Kumaranallore Ancient Temple

Distance : 6km from Kottayam

¤ Main Attraction

Karthyayani Temple

The Karthayayani Devi Temple is an ancient temple managed by the Namboothiris. The presiding deity of the temple is Bhagavathi.

A Legendary Tale
A strange story is associated with the origin of the temple and the deification of Bhagavathi. A devout priest of the Madurai temple was once accused of stealing the diamond nose-pin of the idol. The deity materialised in front of the priest and enjoined him to dedicate the temple that was being built in Kumaranalloor to her.
But the temple was being built for Subramonia and the priests were not ready to listen to the entreaties of the poor devotee. However when they set out to bring the idol of Lord Subramonia, they were enveloped in a thick mist which rendered them immobile. Only when the priests promised to dedicate the temple to the goddess did the mist disappear miraculously.
Moreover, they came across the image of the goddess in an old well. Henceforth the temple was dedicated to goddess Bhagavathi.

The Magnificent Carvings
The exterior of the sreekoyil or vimana (shrine from base to finial)is decorated with fine woodcarvings. The temple has a collection of lithic records and mural paintings. The annual festival on the day of Trikarthika during the month of Vrishchikam (November-December) is an auspicious occasion that attracts a large number of people. The gloom of the evening is driven away by a dazzling display of lights. Before relocating to Kudamaloor, the original abode of the Chempakasseri Rajas was situated on a compound lying north of the temple premise.