Kumaranalloor Temple

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Kumaranalloor devi temple is considered as one of the most important devi

temples among the 108 durgalayas (devi temples) in Kerala. It 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

 

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 a place (which is later known as

kumaranalloor) to install the idol of lord kumara or Subramanian.

 

 

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. At

Kumaranalloor, the temple was under construction to install the idol of lord

Subramanian or kumaran.

 

 

The thejas entered into the sreekovil(sanctum sanctorum) of the temple.

Moreover, it was at the prathista time (suitable time of installation) that the

thejas entered the sreekovil. Then there was an asareeri (an inerporeal and

divine voice), ‘kumaranalla ooril', meaning, ‘this place is not for kumara'.

This is, kumari's or devi's place. Hence got the name Kumaranalloor.

 

Perumal was disappointed and frustrated. He travelled to Udayanapuram to

install the idol of Kumara, at the temple, which was under construction. On the

way, Perumal encountered some obstacles but finally managed to reach

Udayanapuram and install the idol of Subramanian at the sreekovil of the temple.

 

 

Later, Perumal returned to Kumaranalloor with the devi's idol and began the

preparation for installing it there.

 

 

Yet another thought striked him that the idol has to be changed. There was an

idol lying in water at vedagiri a near by place. Perumal brought the idol from

vedagiri. Maharshi Parasurama had supposedly 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. As soon as the

installation of idol was done he vanished. To this date people believe that the

brahmin sage was Maharshi Parasurama.

 

 

The brahmin priest, who followed the thejas from madurai, became the priest

of the temple. His residence is known as Madurai illam. His successors worship

the devi even today.

 

 

 

 

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