Malayalappuzha Devi Temple

Front entrance to the temple.

Malayalappuzha Devi Temple is a Bhadrakali temple situated at Malayalappuzha in Pathanamthitta in Kerala, India. It is believed that the temple was built more than 1000 years ago.^[1]

In the temple, Bhadrakali is seen in a ferocious form soon after the killing of the demon, Darika. The main idol is 5.5 feet high, made from katu sarkara yogam. In addition to this idol, two other idols are also erected inside the sanctum sanctorum; one used for abhisheka and the other for sreebali, a daily ritual.^[2]

Legend

Once upon a time, two people belonging to the Namboothiri caste of northern Travancore were meditating at Mookambika temple. They had with them an idol of Bhadrakali. After their meditation for a prolonged period, they received an oracle from Bhadrakali that the idol will have her perpetual presence. The Namboothiris continued their pilgrimage with the idol in their possession. As they became too old to continue their pilgrimage, Bhadrakali appeared before them and advised that Malayalappuzha was the ideal place to erect the idol. Following her advice, the Namboothiris reached Malayappuzha and erected the idol.^[2]

References