- Special Features
Foundation Year2000-3000 Years OldSthala TreeTheerthamRathamArchitectureLord Maha deva temple, Maha Ganapathi temple, Supramaniyar temple is Near by this temple.Other SpecialityThis is one of the temples installed by Sage Parasurama in Kerala. The antiquity of the temple dates back to 2,400 years. This is one of the 108 celebrated Durga temples of the country. It is the staunch faith of the devotees that their problems would flee away sooner they enter the temple.
- Sthala Puran
Sage Parasurama desired to install Bhagavati with all supreme powers and made an idol accordingly. He placed it in water (jalavasam) and went on a penance in Vedagiri hills. Meantime, king Cheraman Perumal wanted to build a temple for Lord Muruga in Kumaranallur and one for Mother Bhagavati in Vaikom. It was at this time, the nose ring of Madurai Meenakshi went missing. The king directed Shanti Dwijan, the priest of the temple to recover the jewel within 41 days, else he will be beheaded.
The priest could not find the jewel despite his sincere efforts. He fell at the feet of Mother Meenakshi on the 41st day and went into deep meditation. A voice advised the priest to leave the place immediately. A bright light led the priest which he followed chanting Mother’s names. The journey finally touched the borders of Kerala. The light entered into the sanctum sanctorum of the Murugan temple in Kumaranallur and disappeared. Cheraman was organizing the pujas for installing Lord Muruga in the temple. Suddenly a voice said that ‘Kumaran Alla Ooril’ meaning that Kumaran (Murugan) was not there in the place. Hence, the place came to be known as Kumaranallur. The shocked king decided to complete the installation of Bhagavati in Vaikon and return to Kumaranallur then.
At Vaikom too, the king could not accomplish his wish due to some obstacles. It was finally decided to install Bhagavati in Kumaranallur and Muruga in Vaikom. Meantime, the idol made by Parasurama and placed in Jalavasam in Vedagiri hills also was found and brought to Kumaranallur. When the installation ceremony was nearing the final stage, an ascetic in saffron entered the sanctum sanctorum quite unexpectedly, installed the deity and disappeared. It is believed that that the ascetic was none other than Sage Parasurama, according to the history of the land-sthala purana.
Shanti Dwajan, the priest from Madurai became the priest of this temple whose heirs are staying near the temple and are conducting the pujas till now.
- Architecture
- Alankar of Deity
- Prayers and BenefitsSpecial Vratas and Prayers
It is the firm belief of those that their long delayed wedding would take place immediately if they perform the Swayamvara Pushpanjali Puja in the temple. As Goddess Bhagavati is a virgin, Manjal Neerattu is an important festival in the temple. This puja is performed for achieving excellence in education, relief from illness and child boon.
Offerings to DeityDevotees offer Mangal sutras and silk vastras to Mother Bhagavati Amman. Also, devotees light lamps in the temple seeking all blessings of Amman.
Stotras and Mantras
- Festivals10 day Karthikai festival in November-December is grandly celebrated in the temple. The Aarattu puja is performed on the ninth day. It is said that Sri Vadakkunathar Himself visits the temple to see the puja. During the festivals only she-elephants are engaged for processions. Other important festivals include Navarathri in September-October, Panguni Pooram in March-April. Special pujas are performed on the first days of Malayalam months, Tuesdays, Fridays and Kruthika star days.
- Sodasha Upcharas
- Prasadhas
- Social ActivitiesAnnadhanMarriageEar BoringHead ShaveDanaasEducation FacilitiesSocial DrivesOther Activities
- Arjita Seva
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