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Malanada Temple in Kerala is a temple unlike others. Also known as Poruvazhi Malanada Temple, this place reveres the antagonist of the Indian epic Mahabharata, Duryodhana. This is the only temple in India dedicated to him. There is no deity inside the sacred inner sanctum of this place. It is believed that the ‘Sankalpa Moorthy’ is Duryodhan. There is a small raised platform called ‘Mandapam’ or ‘Althara’, where as a devotee, you can submit yourself through the mental process of ‘Sankalpam’ to the divine power.
Quick Facts About Malanada Temple
Location: Poruvazhy Peruviruthy Malanada Devaswom Kadampanad, Edakkad, Kerala 691552
Malanada Temple Timings: 24*7
Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport (91 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Sasthamkotta Railway Station (10 km)
Best Time To Visit: October to March
History
Photo: Sumith4U / Wikimedia Commons
According to legends, when Duryodhana, the eldest of the Kaurava brothers in Mahabharata, went looking for Pandavas in exile, he reached this place in Kerala. He got extremely thirsty and approached an old lady for water. This lady, belonging to a lower caste, gave him coconut water, which he drank without hesitation. The old lady was touched by the fact that a person of such a high stature had overlooked her caste and drank water served by her. Duryodhana, who was impressed by the lady’s hospitality, also prayed in the same place for the well-being of the people living in the area. Not only this, he even gave hundreds of acres of agricultural land as freehold to them. To date, the temple pays the property tax in his name every year.
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How To Reach
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By Air: You can take a direct flight to Trivandrum International Airport located at a distance of about 90 km, and then take a cab or bus from there.
By Rail: You can take a direct train to Kollam Railway station, and then hail a taxi from there.
By Road: The temple is well connected to all the Indian cities via road network. You can hop on a road trip to Edakkad, and then navigate a path to reach the temple.
Places To Visit Around Malanada Temple
1. Jatayu Nature Park
Photo: Athulnair / Wikimedia Commons
Also known as Jatayu Earth’s Center, this is a prominent tourist spot of Kerala located in Kollam district. The place features a grand statue of Jatayu built about the vulture-like bird from Ramayana. The primary highlight of this place is the giant 200 ft high structure of Jatayu which also holds the Guinness World record for the biggest bird statue in the world. In addition to mythological embodiment, you can also indulge in several adventure activities like rock climbing, rappelling, cable car rides and many more in this park.
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: ₹400 for Indians, ₹600 for foreigners
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2. Sasthamcotta Lake
Photo: Arunelectra / Wikimedia Commons
Named after the sacred Sastha Temple located on its bank, Sasthamcotta Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Kerala. The place is categorised as a wetland and is popularly known as the ‘Queen of Lakes’ due to the abundant biodiversity and picturesque surroundings of the place. The speciality of this lake’s water is that it does not contain any salt or any other minerals due to the presence of a larva that eliminates microbes.
Best Time To Visit: November to February
3. Kollam Beach
Photo: Surajram Kumaravel / Wikimedia Commons
Considered to be an ideal beach wedding destination in Kerala, this scenic wonder is also popular by the name of Mahatma Gandhi Beach. The place brims with national and international tourists throughout the year. The place is a former port city and till date traces of Chinese harbour trade can still be observed here. You can enjoy several fun activities on the beach like short canal cruises, swimming, and a visit to the marine aquarium and ancient lighthouse.
Best Time To Visit: August to March
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4. Thangassery Beach Lighthouse
Photo: Arunvrparavur / Wikimedia Commons
Operational since 1902 for guiding sailors and fishermen along the coastal waters riddled with reefs, the Thangassery Beach Lighthouse can be seen as a beacon from up to 20 km into sea. This place boasts of being the second tallest lighthouse on the entire Kerala coast. The majestic tower is painted in bright red and white oblique bands that make it visible and distinct in the coastal landscape.
Timings: 10 AM – 1 PM, 2 PM – 6 PM (Monday closed)
Entry Fee: ₹5 for children and senior citizens, ₹20 for Indian adults, ₹50 for foreigners
5. Ashtamudi Lake
Photo: Raviz Hotels and Resorts / Wikimedia Commons
Ashtamudi Lake is named as such due to its 8 arms or channels. The place is the gateway to the famous Kerala backwaters and houseboat rides. The route to Alappuzha backwaters from Kollam is considered to be the best among all the backwater routes. The exotic biodiversity and lush greenery that you encounter during the visit to this lake is truly enchanting.
Best Time To Visit: November to March
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Where To Stay
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There are several hotels, resorts and homestays located in the vicinity of Malanda Temple that you can choose as per your budget. For those of you looking for luxury stays can choose Thenmala Heritage, All Season D Fort Ayurvedic Resort, The Quilon Beach Hotel and many others. For those of you looking for budget stays, there is Hotel Revathy tourist home, Hotel Seapark and Hotel Dona Castle along with several others in the vicinity.
Where To Eat
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Kollam has a range of multi-cuisine restaurants and eateries located within it. There is the Wok and Grill for Chinese and Indian food, Ramees Restaurant for local delicacies, Javees Cinema restaurant for great ambiance and food, Keraleeyam for multi-cuisine delicacies, Sree Suprabhatam for south Indian fare and many others to choose from.
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Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Vlada Karpovich / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Tips For Travellers
- While visiting this temple, you should remember to dress as per the local customs and beliefs.
- Though you can visit the temple throughout the year, the best time to visit this place is during October to March when the weather is pleasant.
- You can also plan a visit to the temple during its annual festival in March, when the Malanada Kettukazcha celebration takes place in which there are massive processions and traditional percussion instruments are played.
The Malanada Temple is a unique temple surrounded by beautiful lush green hills that make it the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. There is a sense of calmness and composure in the environment that makes this place an ideal weekend destination. Plan this place in your Kerala itinerary with TripXL to savour the charm and soothe your nerves.
Cover Photo: Akhilan / Wikimedia Commons
