Kumaranallur Devi Temple, Kottayam, Kerala
Kumaranallur Devi Temple
One of the most prominent Devi (Goddess) temples in Kerala, the Kumaranalloor Devi Temple is believed to be more than 2400 years old. It is also one of the 108 Durga Temples consecrated by Parasuram. The architecture of the temple is unique in many aspects. Both the Sreekovil (inner sanctum) and the nalambalam (outer sanctum) are built in the Sreechakra style.
The temple complex covers an area of 15,000 square meters. There are four towers (entrance) in all four directions. The main entrance is to the east. High walls surround the temples. When one enters through the east entrance, one gets to see the golden flag staff and the balikkal (huge black stone) which has intricate carvings of gods like Shiva and Ganapathy. The Sreekovil (inner sanctum) is circular in shape with a conical roof. The teak columns that support the roof have beautiful carvings on them.
Kumaranalloor Devi Temple, Kottayam, Kerala
Mother Goddess is the presiding deity of the temple. The shrine of Shiva is to the right side of the Sreekovil. There is also a shrine to Bhadrakali on the south side of the temple.
Thrikkarthika festival
Thrikkarthika is the most important festival of Kumaranalloor Devi Temple. On this day, the temple gets illuminated with thousands of oil lamps in the evening. Read more about Thrikkarthika festival here.
How to reach
Kumaranalloor is just 5 kilometers to the south of Kottayam city.
By Road:
Kumaranalloor is well connected to all parts of Kerala. The MC Road (State Highway 1) passes through Kumaranalloor. The private bus stop is just 1 kilometer to the east of the temple. Except for super fast buses, all others halt at Kumaranalloor. Both private and state run KSRTC run bus services from Kottayam to all major South Indian cities like Chennai, Madurai, Salem, Coimbatore, Palani, Mysore, Mangalore and Mookambika.
By Rail:
Kumaranalloor railway station is just 1 km to the east of the temple. Only passenger trains stop at Kumaranalloor. However, all major trains stop at the Kottayam junction which is just 4.5 kilometers from Kumaranalloor.
By Air:
The nearest airport is the Kochi international airport at Nedumbassery (80kms). Thiruvananthapuram airport is 150 kilometers away.