An ancient temple in Venice of the East - Mullakkal Rajeswari Temple, Alappuzha

Alappuzha, also called Alleppey, is a picturesque town in the Indian state of Kerala, with beautiful canals, backwaters, and beaches. It is also known as Venice of the East.

Mullakkal Rajeswari temple, located at the heart of the city, is the most important temple of Alleppey. The site was originally the palace of the Chembakasseri kingdom, and it was later converted into a temple of Rajeswari.

There are many festivals celebrated in a grand manner here. Devotees visit the temple in large numbers during the 'Mullakkal Chirappu' festival. The nine-day Navaratri festival and Thaipooyakavadi are also some other important festivals.

Generally, all the female deities of Kerala are called Bhagavati. Hence, even though Mullakkal temple is dedicated to Rajeswari, the supreme Goddess, few people call this temple 'Mullakkal Bhagavati temple'. The temple is built in a typical Kerala architectural style. The highlight is that the top of the main shrine (called Sreekovil in Kerala) is open, specially made for Vana Durga (basically nature).

There are other shrines in the temple, such as Navagraha (nine planets), Krishna with the flute, Murugan (Subramanya), Ayyappa and Hanuman. There is a Shiva linga kept under a holy tree.

Happy travelling.

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