Malayalapuzha Temple: Goddess of Boons

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Flanked around by 5 mountains, this powerful temple in the simple town of Kumbazha in Pathanamthitta district has been present here for over 3000 years. The temple which is dedicated to the fiery power of Goddess Parvathy in Bhadrakali form is revered in Kerala to be a place to ward off evil in one’s life.

The idol unlike other temples is in human life size form & the idol is consecrated in tantrik vidhi where the tanthri gives power to the idol through pranapratishthakarma where the person gives vitality to the idol. It is believed that the idol of Bhagawathi is similar to the revered Mookambikadevi who resides in the hills of Kollur. As per the legend, two old Namboothiris came to Kollur temple with an idol of Parvathy and prayed. They made a pilgrimage from Kollur to the sea, they walked carrying the idol until they stopped due to old age. The Goddess was impressed by their gesture & devotion, and is said to have come to their dreams & asked to leave her in the place. As they got up from their sleep in the night after sunset, Goddess is said to have taken the form of Kali.

The temple reverence is based on the legend that the Namboothiris traveled unharmed during this journey and were always protected from evil by the Brahmarakshas. This legend is what makes people come to the temple to pray to rid them of black magic, ghosts or evil that may be affecting their lives. The goddess is also known to provide boons to her devotees & thus inside the temple you will find two idols of the goddess in different forms. The primary deity which is inside the sanctum & there is another idol which is quite unique, Goddess Parvathi holding Ganapati in her arms. The temple also has a swayambhu lingam of Lord Shiva which is not inside any enclosure, under the Cassia Fistula (Konnamaram). As per an old folklore, the lingam is said to be growing.

Built in typical Kerala Architecture, the temple is a simple structure with the front gopuram, namaskara mandapam, chuttambalam, bali peedam. The Navaratri puja & Vidyarambham rituals of the temple are very much acclaimed. The Malayalapuzha Thoopu which is conducted by the farmers offering their produce to the temple seeking protection for their yield. The famous elephant in Kerala Malayalapuzha Rajan was from this temple who received Gajaraja Pattam, the highest honor for a pachyderm.

The temple which resides up in the hills has always been present here to give its devotees an opportunity to see off evil from their lives. Goddess though stands here in her most ferocious form, for her devotees the form is just a way to seek blessings for a safe life.
Location: Kumbazha, Mylapra, Pathanamthitta, Kerala, India

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