Malayalappuzha Devi Temple where witchcraft is driven out!!

Navrang India April 26, 2018
Malayalappuzha Devi Temple Kerala Temples

Malayalappuzha Devi Temple dedicated to Bhadrakali is in  Malayalappuzha in Pathanamthitta in Kerala.  Built more than 1000 years ago, the presiding deity is in a ferocious form soon after the slaying of the demon, Darika. The main idol is 5.5 feet tall  and is made using a special technique called  katu sarkara yogam which is a laborious method. Several pieces of wood, clay, Ayurvedic herbs, milk, jaggery, turmeric, sandalwood, gold, silver, sand and natural glue  are  used in required proportion to make the idol in human form.  At the time of consecration of the idol, the trained priests chant certain specified mantras that will energize the idol. Unlike Tamil Nadu or elsewhere, here, particularly in the case of Goddesses, Tantrik method is  followed. This is called Prana Prathista.

Thre are two idols in the Srikovil / sanctum one for abhisekam (anointing)  and the other for the daily ritual called Sreebali.  The temple has a small namaskara mantap, where the devotees will prostrate before the deity, Chuttambalam and Balikkalpura. The Srikovil is rectangular in shape with a Mukhamantapam (entrance  porch). Common offering here is Nei Vilakku (ghee lamps). Particularly women come here in large number and light the lamp to get the blessings from the benevolent Devi.  She may appear fierce, but at heart, she is kind to her devotees. People who are affected by black magic, evil spells or witchcraft come in in large numbers for remedy. They participate in a special puja called Raktha Pushpanjali (red flower oblation).
Malayalappuzha Devi Temple,Kerala.Wikipedia
Devotees with all kinds of prayers come to her for Devi's blessings.  Childless couples, people seeking job, business men seeking better sales, etc., come here. The belief has been that a visit to this temple will improve the prosperity of the people. As far as  worship is concerned, be it in Church or Mosque or  any other place, faith and confidence are the two driving forces. When you keep going  with trust in you, your faith in god will help  you come out victorious in any endeavor  you are involved in. The devi is also known as Goddess Idathattil Bhagwathi because  she is always taken out in a procession clock-wise (In Malaylayam: Idam means left). 

The legend related to the origin of this temple is quite interesting and is as follows: Once upon a time two  Namboothiri  Brahmins of  northern Travancore, were continuously  meditating  on Devi at Mookambika temple, Kollur. They had with them an idol of  Bhadrakali. Satisfied with their prolonged devotion, Bhadrakali told them to go on a pilgrimage until she would choose a place for her permanent abode. With the idol of Bhadrakali with them, they continued their pilgrimage for a long time and at one point, they became too weak to move ahead.  Bhadrakali, at last, appeared before them and advised that Malayalappuzha was the ideal place to install the idol they had with them. Following her advice, the Namboothiris reached Malaylappuzha and  consecrated the idol. There is also another legend very much similar to the one mentioned above, but certain details are different.
Malayalappuzha Devi Temple,Kerala.  TripAdvisor
Malayalapuzha Devi Temple is well known for mural  wall paintings and artistic stone carvings. At the entrance of Srikovil / garbagaraha there is an idol of Veerabhadra. The sculpture of Parvati feeding god Ganapati on her lap is a rare one, not found in other temples. Sub deities in the temple include Brahma Rakshas, Nagaraja and a swayambu Shiva Linga.
Malayalappuzha Devi Temple,Kerala.  TripAdvisor
 Among the festivals, the 11 day annual festival is an important one and it begins on the Thiruvathira nakshtra in the Kumba masam (February – March). Kerala's traditional dances like Kathakali performance is held  on the fourth and fifth day.
 
The temple is close to Thiruvalla Railway Station which is 8 km away and  is open for darshan from 5 AM to 1 PM and in the evening 5 PM to 8 PM as in many temples.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malayalappuzha_Devi_Temple