Information of Anikkattilamma Temple, Pathanamthitta, Kerala

Anikkattilamma Temple or Mallappally Anikkattilamma Kshethram is an ancient Hindu temple of Lord Shiva and Parvathi. This is a unique traditional temple found in the gods own county. Here Kshetram denotes The Temple in Malayalam language and Mallappally is the place name where this temple is built. This temple has come in many of the Malayalam films and also a backdrop and a great place for shooting for many mini and big screen directors. This temple is of historic and religious importance for the Hindus. This typical Kerala temple is divinely located near the Manimala River in Noorommavu P.O, Mallappally Town, Pathnamthitta District of Kerala State in India.

Anikkattilamma Temple Religious Significance

Mallappally Anikkattilamma Kshethram is primarily worshiped as the Lord Shiva Parvathi temple. But this temple is worshiped as Ammai Narayana in Malayalam which addresses both of them together as divine powers. Here the temple is famously known for Lord Shiva's concert the Parvathi's name. She is worshiped as the Anikkattilamma. She is powerful and known to be getting rid of marriage obstacles, family disputes and whishes our dreams come true is what its devotees say's if they come with pure devotion. The central shrine also has its sub deities which are Rekshas, Nagaraja and Yekshi Amma. This is a famous worship place for the Shiviates. There are nearly 80 offerings done here. There are also paid rituals offered here. This temple is opened throughout the year and daily rituals are conducted here.

Anikkattilamma Temple Mythology & History

Mallappally Anikkattilamma Kshethram is known since the Edapalley Rajas ruled here. This is believed to be more ancient from that time itself. This temple was maintained by many Kerala rulers and it was the family temple for many Rajas and zamindars of central and Sothern Kerala. These ancient rulers were responsible to rise up this old temple. Since medieval times it was never maintained well and now it requires many renovation works. This temple committee has an estimated cost of rupees fifty lakhs for its reconstruction which are mostly believed to come by offering by its devotees. It is an important temples and the mythological belief among the people is so strong that huge number of devotees turn up here to offer prayers. It in ancient temple with huge importance.

Anikkattilamma Temple Architectural Significance

Mallappally Anikkattilamma Kshethram is an ancient temple once renovated by the Edapalley Kingdom around 1000 AD. It is built near the Mani Mala River banks at Mallapally Town. This temple was built in the Kerala architectural style. It is a vast temple found in the shape of a typical huge Kerala house. Here the main deity is a Lord Shiva and her concert Parvathi. Here Lord Shiva is seen in his actual form rather than his Linga form. He is seen with holding his trident and Parvathi Devi with a long sword. There is a huge flag pole which is covered with brass plating is seen here. Apart from the main temple it has few porches for conducting ceremonies and temple admin complexes are also seen alongside the main temple. There are beautiful antiques present in this temple. These are the temple vessels, chandeliers, oil lamps, nethi pattam of elephants. The metal which these materials are made is called the Odu, which is a special mix of metals and its secrets are not revealed. The temple deity does have jewels which are decorated on the deities in the time of festival and special days only.

Festival at Anikkattilamma Temple

Mallappally Anikkattilamma Kshethram conducts the Thiru Ultsavam in the month of February every year. This is a grand festival conducted here with great fair, lights, sounds, elephants, offering, rituals and with special ceremonies. The Noorommavu villagers actively take part in this festival making it more colorful with performing traditional dances like Theiyam Thullal along with traditional percussions known as the Chenda Melam. The temple procession taken here is a great event with many participants by its devotees and can be seen women hood with a white saree and red color blouse to honor the Anikkattilamma. They carry the offering materials, colorful umbrellas and traditional brass vessels for the temple purpose ceremonies. The most important feature of this festival is the Anikkattilamma is taken out for a holy bath in the Manimala River, here the deity is carried on an ornate elephants followed by its devotees holding fire lights and percussion and dance along its way to the river and come backs to the main temple after getting a dip in the river. This temple does give tasty feast inside the temple premises for the pilgrims, but whatever it is the festival is worth to attend and to be the part of it.