Alappuzha Pallipuram Sri Malayala Mahalakshmi (Kadavil Sri Mahalakshmi) Temple- Kerala

Address

Alappuzha Pallipuram Sri Malayala Mahalakshmi (Kadavil Sri Mahalakshmi) Temple- Pallipuram, Alappuzha district, Kerala – 678006 Phone: +91 478-255 2805; 094464 93183

Diety

Amman: Mahalakshmi

Introduction

Sri Malayala Mahalakshmi temple is dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi, Located in the Pallipuram, Alappuzha district, Kerala State. This is the only temple dedicated exclusively for Mother Mahalakshmi worship in Kerala. The Temple is believed to be 1000 years old. This temple is also known as Kadavil Sri Mahalakshmi Temple.

Puranic Significance

Hundreds of years ago, people engaged in weaving in Kancheepuram migrated to Cherthala in Kerala state. They built a temple for Mother Mahalakshmi in Kancheepuram when they lived there. They desired to build one in this place too. According to Puranas, Mahalakshmi was brought here from Kancheepuram on a crocodile. The place near a vast lake where Mother landed is still properly maintained by the devotees. The lake water though salty generally is but very sweet where Mother arrived. It is said that that the crocodile was fed with food and water then. Later a statue was made and placed in the sanctum sanctorum. The antiquity of the temple dates back to one thousand years. The presiding deity is praised as Kadavil Mahalakshmi, holding paddy stalk and a parrot in lower hands and discus and conch in the upper hands promising all prosperity to devotees, facing east looking at Lord Suryanarayana. By sunrise, devotees use to wash their face, hands and legs in the tank where Mahalakshmi landed and pray to her along with Lord Suryanarayana for a happy wedding in life

Beliefs

Devotees pray to Lord Narayana and Mother Mahalakshmi for happy wedding and Child boons. Realizing their wishes, devotees offer what they could do for Lord and Mother.

Special Features

This is the only temple dedicated exclusively for Mother Mahalakshmi worship in Kerala state. Temples generally have one Athi Devatha-Deity of Authority for a planet. The Athi Devathas of all the planets are installed at the very entrance of the temple which is a special feature in this temple. Also, the crocodile vahan of Mother Mahalakshmi made of stone is installed in the sanctum sanctorum. There are shrines for Lords Ganapathy, Aiyappa, Shiva, Kodungali and Kshetra Palakas around the temple.

Festivals

Devotees pray to Lord Narayana and Mother Mahalakshmi for happy wedding and Child boons. Realizing their wishes, devotees offer what they could do for Lord and Mother.