KUMARANALLUR - MURUGAN AMBALAM

The present Devi temple was originally built by king Chairman for installation of Murugan only, but extra-ordinary circumstances forced him to accept Devi's occupation. It reads like a fantasy! Now proceed to the place and learn its origin and then pray to Muruga for generously giving up his abode for Devi. Though Devi is occupying and drawing Bhaktas, it is and was Murugan temple. There is also Murugan's icon receiving worship, but with lesser fervour. And it is given secondary importance, but never relegated to background. The origin of the Devi's taking her seat here is very odd. Strange that this temple bears resemblance to Madurai Meenakshi temple, and stranger to hear the priests are called Madurai Nambudris. Strangest is the fact that they have assimilated the spirit of Kerala life and have become one with them.

This is the beginning - once Mother Meenakshi's nose ring was found missing in the temple. When it was reported to the ruling Pandyan king, he ordered the execution of the priest without enquiry or trial. Hearing, the innocent priest fled for safety in the dead of night. As he was groping his way, there appeared a shaft of bright light and led him to this place, as in the case of a bright star leading the wise men of the Fast to Bethelhem at the time of Christ's birth. Soon after reaching this place, that shaft - no other than the Devi entered the temple, built for Lord Subrahmanya by Chairman Peruman. Seeing the Devi taking seat in the temple meant for Lord Subrahmanya, the Chairman decided to disgrace her by dislodging. just then, there enveloped thick fog and covered the whole town. So it was called Manchoor - means a place covered with a sheet of fog.

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