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History Of Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple

Alleppey , Kerala, India
The Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple, also popularly known as Mullakkal Bhagwati Temple or Mullakkal Amma Temple, is a revered Hindu shrine nestled in the heart of Alappuzha town. The temple, dedicated to Goddess Rajarajeswari (an incarnation of Durga Bhagavathy), is estimated to be nearly 500 years o ld, carrying a rich tapestry of history and legend. The name 'Mullakkal' is derived from the Malayalam word 'Mulla', meaning 'Jasmine', as the area was once a lush jasmine garden where the original idol was placed. One popular legend recounts that the goddess appeared in a dream to King Devanarayana of Chembagasery, instructing him to build a temple at the spot where his umbrella got fixed while he rested in the jasmine garden. Another story suggests that the idol of Annapurneswari was brought here by a group of Brahmins fleeing Tipu Sultan's invasion. Until 1961, the main deity was Goddess Annapurneswari; after the idol was damaged, it was replaced in 1962 with the current idol of Goddess Rajarajeswari. A unique feature of this temple is its open-roofed Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum), a rare architectural element dedicated to Vana Durga (Forest Goddess). The temple complex is not just dedicated to the principal deity; it also houses separate shrines for other deities, including Lord Krishna, Lord Hanuman, Lord Ganesha, Lord Subrahmanya, Ayyappan, Navagrahas, and a Shiva Lingam beneath an ancient Banyan Tree. The temple is renowned for its inclusive atmosphere, welcoming devotees of all castes and creeds. It is a major cultural landmark in Alappuzha, especially during the spectacular annual Mullakkal Chirappu festival, which is celebrated with great pomp and traditional rituals for 41 days from mid-November to December/January. The tranquil and well-maintained premises, filled with trees and the fragrant embrace of jasmine plants, offer a serene spiritual retreat right in the middle of a bustling commercial street.
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