Malikapuram Temple

When Ayyappan annihilated Mahishi by catching her horns and throwing her down, she is said to have fallen by the banks of Azhutha river. The totally subdued Mahishi, at that moment, became aware of the greatness of Ayyappan and when Ayyappan's divine glance fell on her, she realised her own own basic divinity and sang Ayyappa's praises. At that time the transformation of Mahishi into a beautiful divine entity took place. She got entranced with Ayyappa and pleaded with him to marry her. Though, Lord Ayyappa had undertaken a vow of eternal celibacy and meditation for the good of the world. in order not to disappoint her, Lord Ayyappa is said to have proclaimed "I will marry you in that year when no `Kanni Ayyappan' (a first time pilgrim) visits Sabarimala'.

Till then, she was given a place of pride at Sabarimala. Malikapuram temple is the place, legends say, where she rests in eternal wait. Malikapuram temple thus enjoys prime importance at Sannidhanam because of the status of Malikapuram as Lord Ayyappa's eternal consort-in-waiting.

Kanni Ayyappans, during the course of their Petta Thullal carry mock wooden arrows. They carry this all the way and deposit it at Saramkuthi Aal near Sabarimala.

During the Makara Vilakku festival, Malikapurath Amma is ceremoniously taken out on `Ezhunnelippu' (Royal Procession) to Sarmakuthi Aal every evening from 15th to 18th January 2000 to check if any `Kanni Ayyappan' had arrived at Sabarimala during that year (symbolised by deposit of new arrows at Sarmakuthi Aal). Invariably, thousands of arrows are found there and Malikapurath Amma returns dejected to her abode, waiting for the next year.

Parakotti Pattu at Malikapuram Temple

During certain astronomical zodiac cycles in ones life time, individuals are said to fall under the predominant influence of the Planet Saturn or Planet `Sani'. This is said to herald the onset of Sani Dosham. Sani Dosham is said to adversely influence many aspects of one's life including a threat to ones life. It is usual amongst Hindus to conduct poojas and rituals as a `Pariharam' throughout this phase, to appease Sani and prevent/alleviate the ill effects of Sani Dasha

One of such rituals is conducted at Malikapuram Temple. The legends say that after the Churning of the Ocean (Palazhi Madhanam), Sani Dosham befell Lord Vishnu, the Master of the Universe. In order to protect him Lord Siva and Parvathi took on the roles of `Velan' and `Velathi' and sang the appropriate remedial verses.

`Parakotti Pattu" or singing while beating the `Para' (a sort of drum) symbolises this. There are 15 'Velans' present at Malikapuram temple to perform this ritual They come from the localities of Madamon, Vadasserikara, Vennikulam, Thelliyur, Chunakara, Thrikkodithanam and Aranamula. They sing the story of `Kesadipadam' as Sani Dosha Pariharam.

These `Velans' drum and chant 'Kesadipadam' to alleviate`Sani Dosham' (evil Influence of Planet Saturn)

To invoke Sarpa (Serpent) Dosha Pariharam and against doshams to the Eyes and Tongue, `Naga Pattu' (Snake Songs) are performed in front of the temple of Naga Raja (Serpent King) located in the Malikapuram temple complex.

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