Chembagasery desired to bring the goddess back to his kingdom. That very night, the goddess appeared before him in his dreams and announced that she would indeed accompany him back to his kingdom. When he arrived in Alappuzha, the king decided to rest in a jasmine garden and put his umbrella down. When he awoke he could not move the umbrella. He took it as a sign that the goddess wished to remain there and built a temple for here there in the jasmine garden. Yet another popular story says that during the conquest of Kerala by Tippu Sultan of Mysore, a group of Namboodiri Brahmins escaped from Malabar taking the idol of Annapurneswari with them. They spotted a jasmine garden and decided to place the idol there and build a shrine there. The temple was later built around the shrine.

Prior to 1961, the idol placed in the inner shrine was that of Annapurneswari, who had a ladle in one hand and a pot in the other.

In 1961 however the original idol was replaced. It is said that a stranger entered the sanctum sanctorum and embraced the idol after which several cracks were observed on the idol. The priests took it to mean that the goddess was instructing them to make a new idol. And so on 16 July 1962 a new idol, that of Rajarajeswari, was placed in the inner sanctum, replacing the old one. Later the idols of Krishna and various serpent gods were introduced and placed in...

The Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple, situated in the heart of Alappuzha, is not just a place of worship but a cultural and historical landmark. Dedicated to Goddess Rajarajeswari, this temple is renowned for its stunning architecture and tranquil atmosphere, making it a must-visit for anyone in the area. The temple's serene ambiance offers a spiritual retreat in the midst of the bustling town.

One of the significant forms of Goddess Shakti, Rajarajeswari, is worshipped here with great devotion. The temple premises also house idols of Lord Hanuman, Lord Krishna, Navagrahas, and Naga, making it a hub of spiritual energy. A majestic elephant adds to the temple's grandeur, symbolizing strength and divine presence.

The temple is located just a kilometer away from the Alappuzha KSRTC bus stand, making it easily accessible for both locals and tourists. The temple's annual festival, known as "Mullackal Chirappu," is a grand event that brings together people from all walks of life. During this time, the entire stretch from Zero Junction to Kadangamparambu Temple is beautifully decorated, and the atmosphere is filled with joy and celebration. This festival is a highlight of the year for the people of Alappuzha, regardless of their religious background, as they come together to celebrate this auspicious occasion.

The temple's proximity to reputed jewelry and textile showrooms along Mullackal Street also makes it a central landmark in the town. Visiting the Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple during Mullackal Chirappu is a truly unique experience, as the entire community participates in the festivities with enthusiasm and reverence. It's a time when the town comes alive with lights, decorations, and a sense of unity, making it a special occasion that everyone in Alappuzha looks forward to.

Whether you're seeking divine blessings, admiring the beautiful architecture, or participating in the vibrant festival, the Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple offers something...