Kumaranalloor Devi Temple
Kumaranalloor Devi temple is considered as one of the most important Devi temples among the 108 Durgalayas (Devi temples) in Kerala. The temple is said to be more than 2400 years old, as per historical and mythological evidences as well as other sources of information. The architecture of the 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.
History has it that 2400 years ago Cheraman Perumal the ruling emperor of Kerala began the construction of a temple at Udayanapuram to install the idol of goddess Durga. While the temple construction was taking place, another temple was being constructed at Kumaranalloor to install the idol of lord kumara or Subramanian. Meanwhile, an incident occured at Madurai Meenakshi temple at Madurai in Tamil Nadu. The gem-studded nose ring of Devi was stolen or found missing. This shocking news came to the palace. The king ordered an enquiry. At the same time, he ordered to kill the priest of the temple unless he could solve this problem within 41 days. Because the nose ring would not be lost without his knowledge. However, the priest was innocent. He was confused and perplexed at this dilemma. He took refuge at the feet of Devi.
Days and weeks passed. On the 40th night, The grief-stricken priest was crying and praying. Due to the Mental pressure, he slept at the doorsteps of the temple, meditating and contemplating his fate that his life would reach an end the next day. However, he had a dream that night. Devi appeared before him as a devine light and asked him to get out of the palce at once. The confused priest followed the light without any awareness of where he was going. The Tejas led him a long distance and finally reached the place later known as Kumaranalloor. At Kumaranalloor, the temple was under construction to install the idol of lord Subramanyan or Kumaran.
Later Perumal returned to Kumaranalloor with Devi's idol and began the preparation of installing it there. Yet another thought originated in his mind that the idol has to be changed. There was an idol lying in the water at Vedagiri a nearby place. Perumal brought the idol from Vedagiri. Maharshi Parasurama made and worshipped the idol in past. At the time of installation, a Brahmin Sage with matted hair, came and entered the Sreekovil and installed the idol in a second. Soon he vanished. Still, people believe that the brahmin sage was Maharshi Parashurama. The brahmin priest, who followed the Tejas from Madurai, became the priest of the temple. His residence is known as Madurai Illam. His successors worship Devi even today.
Location
Kumaranalloor
Main Deity
Goddess Durga
Other Deities
Lord Siva, Lord Aiyyappa & Lord Bhadrakali
Festivals
The Annual Festival is held in the Malayalam month of Thulam-Vrishchikam (November).
Main Offerings
Koottu Payasam, Kadum Payasam, Bhagavathy Seva, Niramala, Thripura Sundari Mandararchana, Guruthi Pushpanjali, Maha Mrithunjaya Mantrarchana.
How To Reach
By Air: Cochin International Airport is 83.8 KM from the Temple.
By Rail: Kottayam Railway Station is 4.8 KM from the Temple.
By Road: Kottayam KSRTC Bus Stand is 5.9 KM from the Temple.