Opens only on last day of Makaram; Know more about Kerala's only Kalamaadan temple

ALAPPUZHA: ‘Kaalamaadan’, a term often used offensively during quarrels and verbal arguments, is, after all, a deity in Alappuzha. The people who come and bow down in deference before the deity with folded hands chant 'Kalamadaa, protect me...".

This temple enshrines the fierce Kalamaadan, one of the sons of Lord Shiva. The Sree Kalamaadan Swami Temple is located at the Muttom Choondu Palaka junction. Although there are many temples across Kerala where Madan is worshipped as a sub-deity, this Haripad temple remains the only Kalamaadan temple in Kerala.

It is believed that the form of Kalamaadan Swami was carved from a jackfruit tree during the reign of the Kayamkulam king. The form was kept and worshipped in the Muttom Kaniyamparambil family's room, and according to ancient sources, the temple was established and consecrated years later. The right to worship in the temple also belongs to the descendants of the Kaniyamparambil family.

Devotees flock to the temple on the last day of Makaram to see the deity with eyes of a lantern and sharp teeth. Panchanagas are also installed above the form like an umbrella. Even though the temple is closed, many devotees visit every day. Prayers are offered to the temple along with a bundle of betel leaves, five packs of tobacco, oil, sandalwood powder and camphor. Some devotees pour ghee or sesame oil and light the lamp continuously for 11 to 21 days for the desired purpose.

The temple is open only one day a year. It is the last day of the Makaram month. On that day, after the Archana ritual, the black chicken is slaughtered and offered as a sacrifice. Puja is performed on the first day of every Malayalam month at the Bhadrakali temple, which is adjacent to the Kalamadan idol.