Maalikapurathu Amma Temple – The Silent Sentinel of Sabarimala

 

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.