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Kerala Kunnathoor Devi Temple
Kunnathoor Devi Kshetram or also called Kunnathoor Devi Mandir is a sacred Hindu temple. This sacred Hindu worship place is situated only 4 km distance from town Mannar. However, the presiding deity of this temple is Goddess Durga but there are some other sacred idols of Hindu gods and Goddess can be seen. Some of the important Hindu deities are including Lord Shiva or Mahadeva, Lord Mahavishnu, Nagadaivangal, Lord Navagraha Dampathikal, Lord Ganapathy, Murthi and Yakshi. Moreover, the temple is famous for its spiritual festival called Paraykkezhunnallippu which held every year. It is believed that during the festival, the Goddess visits every house in the village. According to local folklore, Goddess takes her spiritual share from every house. Thus villagers like to offer her various stuffs such as Sugar, Rise, Paddy etc. apart from Paraykkezhunnallippu, there is also another important ritual performed called Tirali Vazhipadu. During the Tirali Vazhipadu ritual, devotees are given sweets as a Prasad or Goddess offerings.
History
There is no proper history available regarding the origin and construction of this sacred Hindu worship place yet it is said the temple was built during the 13th of century by an unknown dynasty. According to temple’s sculpture, it might have been built by a Dravidian dynasty. Moreover, according to a popular legend, many centuries ago the place wherein present temple exists used to be a barren area. Once, a sacred person visited the village and worshiped Goddess for continuously 40 days. Thus he was granted ultimate salvation. After getting the salvation, the followers of holy man and Goddess Durga decided to build a magnificent temple at this place. According to local inhabitants, Devi Durga is the main Goddess or Kuldevi of neighboring villages. Moreover, there are various mysterious stories spread regarding the miracles of Devi Durga.
Architecture
The sacred Hindu worship place Kunnathoor Devi temple is also known for its amazing Indian style of architecture. The temple structure is divided into three parts – first one is outside lawn, second one is middle area and third one is centre area. The outside area or lawn is basically used during the festival season. The middle area is used for performing various religious rituals and the centre area of the temple is adorned with various Hindu deities including Goddess Durga. The stone pillars in the temple are known for its murals and paintings. The main attraction of the temple is one thousands years old stone-made idol of Lord Mahavishnu.
How to Reach
By Rail or Train
Some of the nearby important railway stations are Cheriyanad railway station only 8 km, chengannur railway station also 8 km and Tiruvalla railway station 9 km distance from the Mannar village.
By Road
Visitors or pilgrims can also reach at the temple by using the best affordable road-based transportation such as KSRTC buses, private cars and taxis.
By Air
Kochi airport is the nearest airport located only 104 km distance from town Mannar. Hence, visitors or pilgrims can easily get direct flights to Kochi airport from various domestic airports in the country.
Weather and Time to Visit
However, renowned Kunnathoor Devi temple can be visited throughout the year but the best time to get there from the months of March to October. However, visitors or devotees can also visit the temple during festival of Paraykkezhunnallippu. It is a known fact that if visitors or devotees visit during the festival time then they have opportunity to participate in special Puja or rituals.
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