Mridanga Saileswari: A temple for Goddess of Music

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One among the 108 Durga temples consecrated by Lord Parasurama, the presiding deity is Durga Devi who is present here as the patron of music arts & knowledge. The temple is at Muzhakkunnu or Mizhavu Kunnu, the name came from the shape of the mountain which resembles the traditional instrument - Mizhavu. As per legend it is believed that the most revered musical instrument of Gods - Mridangam fell from the heaven at this spot where the temple stands and so the place was named Mridanga Shaili Nilayam as per old records. Inside the temple there is a secret chamber which houses Mizhavil Bhagwati & one has to worship her to complete their visit to the temple.


The Kottayam royal family considers the Goddess as their family deity & it is said that the legendary warrior Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja prayed at the temple & was an ardent devotee. The temple also has its importance in history for being the place where the Kottayam Thampuran created the beautiful dance form of Kathakali. In Kathakali one can hear praise for Sri Mridanga Saileswari as a dedication to this reverence.


The temple had always been part of history but its prominence was gained when in an interview a retired DGP of Kerala revealed that there were three attempts of theft at the temple. According to him the thieves stole the idol thrice, but out of no reason every time the thieves brought back the idol to the temple. The thieves when questioned said that each time when they carried the idol, paranormal activities were witnessed by them or they became sick with some or the other difficulties. It was only when they returned the idol that they felt better. The story has no credible facts as the words of thieves cannot be taken for authenticity but it is believed that the idol indeed possessed divine properties. Post this revelation, the temple has had more visitors and no thefts have happened since.


The beautiful temple surrounded by fortified walls is a part of history & heritage. The land around is as divine as the temple itself.


Location: Muzhakkunnu, Kerala, India

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