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Kumaranalloor Devi Temple

Kottayam, Kerala, India
Kumaranalloor Devi Temple is one of the most significant and ancient Devi temples in Kerala, dedicated to Goddess Karthyayani. According to legends, the temple is more than 2,400 years old and is considered one of the 108 Durgalayas established by Lord Parasurama. The temple has a fascinating origi n story involving a lost nose-ring of the Goddess at Madurai and a divine light that led a priest to this location. It is uniquely known as a "Kumaran-alloor" (meaning 'not for Kumaran') because originally it was intended for Lord Subramanya, but the idol of the Goddess was installed instead. The temple atmosphere is deeply spiritual, characterized by the smell of incense and the sound of traditional temple music. The idol of the Goddess is carved out of 'Anjanashila' and is believed to possess immense divine power. Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya is said to have visited this temple and described it as one of the five most important temples in India. The temple complex is vast and well-maintained, offering a peaceful retreat for devotees and history buffs alike. The surrounding village of Kumaranalloor has a quiet, traditional vibe, with many old houses and lush greenery. For anyone interested in Kerala’s rich religious heritage and temple architecture, a visit to this shrine is a must. The temple is not just a place of worship but a living museum of Kerala's spiritual and artistic past.

General information

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    Ideal Duration:
    1 - 2 Hours
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    Place Type:
    Religious / Heritage
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    Entry Fees:
    No Entry Fee: Entrance to the temple is free for everyone. However, special offerings (Pooja) and archana require tickets ranging from Rs.20 to Rs.500. Note that non-Hindus are generally not allowed inside the inner sanctum. ...
    No Entry Fee: Entrance to the temple is free for everyone. However, special offerings (Pooja) and archana require tickets ranging from Rs.20 to Rs.500. Note that non-Hindus are generally not allowed inside the inner sanctum.
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    Timing:
    Regular Timings: The temple is open from 4:00 AM to 11:30 AM and from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

    Ideal Visit Time: Early morning during the 'Nirmalya Darshanam' or during the evening 'Deeparadhana' for the best spiritual experience. ...
    Regular Timings: The temple is open from 4:00 AM to 11:30 AM and from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

    Ideal Visit Time: Early morning during the 'Nirmalya Darshanam' or during the evening 'Deeparadhana' for the best spiritual experience.
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    Special Events:
    Thrikkarthika Festival: The most important event, held in the Malayalam month of Vrischika (Nov-Dec). The highlight is the 'Karthika Vilakku', where the entire temple and surrounding areas are lit up with countless oil lamps, creating a celestial sight. ...
    Thrikkarthika Festival: The most important event, held in the Malayalam month of Vrischika (Nov-Dec). The highlight is the 'Karthika Vilakku', where the entire temple and surrounding areas are lit up with countless oil lamps, creating a celestial sight.
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    Best Photo Spots:
    The Golden Flagstaff: The 'Kodimaram' or flagstaff, plated in gold, against the backdrop of the traditional gopuram is a great spot for photography (where permitted).

    The Temple Pond: The large 'Ambalakkulam' (temple tank) with its stone ste...
    The Golden Flagstaff: The 'Kodimaram' or flagstaff, plated in gold, against the backdrop of the traditional gopuram is a great spot for photography (where permitted).

    The Temple Pond: The large 'Ambalakkulam' (temple tank) with its stone steps provides a serene and symmetric subject for architectural photography.

Photo Gallery

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Darjeeling
Queen of Hills • Tea Gardens

Things To Do

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    Attend the Seeveli: Witness the 'Seeveli' ritual where the deity is carried atop a caparisoned elephant around the temple premises.

    Admire the Wood Carvings: Spend time looking at the ceiling of the 'Namaskara Mandapam', which features detailed carvings of the navagrahas and other deities.

    Evening Deeparadhana: Participate in the evening lamp-lighting ceremony when the entire temple glows with the light of thousands of oil lamps.

    Visit the Sacred Grove: Explore the small 'Sarpa Kavu' (snake grove) within the temple compound, which represents the traditional ecological conservation practices of Kerala. ...

Resturants

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Information

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    Why Famous:
    One of the 108 Durgalayas: It is famous for being one of the most prominent temples dedicated to the Goddess in Kerala. It is also renowned for the Thrikkarthika festival, which is one of the largest temple festivals in the district. ...
    One of the 108 Durgalayas: It is famous for being one of the most prominent temples dedicated to the Goddess in Kerala. It is also renowned for the Thrikkarthika festival, which is one of the largest temple festivals in the district.
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    Architecture:
    Sreechakra Style Architecture: The temple is famous for its unique architecture, specifically the 'Sreekovil' (sanctum sanctorum) and 'Nalambalam' built in the Sreechakra style. The circular sanctum has a diameter of approximately 40 ft. and is adorned with exquisite mural...
    Sreechakra Style Architecture: The temple is famous for its unique architecture, specifically the 'Sreekovil' (sanctum sanctorum) and 'Nalambalam' built in the Sreechakra style. The circular sanctum has a diameter of approximately 40 ft. and is adorned with exquisite mural paintings and wood carvings. The outer walls and the temple pond cover a total area of about 15,000 sq. mts. , reflecting the classic Dravidian-Kerala fusion style.
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    How To Reach:
    By Air: Cochin International Airport is 88 KMS away.

    By Train: Kottayam Railway Station is just 5 KMS away.

    By Road: It is located near the MC Road. Any bus going towards Ettumanoor from Kottayam will stop ...
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    Near Tourist Places:
    1. Thirunakkara Temple (5 KMS), 2. Ettumanoor Temple (7 KMS), 3. Athirampuzha Church (6 KMS), 4. Kumarakom (16 KMS), 5. Vaikom (28 KMS), 6. Malliyoor Temple (15 KMS), 7. Illikkal Kallu (50 KMS), 8. Aruvikkuzhi Falls (20 KMS), 9. Panachikkad Temple (15 KMS), 10. Bay Island Museum (15 KMS).

Tourism Tips

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    Health and Safety: Follow the dress code (Men must remove shirts; Women should wear Saris or long skirts). Be mindful of the slippery stone floors near the pond.

    Packing: Carry a small bag to keep your footwear as you must enter the temple...

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Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.

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