Location
- Situated within the Sabarimala
temple complex, just behind the main shrine of Lord Ayyappa.
- Devotees visit this temple after
darshan of Ayyappa, as a mark of respect and completion of the
pilgrimage.
Deity & Legend
- Maalikapurathu Amma
is believed to be the divine daughter of Cheerappanchira Panicker,
a noble Ezhava warrior from Muhamma in Alappuzha.
- She taught Kalaripayattu to
Lord Ayyappa and fell in love with Him. However, Ayyappa, being a celibate
deity, promised to marry her only when no new devotee (Kanni
Ayyappa) visits Sabarimala.
- She is worshipped as Parashakti,
the embodiment of Bhuvaneshwari, and is represented in the form of
a mirror (Darapam Bibmam)—symbolizing that she can take any form
the devotee imagines.
Rituals & Offerings
- Thenga Uruttal:
Devotees roll coconuts on the ground before offering them to Amma—a
symbolic act of surrender.
- Offerings
include:
- Betel leaves, turmeric, kumkum,
jaggery, bananas
- Red silk cloth and honey
- Sweet pudding and blouse pieces
- Kuruthi Puja:
A special ritual performed to invoke protection and blessings.
Festivals &
Auspicious Days
- Tuesdays
are especially sacred to Maalikapurathu Amma.
- The first Tuesday after Makara
Sankranti is considered highly auspicious.
- She receives special attention during
Makara Vilakku and Mandala Puja seasons.
Cultural Significance
- The Cheerappanchira family
retains traditional rights at the temple, including lighting ceremonial
lamps and collecting half the coconuts offered.
- Amma is seen as a guardian of feminine energy, and her temple is a symbol of unfulfilled divine love and eternal devotion.