Overview.

Kumaranalloor Devi Temple, a revered place of worship in the Kottayam district of Kerala, India, holds a distinguished position among the 108 Durgalayas (Devi temples) in the state. With a history spanning more than 2400 years, the temple exudes an aura of sanctity and attracts devotees from across the globe, who come seeking solace and blessings from the divine Goddess.

The temple's architectural splendor stands as a testament to its significance and uniqueness. The distinctive structure of the Naalambalam and Sreekovil, designed in the revered "Sree chakra" style, showcases the mastery of temple architecture. This style, characterized by its ring-like object with a handle, finds rarity in temple constructions, making the Kumaranalloor Devi Temple a true marvel of art and devotion.

Legend has it that the temple's origins trace back to the time of Cheraman Perumal, the ruling emperor of Kerala, more than two millennia ago. During his reign, Cheraman Perumal initiated the construction of a temple at Udayanapuram to enshrine the idol of Goddess Durga. Simultaneously, he began building another temple in a place that would later be known as Kumaranalloor, intending to install the idol of Lord Kumara or Subramanian.

Meanwhile, an incident occurred at the renowned Madurai Meenakshi temple in Tamil Nadu. The precious gem-studded nose ring of the Devi was stolen, causing great distress. The king ordered an investigation and threatened to execute the temple priest within 41 days if the issue remained unresolved. The priest, innocent and perplexed, sought refuge at the feet of the Devi, praying for divine intervention.

As the fateful day approached, the distraught priest found solace in sleep at the temple's doorstep, pondering his impending fate. In the depths of his despair, he had a vivid dream. The Devi appeared before him, commanding him to leave the place immediately. Guided by divine intervention, the priest followed a radiant Tejas (Divine Light) without conscious awareness of his destination. The Tejas led him to a distant location, which would later become Kumaranalloor.

At Kumaranalloor, preparations were underway to install the idol of Lord Subramanyan or Kumara. However, another thought occurred to Cheraman Perumal – that the idol needed to be replaced. In the vicinity, a submerged idol lay in the waters of Vedagiri. Perumal retrieved the idol, which was believed to have been created and worshipped by the ancient sage Maharshi Parasurama. During the installation, a Brahmin sage with matted hair mysteriously entered the Sreekovil and swiftly installed the idol before vanishing. It is widely believed that this sage was none other than Maharshi Parashurama himself. The Brahmin priest who had followed the Tejas from Madurai became the temple's priest, and his residence came to be known as Madurai Illam. His descendants continue to uphold the traditions and rituals of worship to Devi at the temple to this day.

Kumaranalloor, with its ancient cultural significance, has seen its name evolve over time. It was initially known as "Thingalkkadu" before the temple's establishment. In ancient texts, the temple is referred to as Mahishari Kovil, reflecting its historical importance. During Cheraman Perumal's reign, Kumaranalloor flourished as a Malayala Gramam (village), and the king diligently established necessary infrastructure for the temple's activities. The temple became the epicenter of social, cultural, and political affairs during his era, and his unwavering faith and devotion to Kumaranalloor Devi elevated the temple's prominence.

The temple's annual festivities, celebrated with grandeur and enthusiasm in the months of November and December, hold immense significance in the region. Devotees from near and far flock to the temple during this time, offering prayers and seeking blessings from Goddess Bhagavathy. The vibrant celebrations are a testament to the deep-rooted cultural heritage of the area and serve as a spiritual gathering for the community.

In conclusion, the Kumaranalloor Devi Temple stands as a timeless testament to faith, art, and devotion. With its rich history, awe-inspiring architecture, and the legacy of legends intertwined with its existence, the temple continues to captivate the hearts of devotees and visitors alike. It serves as a symbol of cultural heritage, spiritual rejuvenation, and reverence for the divine feminine energy that permeates the temple's sacred precincts.

4:00AM – 11:30AM, 5:00PM – 8:00PM