Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple

The Mulakkal Rajarajeswari Temple is a Hindu temple. It is located in Mullakkal, Alappuzha, Kerala. The temple is also known as Mullakkal Bhagwati Temple as it is dedicated to Goddess Durga, who is worshipped here as Rajarajeswari, meaning the ultimate queen of the universe. The architectural style of the temple is traditional Kerala style. It was built about 500 years ago. The temple is well known for its serene surroundings, which are filled with the enchanting smell of Jasmine plants. Travancore Devaswom Board maintains the temple. The authority arranged several festivals, but Mullakkal Chirappu is the main festival of the temple, which is celebrated with grand rituals, including cultural programs and elephant processions. Moreover, it’s a spiritual landmark in Alappuzha, Kerala.

Attraction

As it is a temple 500 years old, it features several attractions including

Sanctum Sanctorum: The idol of goddess Rajarajeswari, who is a form of goddess Durga, housed in the inner shrine of the temple. It is placed under an open roof, which symbolizes her relationship with all living and natural elements.
Beautiful Murals: The temple is decorated with excellent artwork and murals that hold the stories of ancient times.
Banyan Tree Shrine: A shiva lingam house under the Banyan tree of the temple.
Serene Ambiance: There is a sacred pond, and the temple is surrounded by lush greenery. It adds a serene ambiance here.
Other Deities: The temple also made a place for other gods and goddesses like Hanuman, Nagaraja, Subramanya, Karishna, Navagraha, Ganesha, and Ayyappa.
Festivals: The authority arranges several festivals every year. Mullakkal Chirappu is the prominent festival of the temple.

History

The history of Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple holds several stories about its origin. It is believed that it is about 500 years old temple. According to the legend, one story tells that a group of exiled soldiers brought the Idol of the Goddess here from Thekkumkur territory. At first, they kept the Idol in the Jasmine garden. Later on, a king of that time named Devanarayana built a temple dedicated to the Idol.

Another story suggests that King Devanarayana of Chembakassery saw the Idol at the Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple. After seeing that, he wanted to bring the Idol to his kingdom. One night, he had a dream that the Goddess also expressed her desire to stay in his kingdom, and the Goddess promised to help him to do this. The king took a rest in a Jasmine garden when he arrived in Alappuzha, and he considered it a sign to establish a temple there.

And the third story recalls Namboodiri Brahmins. It is said that they ran away from Malabar after Tipu Sultan conquered Kerala. At that time, they put the Idol of the Goddess in a Jasmine garden, and a Temple was built there to worship Goddess Durga.

In 1961, thanks to cracks in the old Idol, a new idol of Rajarajeswari was placed here, which we see now.

Inside/Outside Views

Outside Views: The outside views of the temple are pleasant. The building is designed in the traditional Kerala style. The surrounding areas of the temple are filled with the fragrance of Jasmine. It adds an extra serene ambiance to the temple. The building of the temple has intricate designs and structures.

Inside Views: The inside view of the temple is calm and quiet, as always. But during festivals, it remains so busy and crowded. The main attraction of the temple is the idol of Goddess Rajarajeswari or Durga, who is placed in the inner shrine under an open roof. There are so many shrines for deities such as Hanuman, Navagraha, Ayyappa, Subramanya, Krishna, Ganesh, and Nagaraja. Then, the visitors can explore a Shiva Lingam under the banyan tree. However, it’s a sacred and spiritual place for religious enthusiasts. Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple

How to Reach

By Road: Alappuzha KSRTC Bus Stand is the nearest bus stand to the place. It is very close to the temple. It is only 5 kilometers away from the temple. From here, you can easily take an auto rickshaw to reach there.

By Train: Alappuzha Railway Station is the nearest station to the place. It is about 4 km away from the temple. From here, you can take any local transport to go there.

By Air: The closest airport to the place is Cochin International Airport. It is about 83 km away from the place. From here, you can hire a taxi or cab to get there.

Tips for Travellers

Winter season from October to June is the best time to visit the place.
Please avoid sleeveless dresses as it is a temple. Women can try to wear Saree or Salwar Kameez, and Men can try to wear Dhoti or Mundu.
Please take off your shoes before entering the temple.
Try to bring some offerings like flowers, fruits, sweets or other items.
Don’t forget to seek blessings from God.
Try to participate in the poojas and rituals.
Carry your necessary papers, passport, water bottles & medicines, insect repellent & energy drink.
Please dress according to the weather.
Try to wear comfortable shoes.
Try to get an update on the weather before going there.
Try to eat local cuisine and know their tradition.
Remember to check local guidelines.
Don’t forget to take sun protection.
Don’t take pictures without permission from the authorities as it is not allowed.
If you visit in the summer times, try to stay hydrated.
Please be careful about your belongings, especially during crowded moments. Otherwise, you will lose everything.
Please keep the emergency contacts, such as local police and hospital numbers,
Show Respect for local traditions and customs.
Be respectful of the guidelines given by the authorities.
Please carry your trash. Don’t leave them inside the temple.

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