Prathishta / Presiding Deity : Durga - Parvathy
Upadevatha / Sub Deities : xx
District: Trivandrum
Thaluk: xx
Panchayath: Nalanchira
Thanthri: xx
Trustee: Sree Kurumkalam Bhagavathy Temple Trust
This is the one of the most ancient temple of Sakthi worship in the erstwhile state
of Travancore located at Chenchery Mannanthala in Trivandrum District. The twin
Sanctum Sanctorum for Goddess Durga and Goddess Bhadra is a special feature of this
temple. According to Markandeyapurana, Durga and Bhadra are not two separate entities
but are two different roles of the same Goddess - that of “BENEFACTOR” and that
of “PROTECTOR”. In the past, the temple was named “Anpatheeradi Elankam” which was
founded and managed by the ancestors of Kurumkalam Tharavadu or family. The origin
of Kurumkalam tharvadu can be traced back to the ancient “Kurukalari” the abode
of the martial arts known as Kalari-payattu. The Kurumkalam Kalari was entrusted
by the powers of the Maharaja of Travancore with the honorary duty of training able
bodied youngsters for induction into the army of the erstwhile princely state of
Travancore. There is documentary evidence to show that this family had to its credit
vast areas of land in and around Chenchery and Mannanthala. However only some written
records are available at present, to substantiate the glory and greatness of the
elankam or kalari which lasted for nearly four centuries in the past.
The idols in the twin Sanctum Sanctorums of the main temple created in Krishna-shila
stone depicts Goddess Durga in Abhaya Varada pose “BENEFACTOR” and Goddess Bhadra
in the Sakthi pose “PROTECTOR”. The power of reasoning culminates in faith and the
all encompassing Adiparasakthi is so benevolent and merciful to protect our faith.
She grants every devotee her choicest blessings to experience the divinity within
and the unity of existence, so much so that devotees from near and far places throng
to pray for her blessings. The temple complex houses separate shrines for Maha Ganapathi,
Lord Ayyappa and Yogeeshwara and the divine grace of these deities are also experienced
by one and all who reach the temple with devotion.
The inherent beauty of the art of Kalari lies in the harmonious synergy of art,
science and medicine. Kalari-payattu has strongly influenced the evolution of several
of Kerala’s theatre and dance forms, mostly prominently Kathakali, Kolkali, Teyyam,
Poorakkali, Velakali etc. True to tradition, the temple’s annual festival prominently
includes renderings of various traditional art forms of Kerala including Kathakali,
Chakyarkoothu, Kalamezhuthu, Bhagavathipattu, etc. The festival is normally held
during the months of June ( Choti nakshatra during Malayalam month of Edavam ) every
year and the festivities lasts for 7 days. Pongala, Thalapoli, Parakkezhunnallippu
(Ezhunallippu or Royal Procession of the deity atop an elephant), Kuthiyottam, traditional
music, and dance programs and colourful fireworks held at the temple premises are
major attractions of the Kurumkalam Devi Temple festival.
Mandala Vratham - Ayyappa Pooja coinciding with annual Utsavam of Sabarimala.
Vinayaka Chathurthi - Maha Ganapathy Pooja.
Pooja Vaypu - Saraswathy Pooja and Vidyarambham (during Dussera festival).
Karthika - Special Pooja for Devi on Karthika of every month
Ayilya Pooja - Special Pooja and rites to Serpent God.
Ayilyolsavam - Nagaroottu and Sarpabali in the month of Thulam.
Ramayana Parayanam & Bhagavathi Seva - in the month of Karkidakom.
Ganapathy Homa
Niranjanam for Sastha on Saturdays
Bhagavathy Seva
Muzhukappu
Kalabha Abhishekam
Kumkuma Abhishekam
Rakta Pushpanjali
Sahasra Nama Archana on Pournami days
Nagarkootu for Nagarkavu
Kurumkalam Bhagavathy Temple opens daily at 4.45 AM in the morning for Palliyunarthal
ceremony and closes at 8.00 PM after Athazha Pooja and Deeparadhana. The morning
worship timings are from 4.45 AM to 10.35 AM. And the evening worship timings are
from 5.00 PM to 8.00 PM.
Dr. Sukumaran Nair (Rtd Professor)
President
Sree Kurumkalam Bhagavathy Temple Trust
Chenchery, Nalanchira P.O
Trivandrum – 695015
E-Mail : kurumkalamdevi@gmail.com
Phone : 0091 471 2555241
Mobile : 0091 9495904582.
Kurumkalam Bhagavathy Temple, as it is known today, is located hardly a kilometer
away on the left side of the Main Central Road (MC road) in-between Nalanchira and
Mannanthala in Trivandrum District of Kerala. It is just one and a half kilometers
from Mannanthala junction. The temple is accessible by any vehicle or even by walk
for a few minutes. Many buses are available to reach Mannanthala.
-
