Kollam Mookkumpuzha Temple

Address

Mookkumpuzha Temple

Pandarathuruthu, Karunagappalli,

Kollam District – 690573.

Contact: 0476 – 282 6342

Moolavar

Shiva

Amman

Kodungali or Bhadrakali

Introduction

Among the 108 Divya Devi temples established by Parashurama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, three are situated in Kerala. One of these is the Mookumbuzha Temple, located in Pandarathuruthu in the Kollam district, about 4 km from Karunagappalli.

The presiding deity is a unique form of Shivalinga known as the ‘Ashtakona Lingam’ (eight-faced Lingam), within which the goddess, also referred to as Kodungali or Bhadrakali, is believed to reside on the deity’s thigh. Devotees believe that she protects those who visit her from illness and disease.

Puranic Significance 

It is believed that Kannagi, the legendary woman who set Madurai ablaze, once stayed in the region now known as Alappadu before continuing her journey to Kodungallur. Those who accompanied her are said to have settled in this area and later constructed a temple. Supporting this belief is the traditional folk song known as Thotram Pattu, which narrates the story of Kannagi and Kovalan and continues to be sung in this region.

Beliefs

It is believed that performing the Karyasiddhi Pooja to Goddess Shivasakthi Swaroopini, who resides within the sacred Shivalinga, brings miraculous healing and blessings. Devotees who offer a vow of Manjal Para—a small copper pot filled with turmeric—are said to be cured of ailments. Observing a fast and circumambulating the temple seven times while carrying a sword and a stick is believed to dispel evil forces. Those who worship with devotion are granted the fulfillment of heartfelt wishes, including blessings for marriage and childbirth.

Special Features

The place gets its name ‘Mookkumpuzha’ because, in ancient times, the water level here rose up to the height of a person’s nose (*‘Mookku’ meaning nose and *‘Puzha’ meaning water or river in Malayalam). Remarkably, the temple was constructed in the 12th century in this waterlogged area. The divine grace of Goddess Kali is evident even today — despite the temple’s close proximity to the sea, both the temple and the surrounding town remained untouched by the devastating 2004 tsunami.

Festivals

The Thai Bharani festival is celebrated here with grand devotion and festivity. Special significance is given to Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays during this period, especially the 9th day of Thai Bharani festival, which marks the auspicious Meenuttu ritual.

Century/Period

12th Century

Nearest Bus Station

Pandarathuruthu

Nearest Railway Station

Karunagappalli

Nearest Airport

 Trivandrum

Location on Map

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