'Poonjar palace' with Meenakshi and Dharma Sastha temples: A Timeless Monument of Kerala’s Regal Heritage

Navrang India September 22, 2025

 

Poonjar-palace. Kottayam Dist., Kerala hikottayam.in

Poonjar-palace. Kottayam Dist., Kerala  tourmyindia.com

Above image: The palace also houses a museum that displays a collection of artifacts that belonged to the royal family, including weapons, coins, and household items. Visitors can also see the royal elephant and horse stables, as well as a temple dedicated to the family deity.........

Nestled in Meenachil Taluk of Kottayam district, Kerala, the Poonjar Palace is one of the state’s most fascinating heritage sites. Believed to be over 600 years old, it was built in the 15th century by Manavikrama Kulasekara Perumal, a scion of the Madurai Pandya dynasty, who moved to the lush foothills of the Western Ghats. Set amidst forests and plantations, the palace complex is an eloquent reminder of the region’s royal past, blending architectural grace with sacred traditions. Many great events took place in the hallowed premises of this palace which is located 30 kilometers away from Kottayam railway st

The structure is protected by massive laterite and granite walls, and its design follows the principles of Vastu Sastra, echoing the layout of a Kerala temple. The architecture bears the imprint of the ancient Chera and Pandya styles, with elegant woodwork and intricately carved columns. Four guardian deities, installed at the palace’s corners, are believed to protect the sanctum within. Locally available materials shaped its construction: granite and laterite for the foundation and walls, and high-quality timber for ceilings, doorways, and beams. Clay tiles, both large and medium, cover the gently sloping roofs, ideal for Kerala’s monsoon climate.

Since it  was built in a an area surrounded by forest, for the construction of the building wood was mainly used in many places. Both Kottayam and Idukki  districts have lots of wooded areas.  For the basement and walls, both   granite rocks and  laterite stones were used. For roofing  clay tiles of larger and medium sizes were used widely. . 

Poonjar, Kottayam Dist., Kerala.commons.wikimedia.org

Dharma Shasta temple, Poonjar, Keralaarchaeology.kerala.gov.in

Above image: The Dharma Shasta Temple in Poonjar was  constructed on the banks of Meenachil  river by the Pandya ruler of Madurai King Manavikrama Pandyan,.  It is a rare temple in Kerala  where the chuttuvillakku ( rows of lamps around the outer wall of the temple) is carved out of stone as opposed to wood.  It has been a tradition  to use wood  for the lamps in the Kerala temples. The reason was in the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu, forests were scare and the artisans who accompanied the ruler were well trained in stone work. The temple tank has well carved stone steps to reach the water. ...........................  

.Poonjar Madura Meenakshi temple, Kerala.pilgrimaide.com

Above image: Poonjar Madhura Meenakshi Temple built by the Pandya dynasty on the banks of the  Meenachil River. is  dedicated  to  their  tutelary deity - Goddess Meenakshi  Devi and Sundareswarar (Lord Shiva). The utchava murthy (processional idol), it is said, was brought from Madurai to this place by the ex ruler of Pandya Nadu.. Navaratri  is the main temple festival here. Traditional dress has to be worn to enter the temple on festive days..........................

Inside Poonjar palace, Kerala. flickriver.com

.Inside Poonjar palace, Kottayam dist., Kerala.tripnight.com

Inside, the palace reveals a treasure trove of royal memorabilia. A small museum showcases antiques that narrate the story of a bygone era—an exquisitely carved droni (Ayurvedic massage bed) made from a single block of wood, palm-leaf manuscripts, ceremonial lamps, grain measures, weapons, and ornate chandeliers. Idols of Hindu deities such as Nataraja, along with delicately crafted jewelry boxes, speak of the refined tastes of its rulers. A unique ritualistic conch, taken out only once a year, is a prized possession.

Close to the palace lies the Poonjar Madhura Meenakshi Temple, a shrine that mirrors Tamil Nadu’s renowned Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple. Dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar, it reflects the Pandya lineage’s devotional ties. The temple’s utsava murti (processional idol) is believed to have been brought from Madurai itself. Navaratri remains its principal festival, and traditional attire is mandatory for devotees during special occasions.

Another highlight is the Dharma Shasta Temple, situated on the banks of the Meenachil River. Built by Manavikrama Pandyan, it is renowned for its rare chuttuvilakku—rows of oil lamps carved directly into stone along the outer walls, a striking departure from Kerala’s usual wooden lamps. The temple tank, with its beautifully hewn stone steps, adds to the site’s serenity and reflects the Pandyan artisans’ stone-carving expertise.

Visitors to Poonjar Palace often marvel at the sculptural panels depicting episodes from the Puranas, along with the imposing stone lamp walls surrounding the nearby temples. These elements underline the harmonious fusion of art, devotion, and royal patronage.

Today, Poonjar Palace is managed by the descendants of the erstwhile royal family, with support from Kerala’s tourism initiatives. Conservation efforts aim to preserve its delicate woodwork and aging stone structures, as the palace remains a window into Kerala’s feudal past. Located about 30 km from Kottayam railway station, it is easily accessible by road, drawing history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and pilgrims alike.

Amid Kerala’s fast-changing landscape, Poonjar Palace stands as a monument to resilience—a reminder of dynasties that migrated, adapted, and enriched the culture of their new homeland. Its elegant halls, sacred shrines, and legendary artifacts invite visitors to step back into a world where art, spirituality, and governance coexisted in perfect balance.