Originally, the inner shrine housed the idol of Annapurneswari, depicted with a ladle and a pot. However, a significant event unfolded in 1961 when a stranger entered the sanctum sanctorum and embraced the idol. Subsequently, cracks appeared on the idol, interpreted by the priests as a divine directive to create a new one. Thus, on July 16, 1962, a new idol, that of Rajarajeswari, graced the sanctum sanctorum, supplanting the original one. Over time, additional idols, such as those of Krishna and various serpent gods, found their places in different shrines within the temple.
Legend: Historically, the origin of the Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple rooted deep into the annals of time, dating back almost 500 years. The temple's origin stories are as diverse as they are intriguing. As per a legend, a group of exiled soldiers from Thekkumkur territory brought the idol of the goddess to the location, placing it amidst a jasmine garden. King Devanarayana of Chembagasery later erected a temple in this fragrant haven. Another tale revolves around the king's desire to bring the goddess from the Kodungalloor Bhagavathy Temple to his kingdom. In a divine twist of fate, the goddess appeared in his dreams, expressing her willingness to accompany him. When the king reached Alappuzha and rested in a jasmine garden, he found himself unable to move his umbrella, interpreting it as a divine sign to establish a temple at that very spot. According to another popular legend, Namboodiri Brahmins, escaping the conquest of Kerala by Tippu Sultan, placed the idol of Annapurneswari in a jasmine garden and later constructed the temple around it.
Rituals & Customs: The customs and rituals observed at the Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple are deeply rooted in tradition. Special foods and sweet dishes are offered as Naivedyam to the goddess. According to legend, the prasadam tradition traces back to the worship of the Goddess Annapurneswari, with ‘vadas’ made from whole ‘urud’ gram being the first offering. This practice continues to this day, with various patrons contributing the ingredients for this special prasadam, typically offered during nighttime rituals.
Festivals: The temple's calendar is replete with vibrant festivals that draw devotees from far and wide. The Mullakkal Chirappu, spanning a glorious forty-one days, stands out as the grandest among them. Commencing in the month of Vrishchikam (middle of November) and concluding on the eleventh day of the month of Dhanu (December–January), this festival culminates in the highly significant Chirappu festival during its final 11 days. The spectacle is marked by grand parades led by caparisoned elephants, captivating thousands of onlookers. The festivities are not confined to religious rituals alone; cultural programs showcasing Kerala's heritage form an integral part of the celebration. 'Annadanam’, the offering of food to thousands of devotees, is a noteworthy aspect of the final day feast. Renowned musicians and artists are invited to perform at the temple premises, and a breathtaking fireworks display concludes the festivities.
Dedicated to celebrating womanhood, the first Sunday of December is observed as the women's festival at the temple. On this day, all rituals and worships are conducted exclusively by women. Participants from various regions converge, lighting lamps in a symbolic gesture of devotion.
The Navaratri festival, another highlight on the temple's festive calendar, unfolds with grandeur and devotion. On Maha Navami, 150-200 baby girls are ceremoniously adorned with new clothes and worshipped as divine ‘Kumaris’. The festival features the vibrant "Theyattu," where a colossal portrait of the Goddess is created on the floor using different colored powders. Accomplished dancers perform on this intricate ‘rangoli’, gradually erasing the portrait from the floor. Maha Navami witnesses children placing their textbooks on the main shrine for Pooja, accompanied by special rituals. The temple also embraces the "Bommai Kolu Festival," where elderly women set up 'Bommas' in the 'Oottupura' while fervently reading the Bhagavatam, the primary holy scripture of Hindus. Lalithasahasranamam, a sacred recitation, adds to the spiritual ambiance of the festival. In days of yore, adorned elephants with "nettipattam" paraded in the evenings, encircling the temple 'prahara' with the deity "seated" on the main elephant to the rhythmic beats of ‘chendamelam’. Another noteworthy festival is the "Thaipooyakavadi," celebrated annually with about 15 Kavadis participating in a majestic parade and traditional dance session.
The Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple stands not just as a physical structure but as a living testament to the cultural and spiritual tapestry of Alappuzha. Its rich history, diverse narratives, and vibrant festivals serve as a beacon, attracting devotees and enthusiasts alike to partake in the divine energy that resonates within its sacred precincts. The temple can easily be reached as it is merely 4 km away from Alleppey railway station.