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

Deity

Amman: Mahalakshmi

Introduction

Sri Malayala Mahalakshmi Temple, also known as Kadavil Sri Mahalakshmi Temple, is dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi.
Located in Pallipuram, Alappuzha District, Kerala.
It is the only temple in Kerala exclusively for Mother Mahalakshmi worship.
The temple is believed to be 1,000 years old.

Puranic Significance

Historically associated with weavers who migrated from Kancheepuram to Cherthala in Kerala.
According to legend, Goddess Mahalakshmi was brought from Kancheepuram to this location on a crocodile.
The lake where the Mother arrived has sweet water, a contrast to its usual saltiness.
The presiding deity, Kadavil Mahalakshmi, holds:
- Paddy stalk and parrot in her lower hands.
- Discus (Chakra) and conch (Shankha) in her upper hands.
The deity faces east, symbolically looking at Lord Suryanarayana (Sun God).

Beliefs

Devotees pray for:
- Happy marriages.
- Childbirth blessings.
Ritual: Devotees wash their face, hands, and legs in the temple tank before praying to Mahalakshmi and Lord Suryanarayana.
Realized wishes lead to devotees offering services or gifts to the temple.

Special Features

Exclusive Temple for Goddess Mahalakshmi in Kerala.
Unique architecture with Athi Devathas (Deities of Planets) installed at the temple entrance.
Stone crocodile vahana of Mahalakshmi is installed in the sanctum sanctorum.
Surrounding shrines for:
- Lord Ganapathy.
- Lord Ayyappa.
- Lord Shiva.
- Kodungali and Kshetra Palakas (guardian deities).

Festivals

Devotees conduct special prayers to Lord Narayana and Mahalakshmi for fulfilling wedding and childbirth wishes.
Offerings are made as gratitude for realized blessings.