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Kerala Sri Malayalappuzha Devi Temple
The Malayalappuzha Devi temple in Kerala is a very old bhagawathy temple in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. There is a big legend related to this temple and the idol of the Bhagawathy stands in the form of ferocious Kali, and yet pilgrims come and see the compassion in her eyes and are confident that she can solve all their problems once they come and surrender to her.
History
History of this temple has it that an old Namboodiri who came back after worshipping Kollur Mookambika, had this vision that the Goddess agreed to come with him and when they reached a particular spot, she refused to move any further. The temple was constructed as per the wish of the Goddess and the earlier temple was about 5 kilometers from the location of the current temple. The Iddappalli Raja then moved the temple to the current location of Malayalappuzha.
Architecture
The temple is built higher than normal ground level and the pilgrims have to mount close to fifteen steps to get to the temple. There is a beautiful entrance the temple and then the shrines of the Goddess, Shiva, Ganesha and other shrines. There is a much smaller temple like structure for the grandfather who actually brought Bhagawathy here and it is called Sri Kandeswari MoorthiKaavu.
How to Reach
By Air
Thiruvananthapuram airport is the closest to Pathanamthitta – close to a hundred kilometers and Malayalappuzha is just about eight kilometers. So, you can take a taxi to the temple from the temple, or you can take local buses that will take you to Malayalappuzha.
By Rail
Tiruvalla is the closest railway station and from there Malayalappuzha is an hour’s journey. Again, you can either take taxis or Kerala State transport corporation (KSRTC) buses to the temple.
Local Transport
Pathanamthitta is well connected to all major cities in Kerala and it is called the spiritual hub as most of the Sabari mala pilgrims also reach here and take a different route. So, there are a lot of taxis that ply in this region and there are good numbers of KSRTC buses as well.
Important Shrines
The important shrines in this temple include the Shiv Ling that is considered to be growing in size. This was a Swayambu Shiv Ling and people come from far and near to see its growth from time to time. There is also a very different idol of Lord Parvati with Ganesha on her lap and she is seen to be breast feeding the baby Ganesha. This is a very unique and rare sculpture that is not seen in any other temple.
Significance of the Temple
The main idol of Malayalappuzha Devi is made of jaggery and therefore the only decorations that are performed on this idol are floral patterns. In earlier days the idol is supposed to have been changed every twelve years, but at a particular point in time, Bhagawathy had supposedly ordered to not change the idol in a dream and they have not changed it ever since.
Attractions
The people come here from far and near with prayers for girls to get married to good husbands soon. That is the main prayer for the pilgrims who come here. The many festivals and the decorations of the Bhagawathy are the main attractions of the temple. Also, the prasad that is offered here is utmost delicious and devotees offer that in thanks for fulfilling their wishes.
Timings and Other Important Information
Just like most temples in Kerala, the Malayalappuzha temple opens around 4 am in the morning and is closed at about 10 am and then reopened at 5:30pm and is closed around 8 pm in the night. The time of Navaratri is celebrated with grand festivals in this temple.
Weather and time to Visit
The months of June, July and August are rainy seasons in Kerala, so there might be downpours. However this need not stop the pilgrims from visiting Kerala. Local transport and the temple could be crowded during the Sabari mala season from November to February and again from March to April.
Accommodation
There are no facilities to stay in the temple, so it is better to look for accommodation in Pathanamthitta. There are decent hotels that operate in the area and pilgrims should be able to find accommodation there.
Tips for Devotees
Devotees are requested to first offer prayers at the Kandeswari Moorthi Kaavu before visiting the Malayalappuzha Devi temple. Also, the ash that is received from the temple has to be kept at home for a year and the wishes of the pilgrims will be fulfilled.
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