Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple
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.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
30 minutes to 1 hour (for a standard darshan); 2 to 3 hours during festivals.Place Type:
Pilgrimage, Temple, Cultural, Architecture, HistorEntry Fees:
Temple Entry Fee: There is no entry fee for devotees or tourists to visit the Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple. Access to the temple complex, the various sub-shrines, and the main courtyard for darshan is completely free of charge, upholding the tradition of open access for s...Temple Entry Fee: There is no entry fee for devotees or tourists to visit the Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple. Access to the temple complex, the various sub-shrines, and the main courtyard for darshan is completely free of charge, upholding the tradition of open access for spiritual worship.
Cost of Offerings and Rituals: While entry is free, visitors may incur costs if they choose to perform specific rituals or offerings (Vazhipadu). These offerings range from simple garlands and coconuts to elaborate archanas and ritual feeds, with costs clearly listed by the temple management. Offerings like the unique Urad Dal Vada Prasadam may require a small payment or donation. These are voluntary spiritual costs, not mandatory entry fees.
Donations and Conservation: The temple is managed by the Travancore Devaswom Board and relies on donations for its upkeep and the conduct of festivals. Visitors are welcome to contribute voluntarily to the temple's donation box or to specific projects. These donations are essential for the maintenance of the nearly 500-year-old architecture and the organization of large-scale events like the Mullakkal Chirappu.Timing:
Regular Temple Timings (Darshan Hours) The Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple operates on fixed, dual-time schedule for the convenience of devotees:
Morning Timings: Generally from 04:30 AM to 10:00 AM (some sources indicate up to 12:00 PM).
Read MoreRegular Temple Timings (Darshan Hours) The Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple operates on fixed, dual-time schedule for the convenience of devotees:
Morning Timings: Generally from 04:30 AM to 10:00 AM (some sources indicate up to 12:00 PM).
Evening Timings: Generally from 05:00 PM to 08:00 PM (some sources indicate up to 09:00 PM). It is important to note that the sanctum sanctorum closes for an extended period in the afternoon for rituals and rest, so plan your visit for the open darshan slots. Ideal Visit Time (Quiet and Spiritual) The ideal visit time for a quiet, spiritual experience is in the very early morning (right at the 4:30 AM opening) or during the evening session right as the temple re-opens at 5:00 PM. The morning session is particularly serene and sacred, allowing for an unhurried darshan before the temple fills up with local commuters and day-trippers. The evening is beautiful due to the lighting of the traditional lamps (deeparadhana).
Ideal Time During Festivals: During the peak Mullakkal Chirappu festival (November to January), the ideal time to visit is the evening, from 6:00 PM onwards. This is when the grand processions, cultural performances, and the spectacular lighting take place. However, be prepared for very large crowds and a much longer time required for darshan.Special Events:
Mullakkal Chirappu Mahotsavam (41-Day Festival) The most significant special event is the Mullakkal Chirappu festival, a 41-day extravaganza celebrated during the Malayalam month of Vrishchikam and culminating in the month of Dhanu (mid-November to December/January). The festival's pinnacle is the ...Mullakkal Chirappu Mahotsavam (41-Day Festival) The most significant special event is the Mullakkal Chirappu festival, a 41-day extravaganza celebrated during the Malayalam month of Vrishchikam and culminating in the month of Dhanu (mid-November to December/January). The festival's pinnacle is the final 11 days of Chirappu, marked by elaborate Arattu (holy bath) processions and grand parades of caparisoned elephants. The temple premises are spectacularly illuminated, and cultural performances showcasing traditional Kerala art forms like Kathakali, Chakyarkoothu, and classical music are performed nightly. The tradition of Annadanam (community feast) on the final days serves food to thousands of devotees, embodying the spirit of charity and devotion. The Women's Festival (Nari Puja) A second, distinct special event is the Women's Festival (Nari Puja), which falls on the first Sunday in December during the Chirappu season. On this day, the entire temple management, from the priests conducting the pujas to the devotees performing the various rituals, is taken over by women. Women from different areas light thousands of lamps (vilakku) within the temple complex, creating a luminous and deeply spiritual atmosphere, celebrating the feminine principle of the Goddess.Best Photo Spots:
The Gabled Roof and Inner Courtyard: The best architectural photo spot is the view of the main temple structure with its distinctive Kerala-style gabled roofs and the well-maintained inner courtyard. Since photography is restricted inside the Sreekovil (sanctum), capturing ...The Gabled Roof and Inner Courtyard: The best architectural photo spot is the view of the main temple structure with its distinctive Kerala-style gabled roofs and the well-maintained inner courtyard. Since photography is restricted inside the Sreekovil (sanctum), capturing the aesthetic of the external structure, including the deepasthambham (lamp post) and the surrounding wall, provides a beautiful composition that highlights the traditional architecture. Early morning light, when the temple is less crowded, offers soft, golden light to capture the intricate woodwork.
The Ancient Banyan Tree and Shiva Shrine: The area around the ancient Banyan Tree is highly photogenic, especially for capturing the serene, contemplative mood of the temple. The massive, aerial roots of the tree, along with the humble Shiva Lingam beneath it, create a powerful visual contrast to the more decorative main shrine. A photo using the Banyan canopy to frame the composition emphasizes the temple's connection to nature and its ancient roots. Festival Lighting and Elephant Procession (Seasonal) During the Mullakkal Chirappu festival, the entire temple premise is spectacularly lit with thousands of lamps and decorative electric lights. This is the best time for vibrant, colorful, and action-filled photography. Focus on capturing the elaborately decorated caparisoned elephants during the procession, the fervor of the crowd, and the details of the traditional art forms being performed. Long-exposure shots of the lit-up temple at night create a magical, dramatic effect.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Participating in the Daily Darshan and Rituals: The primary activity is participating in the daily darshan (viewing of the deity) and the scheduled rituals. The temple operates on specific morning and evening timings (04:30 AM - 10:00 AM and 05:00 PM - 08:00 PM). Visitors can stand in line to offer prayers to Goddess Rajarajeswari in the open-roofed shrine. Observing the traditional pujas, aartis, and the elaborate drum and musical accompaniment is a profound spiritual and cultural experience.
Dress code is strictly traditional: men must remove their shirt/upper garment before entering the inner courtyard, and full-length traditional attire is recommended for women. Exploring the Sub-Shrines (Pradakshina) The temple complex hosts several sub-shrines that should be visited as part of the circumambulation (Pradakshina). Take ...
Information
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Why Famous:
The Majestic Mullakkal Chirappu Festival: The temple's fame rests heavily on its grand annual festival, the Mullakkal Chirappu Mahotsavam. This 41-day festival, culminating in elaborate celebrations in December/January, attracts thousands of devotees and tourists....
The Majestic Mullakkal Chirappu Festival: The temple's fame rests heavily on its grand annual festival, the Mullakkal Chirappu Mahotsavam. This 41-day festival, culminating in elaborate celebrations in December/January, attracts thousands of devotees and tourists. The final days are marked by majestic processions led by caparisoned elephants, traditional music and cultural programs, and a massive community feast (Annadanam). The vibrant lighting, the fervor of the devotees, and the cultural richness of the performances make this festival a massive regional and tourist draw, cementing the temple's importance.
The Unique Open-Roof Architecture: The temple is famous for its rare and distinct architectural feature: the open roof over the main sanctum sanctorum. This unconventional design, dedicated to the concept of Vana Durga (Forest Goddess), sparks curiosity and discussion among architecture enthusiasts and devotees alike. In a region known for its highly structured temple designs, this deviation stands out as a unique spiritual and structural statement.
Women's Festival and Inclusivity: A unique and celebrated aspect of the temple is the 'Nari Puja' or Women's Festival, typically observed on the first Sunday of December during the festival season. On this day, all rituals, from the puja to the lighting of lamps, are performed exclusively by women. This emphasis on female devotion and participation, along with the temple's long-standing policy of welcoming devotees of all faiths, contributes significantly to its reputation for social and religious inclusivity. -
Architecture:
Traditional Kerala Temple Style: The Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple showcases the classic style of traditional Kerala architecture. This style is characterized by a sloping gabled roof, often tiled, which is practical for the heavy monsoon rains. The primary building mater...Traditional Kerala Temple Style: The Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple showcases the classic style of traditional Kerala architecture. This style is characterized by a sloping gabled roof, often tiled, which is practical for the heavy monsoon rains. The primary building material is laterite stone, plastered with lime and adorned with intricate woodwork. The temple complex includes a well-maintained wall (Mathil), a beautiful pond (Kulam), and a variety of trees and lush plants within the premises, which are typical features of the regional temple design, offering an open and integrated spatial experience with nature. The Open-Roof Sreekovil (Sanctum Sanctorum) The most distinguishing architectural feature is the open-roofed Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) dedicated to the main deity, Goddess Rajarajeswari. This is a specific design choice, often associated with a form of the Goddess known as Vana Durga (Forest Goddess), who is worshipped in the open air. The absence of a traditional spire or covering over the main idol chamber is a rarity and a major talking point. The idol of Goddess Durga is a four-armed, standing pose, measuring about 4 feet in height. While the Sreekovil is open, an area of approximately 20 feet at the entrance is kept roofed, traditionally to shelter the caparisoned elephants used for temple processions. -
How To Reach:
By Air: The nearest major airport is the Cochin International Airport (COK), located approximately 83 KM from Alappuzha town. From the airport, travelers can hire a pre-paid taxi, cab, or utilize airport bus services to reach Alappuzha. The drive takes about 2 to 3 hours. ... -
Near Tourist Places:
Alappuzha Market/Mullakkal Street: Immediate vicinity (less than 0. 1 KM).
Alappuzha Boat Jetty: Starting point for backwater cruises (1 KM).
Alappuzha KSRTC Bus Stand: Major bus terminal (1 KM).
Alappuzha Railway Station: Major railway terminal (3 KM).
Revi Karuna Karan Memorial Museum: Private collection of artifacts (4 KM).
Alappuzha Beach: Historic beach with a lighthouse (5 KM).
Alappuzha Lighthouse: Historical landmark (5. 5 KM).
Vembanad Lake: Access point for cruising (3 KM).
Krishnapuram Palace, Kayamkulam: Traditional Kerala architecture museum (47 KM).
Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple: Famous for Pal Payasam (18 KM).
Pathiramanal Island: Birdwatching island (via boat from a jetty) (21 KM).
Marari Beach: Quiet beach north of Alappuzha (12 KM).
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety and Etiquette: As this is a functioning Hindu temple, observe all religious customs and etiquette.
Dress Code is strictly traditional: men must remove their shirt/upper garment before entering the inner sanctum area (a simple...
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