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| Malayalappuzha Devi Temple, Pathanamthitta,Kerala en.wikipedia.org, |
The Malayalappuzha Devi Temple, nestled in Pathanamthitta, Kerala, is an ancient and revered Bhadrakali temple, believed to be over a millennium old. The central deity, Bhadrakali,( a form of goddess Parvati) is depicted in a fierce form, symbolizing her triumph over the demon Darika. The main idol, standing at an impressive 5.5 feet, is crafted from katu sarkara yogam, a unique traditional mixture. Within the sanctum sanctorum, two additional idols serve specific purposes: one for abhisheka (ritualistic bathing) and the other for sreebali, a daily ritualistic procession.
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| Malayalappuzha Bhagavati Temple Keralatourism.com |
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| Malayalappuzha Devi Templetripxl.com |
Above image: Malayalappuzha Bhagavati Temple is famous for "Sreebali" ritual( or Sreebhoothabali) which is a ritual performed in temples, particularly in Kerala, involving the symbolic offering of food and other items to the guardian spirits (bhoothaganas) of the temple and the deity itself........
Devotees flock to Malayalappuzha Devi, also known as Goddess Idathattil Bhagwathi, from far and wide, believing she bestows prosperity and grants wishes. The goddess is particularly sought for protection from enemies, facilitating marriages for unmarried girls, securing employment, and ensuring business success. This widespread faith underscores the temple's significant religious importance in the region.
A captivating legend surrounds the temple's origin. It is said that two Namboothiri ascetics, meditating at the Mookambika temple with a Bhadrakali idol, received a divine oracle assuring the idol's perpetual presence. As they aged and could no longer continue their pilgrimage, Bhadrakali herself appeared, guiding them to Malayalappuzha as the ideal site for the idol's installation. Following this divine instruction, the Namboothiris established the temple.
Beyond its spiritual essence, the Malayalappuzha Devi Temple is celebrated for its artistic grandeur. It features exquisite wall paintings and intricate stone carvings. A distinctive statue depicts Goddess Parvati tenderly cradling and feeding baby Ganapathy on her lap. At the entrance to the sanctum, an idol of Veera Bhadra stands guard. The temple complex also houses sub-deities including Brahma Rakshas, Nagaraja, and a swayambu Shiva Linga, indicating a natural emergence of the Shiva idol.
The temple's annual festival, an elaborate eleven-day celebration, commences on the Thiruvathira nakshatra in the Malayalam month of Kumba (February – March). A highlight of the festival is the performance of Kathakali, the classical Kerala dance-drama, on the fourth and fifth days. For devotees planning a visit, the temple is open for darshan from 5 AM to 1 PM and again from 5 PM to 8 PM. Conveniently accessible, the nearest major railway stations are Chengannur (33 km) and Thiruvalla (8 km), while Trivandrum International Airport is approximately 107 km away. The Malayalappuzha Devaswam can be reached at +91 468 2300260 for inquiries.
https://www.keralatourism.org/sabarimala/temple-associated-with-sabarimala
https://www.oneindia.com/temples/malayalappuzha-devi-temple-t133/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malayalappuzha_Devi_Temple
https://tripxl.com/blog/malayalappuzha-temple
https://www.keralatourism.org/destination/malayalapuzha-temple-pathanamthitta/345/
