Malayalappuzha Devi Temple or Bhagavathy Temple or Idathattil Bhagwathi is a Bhadrakali temple constructed more than 1000 years ago, situated at Malayalappuzha, Pathanamthitta, Kerala. Here Bhadrakali is seen in a ferocious form soon after the killing of the demon, Darika. The kali Mata idol is 5.5 feet high, made from katu sarkara yogam. Several types of wood pieces, clay, Ayurvedic herbs, milk, ghee, jaggery, turmeric, sandalwood, camphor, gold, silver, sand and natural glue are used to make it. All the parts similar to the human body are included in it. At the time of the consecration of the image, the priests endow the figure with power and energy by Tantric methods in a ritual called Prana Prathishta (life-giving ritual). In addition to this idol, two other idols are also erected inside the sanctum sanctorum; one is used for abhisheka and the other for Sree Bali, a daily ritual.
The temple is famous for its beautiful wall paintings and artistic stone carvings and is situated atop a hill. A small idol of Veerabhadra is just before the entrance of the sanctum. Another striking idol that can be seen in this temple is that of Parvathi Devi, feeding baby Ganesha on her lap. Now the temple is under Travancore Devaswom Board Maintenance.
It is also believed among the devotees who visit this temple that they worship the Brahma Rakshas, located in the eastern part of the temple. They will get rid of black magic, ghosts and other evils that affect them. The Golden Showering tree provides shade to the idol flowers ‘Shiv Linga’ every day of the year. Mainly cobra snakes are seen hanging around this ‘Siva Linga’ idol. Malayalapuzha Rajan got Gajaraja Pattom who is the auspicious elephant of Kerala. It is very quiet and 9.5 feet in height. Its larger eyes and triangle-shaped ears capturing sights of elephant-crazed Kerala. He holds the record for taking the idol of ‘Sri Dharmashastha’ for the past 20 years.
Malayalapuzha Devi is believed to grant boons for extending prosperity to all the devotees. The goddess is worshiped for protecting the devotee from enemies, getting unmarried girls married, obtaining jobs for the unemployed, and helping businesses flourish. This popular belief and faith make the temple visited by devotees from far locations.
Offerings include Thoniyari Payasam (sweet rice), Ney Vilakku (lighting of ghee lamps), Nirapara (offering of rice, paddy and sugar to the brim of the measuring vessel called para). Ablutions are done with white ash, sandal, oil, milk, ghee and tender coconut water too.
Vinayaka Chathurthi, Navarathri, Sivarathri and other major festivals are celebrated in a grand manner. Tuesdays and Fridays heavy rush can make you wait for darshan. The annual festival of Malayalapuzha Devi Temple starts on the day of the star Thiruvathira in Kumbham (February–March). Kathakali is conducted on the fourth and fifth day. Aarattu (dipping the deity in the temple tank or river) is performed on the eleventh day.
Malayalappuzha Devi Temple Timings:
Morning: 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Evening: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Deeparadhana Time: 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM
Bhagavathy Temple History:
Once upon a time, two people belonging to the Namboothiri caste of northern Travancore were meditating in the Mookambika temple. They had Bhadrakali idol with them. After their meditation for a long time, they received an oracle from Bhadrakali that the idol would have his perpetual presence. The Namboothiri’s continued their pilgrimage with the idol in their possession. When they grew too old to continue their pilgrimage, Bhadrakali appeared before them and informed them that Malayalappuzha was the perfect place to erect the idol. Following her advice, the Namboothiri’s reached Malayappuzha and erected the idol.
How to Reach Malayalappuzha Temple:
By Air:
The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, located at a distance of about 116 km.
By Rail:
The nearest railway station is at Chengannur which is 34.2 km to the temple.
By Road:
Pathanamthitta is well connected to major cities of Kerala and is called the spiritual hub as most Sabarimala pilgrims also arrive here and take a different route. Therefore, many taxis run in this area and there are also a good number of KSRTC buses.
Malayalappuzha Bhadrakali Temple Address:
Malayalappuzha Devi Temple,
Kumbazha – Malayalapuzha Road,
Malayalappuzha,
Pathanamthitta District,
Kerala – 689666.
