The great rulers of Travancore dynasty are worshipers of Kumaranalloor devi. Swathy Tirunal visited the temple and wrote a hymn on Devi. The hymn is famous and sang by the Carnatic musicians all over the world. Maharaja Marthanda Varma laid the new three-domed ornamental cap on the top of the S reekovil in malayalam year 1024. After the Temple Entry Proclamation on 27 thulam 1112, by Chithira Tirunal Maharaja of Travancore , Kumaranalloor temple was opened before the harijans and allowed them to worship. After this, Sir C.P. Ramaswamy Iyer, the Diwan of Travancore visited the temple. As advised by Chithira Tirunal Maharaja, Gandhiji visited the temple and had darshan on 19th January 1937. He looked at the idol of Devi, for about 15 minutes and his eyes were filled up.

Location Kerala, Kottayam, Thiruvananthapuram

Legend

Cheraman perumal was the ruling emperor of Kerala when the construction of a temple at Udayanapuram to install the idol of goddess durga began, while he commenced the construction of another temple at Thingalkkadu (which is later known as kumaranalloor) to install the idol of lord Kumara or Subramanya. Mean while a disturbing incident took place at Meenakshi temple, Madurai in Tamilnadu. The gem-studded nose ring of devi was stolen or was missing. The King ordered an enquiry. At the same time, he ordered to kill the priest of the temple unless he could solve this problem with in 41 days. Because, the nose ring would not be misplaced without his knowledge. However, the priest was innocent. He was confused and perplexed in this dilemma. He took refuge at the feet of devi. As days and weeks progressed, the grief-stricken priest spent his days and nights crying and praying. On the night of the 40th day, he slept at the doorsteps of temple, meditating and contemplating his fate that his life would reach an end on the next day. However, he had a dream that night. Devi appeared before him and ordered him to quit the place at once. The perplexed and bewildered priest winked his eyes. He had seen a thejas (divine light) moving forward. He followed it without being aware of where he was going. The thejas(divine light) led him a long distance and finally reached the place which latter became known as Kumaranalloor.

Architecture

The architecture of Kumaranalloor Devi temple is notable for the unique structure of the nalambalam and sreekovil both of which have been built in the sreechakra style (ring like object with a handle, which is placed in the right hand of the devi). This kind of architecture is rarely found in temple architecture.The temple is situated in area of 15,000 square metres. The main gopuram (entrance) of the temple faces towards the east direction, and high walls surrounding the temple with other three gopurams (entrance) in each direction (south, west & north). While entering the temple, the temple view presents a divine picture. Getting into the temple through the main gopuram one can see the golden dhwajom (flag staff) and the balickal pura with carvings of many sculptures including those of Ganapathy and Shiva and other saints on pillars. Inside the nalambalam, sreekovil and the main mandapam are surrounded by paths made of carved stones. The temple of Shiva is on the right side of the main sreekovil. Bhadrakali temple is situated on the south of the temple along with the full stretched surrounding path on carved stones for the whole temple.

Culture

The culture of Kottayam is influenced mainly by the large Syrian Christian community. But it is also home to some the ancient temples in the State. The local culture is an interesting mix of the different ethnicities.

Darsan Info

The Kumaranalloor Devi temple is open from 4 AM to 11:15 AM and from 5 PM to 8 PM.

Darsan Dresscode

At Kumaranalloor Devi temple, Kerala traditional attire is preferred

Famous Festival

November - Kumaranalloor Thrikkarthika Utsavam

December - Kumaranalloor Thrikkarthika Utsavam

Temple Rituals

Goddess Kathyayani is the presiding deity in Kumaranalloor Devi temple. This deity is worshipped in five different forms - as Saraswati ,Lakshmi,Parvathi,Durga and Vana Durga.Kumaranalloor is an ancient cultural center and is one among the 32 Brahmin gramams made by Lord Parasurama.This place was known as 'Thingalkkadu', before the temple came into existence. Later the name 'Thingalkkadu' changed and later came to be known as 'Indu kananam'.In some ancient scripts, the temple is described and known as Mahishari kovil (temple). This temple has yielded an inscription assigned to 11th century A.D. Local traditions indicate that this was a Siva temple, later converted to Durga temple.That is the reason for visiting the Shiva Shrine before visiting Kumaranalloor Amma

Kumaranalloor devi temple is considered as one of the most important devi temples among the 108 durgalayas (devi temples) in Kerala made by Lord Parasurama.

Special Rituals

The idol of Devi is unique and is made of Pathalanjanshila(soft black stone).It is believed that Lord Parasurama worshipped this idol for thousand years and then immersed it in the Mokshasarassu in Vedagiri near Ettumanoor.Later Cheraman Perumal brought the idol from there and Parasurama installed it in this temple.The idol has four hands with Shamgha Chakra Varada Kadi Bandham.Since this idol is made of soft black stone there is no Vedi Vazhipadu(fire works) and Chandanam Charthal(Sandal cream pasting) in this temple.

Additional Info

 

Eateries near Kumaranalloor Devi temple

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Karthika Restaurant 

Kumaranalloor Temple Rd, Kumaranalloor, Kottayam, Kerala 686016, India

 

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