Kumaranalloor Sree Bhagavathy Temple
Kumaranalloor Sree Bhagavathy ( Karthyayani Devi ) Temple with golden
flag staff. Northwest from kumaranalloor junction, thrukkarthika festival
is famous in kerala state. Karthika of every month is celebrated.
This ancient temple has been identified by Sree Adi Sankaracharya
as one of the five important centres in th~ whole of India for Durga
Ardhana. Lakhs of devotees throng here for worship during the annual
festival in November-December (Vrischika month). Karthika is the most
important day during the festival. Devotees come from far and near,
as they are convinced about the power of DEVI, whose presence in the
temple is felt by them. Thousands of devotees remember with tears
the wonderful experiences derived from the worship of Devi here.Kumaranalloor
is four km North of Kottayam. The temple is situated about 1.25 km
west of the main The Legend asserts that there existed more than 2000
years ago a Siva temple at Kumaranalloor. The 'Cheraman Perumal' decided
to build a greater shrine here for Subramania. At that time,
Madura in Tamil Nadu was ruled by Pandian Kings Meenakshi was their
Paradevatha. A very precious ornament adorned the Vigraha of Meenakshy
was, one day found missing and the king had no doubt that the priest
was guilty of theft. He ordered that the ornament should be traced
within 41 days, otherwise the priest would be beheaded. As there was
no trace of the ornament, the priest was cursing his fate. On the
40th day, he heard a voice at night asking him to leave the place
immediately. He was sure that it was the advise of Meenakshy. When
he opened his eyes, he found a light in his front. He followed the
light and ultimately reached the new Temple at Kumaranalloor. The
idol of Bhagavathy, it is believed was installed by Parasurama. The
temple originally intented for Subramanya thus transformed for the
worship of Devi. Then, Perumal shifted the idol of Subramaniya to
Udayanapuram, near Vaikom. The perumal was displeased and did not
give any material support to the Temple at Kumaranalloor. On the way
to Udayanapuram in country boats, the Perumal and all others in his
troupe became blind due to fog. His minister was wise enough to understand
the cause viz, the displeasure of Bhagavathy. There the perumal vowed
to give all the land within his vicinity to the Kumaranalloor temple,
and poured some water as a gesture. A beautiful hand appeared there,
above the water, and received the water poured by the Perumal. Then
the difficulty was over.
The place is called "Manjoor" and the place where the hand
of Devi appeared is still known as "Thrikkai Kandam".
Festivals: Besides the Karthika festival in November-December; Navarathri
also is celebrated in a big scale. The temple is auspicious for Vidyarambam.
All the nine days of Navarathry are important Mahanavami is the most
important day, followed by Vijayadesami, Sivarathri, Vishu, Meenappuram,
Uthruttathi during Onam, where ceremoni;us snake boats do a pradakshin
to the temple area in a procession and 41 days of Mandalavritha etc.,
are also observed auspiciously. Bhagavatha Parayana and discourses
on various topics of Bhagavatha are main attractions during N avarathry.
The exuborant artistic style displayed here reflects the inspired
and dedicated skill of the sculpture. The temple is famous for its
mural paintings and wooden carvings and it has been a source of inspiration
to the people of the region over the centuries. The centuries old
mural paintings which adorn the walls of sanctum sanctorium depicts
the stories from 'puranas'. Chathusatham, Guruthy, Dhara, Thulabharam,
Ahassu (a day's pooja) are important offerings besides
Pushpanjali and Turmeric Abhishekam.
Kumaranalloor Oomma Devaswom, Kumaranalloor P.O:, Kottayam - 16,
Ph: 0481 - 2312737
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