Malanada Duryodhana Temple: India, a land of diverse cultures and rich mythology, is home to numerous temples dedicated to gods and goddesses from various pantheons. Among these, there are a few temples that stand out due to their unique deities and legends. One such remarkable shrine is a Duryodhana Temple in the southern state of Kerala.
Nestled in the Malanada village in Kerala's Kollam district, the Duryodhana Temple is a testament to India's inclusive cultural heritage. This temple, known as the Poruvazhy Peruviruthy Malanada Duryodhana Temple, is dedicated to Duryodhana, the much hated primary antagonist of the great epic of ancient Indian literature, the Mahabharat.
Who Was Duryodhana?
Duryodhana is a central figure in the Mahabharat. He was the eldest of the Kauravas, the hundred sons of King Dhritarashtra and Queen Gandhari. Duryodhana is widely regarded as the primary antagonist of the epic due to his enmity with the Pandavas, the five sons of Pandu who had got the throne of Hastinapur because his elder brother Dhritarashtra was visually impaired.
Duryodhana's hatred for the Pandavas stemmed from his desire for power, and his belief that he was the rightful heir to the throne of Hastinapur. His refusal to share the kingdom and his attempts to humiliate and destroy the Pandavas led to the catastrophic Kurukshetra War, which forms the climax of the Mahabharata.
Duryodhana's character is complex. While he is often depicted as arrogant and vengeful, he also demonstrates loyalty (as depicted in his friendship with Karna) and bravery. His actions and decisions, however, ultimately lead to widespread destruction and loss, which earns him a place as one of the most reviled characters in Indian mythology.
So, why is there a temple dedicated to him?
ALSO READ ON ABP LIVE | Bhopal-Based Jyoti Ratre Becomes Oldest Indian Woman To Climb Everest At 55
Legend Behind Duryodhana Temple In Kerala
According to local folklore, Duryodhana travelled through the forests of Kerala in this region while searching for the Pandavas during the 'agyatvas' (incognito exile) leg of their 13-year exile so he could make them repeat the exile cycle. This was the condition he had set while sending the five brothers and their wife Draupadi on exile — that they will have to spend the last year of the 13-year exile in 'agyatvas', and have to repeat the cycle if caught and identified.
It is believed that Duryodhana had sought refuge in the Malanada village when he was tired, and the local tribal chief had welcomed him warmly, providing food and shelter. In gratitude for this hospitality, Duryodhana blessed the village, and the temple was subsequently established to honour the memory of the mace-wielding warrior prince.
While this is the only known Duryodhana temple, the region has two other shrines dedicated to other Kauravas, Dussasana and Dussala. There is, in fact, a temple dedicated to Sakuni — the devious maternal uncle of the Kauravas — too at Pavithreswaram.
There are apparently more such temples scattered across Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha, and Pathanamthitta districts — "101" to be precise, according to the Hindu report. Temple committee president Biju M. Thottathil told the news daily: "Each temple has its own legend and though we know about a spate of temples, we don't know the location of the rest."
A Temple With No Idol, And Toddy As The Offering
An intriguing aspect of the Malanada Duryodhana Temple is that it does not have an idol of Duryodhana. Instead, the deity is represented by a raised platform, which symbolises the presence of the Kaurava prince. This departure from traditional idol worship adds to the temple's unique charm and mystique.
And the uniqueness of the temple does not end there.
Devotees at the temple don't address the deity as a God, but call him 'appooppan', which means 'grandfather' in Malayalam. And the main offering at this temple is toddy.
According to a Kerala Tourism website, the priest at this temple still hails from the Kurava community.
As per a report in The Hindu, the priest doesn't recite any Sanskrit mantra here, but simply invokes Gods in Malayalam and seeks blessings. "The temple remains open 24x7 and devotees cutting across caste and religion are welcome," the report quotes priest Krishnan as saying.
ALSO READ ON ABP LIVE | Summer Vacation Destinations: Odisha's Charming Hill Stations
Festivals And Rituals At Duryodhana Temple
The temple is renowned for its vibrant festivals and distinctive rituals. The most significant event is the annual "Kettukazhcha" festival, celebrated as part of the Maha Malakkuda Maholsavam, where large, elaborately decorated structures called "Eduppu Kala" are paraded through the village. The 'Malanada Maholsavam' festival draws a large number of devotees and tourists.
The Malanada Duryodhana Temple is not just a place of worship but also a symbol of cultural and religious harmony. People from various communities and religious backgrounds come together to participate in its festivals and rituals, showcasing the inclusive spirit of Kerala's society.
The temple's architecture reflects the traditional style of Kerala. Those who have visited the place found the surroundings serene and the temple's structure distinctive, which make it a peaceful and picturesque destination.
The Malanada Duryodhana Temple in Kerala is a place where history, legend, and culture converge, offering a glimpse into the lesser-known aspects of India's spiritual heritage.
In fact, the state authorities are reportedly planning to make the Duryodhana temple and other Kaurava shrines part of a pilgrimage tourism circuit. "We are trying to identify a few (temples) to develop a circuit. Thousands visit the Duryodhana temple during its annual festival and we can offer them packages," the October 2023 Hindu report quoted an official as saying.