Poruvazhy Peruviruthy Malanada DuryodhanaTemple — Attraction in Kerala

Really wonderful place one and only duriyodhana temple in south India. The annual festival at Malanada is known as ‘Malakkuda’(Mala means hill – the temple and Kuda, umbrella – an ornamental one used by Oorali, the priest, during ceremonial occasions.). It is celebrated during the summer, during the second half of March every year - an interval, when the terrestrial agricultural activities are over and before starting paddy cultivation in the wet land (paddy fields). The second Friday of the Malayalam month ‘Meenam’ is reckoned for celebrating ‘Malakkuda’( Meenam starts in the middle of March and ends in the middle of April). The arrival of the festival is proclaimed by ‘Kodiyettu’ (the temple flag hoisting ceremony by Oorali after due observance) on the first Friday of Meenam. Presently, although there is festivity for 8 days from Kodiyettu to Malakkuda, there is no change in the rituals connected therewith.

On the festival day afternoon Oorali accompanied by his aids visits ‘Gurukkalssery Bhagavathy Temple’ and invites Devi to Malanada. Bhagavathy arrives Malanada in a procession and occupies her reserved seat (Mandapam in front of Malanada Temple). Thereafter Oorali goes to his abode at Kaduthamsserry Kottaram and gets ready with ‘Kachakettu’(wearing his priestly attire) with the help of his aidis, viz. ‘Thalikkaran’, ‘Kalassakkaran’ and ‘Naluveedar’. The team led by Oorali first worships at Malanada and thereafter proceed to ‘Muravukandam’ via ‘Adaipad’ to witness and bless the most spectacular and colourful event of the day known as the ‘Kettukazhcha’.

Kettukazhcha is a pageantry. It is the most splendid part of the Maha Malakkuda Maholsavam. It involves a spectacular display of craftsmanship in the form of ‘Edupu kala’ and ‘Edupu kuthira’. The orderly display of hundreds of such pieces, big and small, either as offering by believers for favours received or to be received or as customary by the 7 ‘Karakal’ (7 divisions of Malanada Appooppan’s territorial jurisdiction) in the vast stretch of the dry paddy fields surrounded by thousands of spectators viewing from far and near in the descending sun, renders a panoramic view. This is the essence of the festival. Oorali after having an overall view of the scene from his designated spot, visits and blesses each and every such display item. By around sunset the ‘Kettukazhcha’ one by one moves up the Malanada hill, rounds the temple 3 times and thereafter returns or parks on the hill for the night. There will be cultural programmes during night. “Kathakali” based on the story ‘Nizhalkuthu’...

The Poruvazhy Peruviruthy Malanada Duryodhana Temple, located in the serene village of Poruvazhy in Kerala’s Kollam district, is a unique and fascinating cultural landmark. This temple stands out as it is dedicated to Duryodhana, a character often viewed with grey shades in the Indian epic, the Mahabharata. Despite being the antagonist in the epic, Duryodhana is revered here for his admirable qualities, such as his bravery and kindness, especially towards those from lower castes What makes the temple special? No Idol Worship: Unlike typical Hindu temples, the Malanada Temple does not house an idol. Instead, devotees worship at a raised platform called ‘Mandapam’ or ‘Althara’, which encourages meditation and introspection. Cultural Significance: The temple celebrates the goodness of Duryodhana, highlighting the complex nature of human morality and virtues. Historical Legend: It is believed that Duryodhana, during his search for the Pandavas, visited this place and, moved by the hospitality of the locals, prayed for their well-being, which led to the establishment of the temple. Community Involvement: The temple’s priest comes from the local Kurava community, reflecting the temple’s inclusive practices and Duryodhana’s disregard for the caste system.

Visitor Experience Visitors to the temple can expect a tranquil atmosphere, where the simplicity of the surroundings and the gentle incense create a space for peaceful worship. The temple’s architecture and the devotion it inspires make it a must-visit for those interested in exploring the diverse religious practices and beliefs in India. Festivals and Offerings The temple is known for its unique ritual offering of toddy, an alcoholic beverage extracted from the coconut palm, which is a significant part of the annual festival conducted in March. This festival is a vibrant display of local traditions and attracts devotees from various parts of the region. In summary, the Poruvazhy Peruviruthy Malanada Duryodhana Temple is not just a place of worship but a beacon of cultural heritage that offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Indian mythology and the values of...

The well known Malanada Temple (Poruvazhy Peruviruthy Malanada ) is the only Duryodhana Temple in South India. It is located at Edakkad Kara (East side of chakkuvally-kollam). Unlike other temples, there is no Sreekovil and deity. In the absence of an idol, devotees submit themselves to a divine power through a mental process of ‘Sankalpam’ (Imagination). We could see only a raised Mandapam in the top of hill (The meaning of Malanada is 'Top of the hill'). Down the hill on the south and west we see vast low lying paddy fields and on the east and north inhabited agricultural land.

The annual festival at Malanada is known as ‘Malakkuda’. It is celebrated during the summer, during the second half of March ( The second Friday of the Malayalam month ‘Meenam’) every year - an interval. The arrival of the festival is proclaimed by ‘Kodiyettu’ (the temple flag hoisting cerimony) on the first Friday of Meenam. Presently, although there is festivity for 8 days from Kodiyettu to Malakkuda, there is no change in the rituals connected therewith.

As mentioned elsewhere in the write up the pooja and other rituals at ‘Malanada’ are performed by members of the ’Malanada mooppan' community following a system that is influenced mostly by the Dravidian culture. Toddy, arrack, sacrificing live chickens etc. are the favourite offerings to ‘Appooppan’. Toddy, being the most favoured offering, is being continued and it is given as ‘Theertha’ to devotees after pooja. Toddy, live chickens, adukku ’Murukkan’), live goat, bullock, ‘Theevetty’, ‘Karuppu Katcha’, silk (red), flag, sword, ‘Muthukkuda’, ‘Aal-roopangal’, ‘Gada’, ‘Olakkuda’, ‘Udayaada’, ‘Pidipanam’, ‘Nerchakala’, ‘Nerchakuthira’, ‘Swarna nool’, ‘Karippukatti’, etc., are things normally offered to ‘Appooppan’. The system bears close allegiance to nature, agriculture, war, celebrations etc.. After harvesting, the agricultural produce like underground stems, banana, plantain, etc., bak ed in fire are being offered to ‘Devan’ which is known as ‘Chuttupooja’.

Good atmosphere and nature...