The presiding deity of the temple is Goddess Rajarajeswari, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. She is also affectionately known as 'Mullakkal Devi' or 'Mullakkal Amma'. The temple also houses shrines for other deities including Lord Krishna, Nagas, Ayyappa, Lord Hanuman, Lord Ganesha, Lord Subramanya, and the Navagrahas (nine planets).
A Shiva lingam is also present under a large banyan tree within the temple premises.Originally, the idol was of Mata Annapurneswari. However, after an incident in 1961 where a devotee embraced the idol, causing cracks, a new idol of Rajarajeswari was consecrated on July 16, 1962. The temple is known for its unique traditional Kerala architectural style, featuring an open-roofed sanctum sanctorum, which is said to be designed for Vana Devi (forest goddess). This open structure allows for a view of the sky from the inner shrine. The temple is managed by the Travancore Devaswom Board of Kerala and is open to people of all faiths.
Festivals
The Temple has a number of festivals. The important ones are :
Mullakkal Chirappu Festival
This is the most significant festival, celebrated for 41 days, commencing in the Malayalam month of Vrishchikam (mid-November) and concluding on the eleventh day of Dhanu (December-January). The last eleven days are particularly grand, known as the "Chirappu festival" or "Alappuzha Chirappu." The last two days are considered the most sacred, featuring elaborate celebrations with elephant processions, fireworks displays, and various cultural programs like Ottanthullal. During this festival, a grand feast (Annadanam) is also organized, feeding thousands of devotees.
Navaratri Festival
Celebrated with great grandeur in October, this nine-day festival culminates on Vijayadashami and Mahanavami. On Maha Navami, a special ritual involves worshipping 150-200 young girls as divine Kumaris, who are given new clothes. "Theyattu," a ritualistic dance performed on a large portrait of the Goddess drawn with colored powders, is also a highlight. Children also place their textbooks at the shrine for special pujas on Maha Navami. The "Bommai Kolu Festival," where elderly Hindu women arrange dolls and recite Bhagavatham, is also an integral part of the celebrations.
Contact Address:
Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple,
West Koratty,
Mambra,
Alappuzha - 688011,
Kerala, India.
