Irumkulangara Durga Bhagavathi Temple

Irumkulangara Durga Bhagavathi Temple is an ancient and oldest pilgrim center located in Thottam, Manacaud,Thiruvananthapuram city in Kerala. It is situated about two kilometers to the south east from Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram City .The temple is run and managed by Sree Irumkulangara Durga Devi Temple Trust. The temple is dedicated to workship of goddess Durga. Apart from these deities the temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Nagaraja, Brahmarakshassu, Maadan Thampuran, Sri Bhairava Moorthy and Navagrahas sub-deities.Red color flowers are banned and other flowers such as Tulsi, Jasmine, Lotus, Nandyarvattom, thetti etc are used for pooja.The temple kavu was awarded by Kerala Government Department of Forest and Wildlife as one of the best maintained.The new facilities of the temple were created by Sree Uthradam Thirunal Marthandavarma Maharaja on December 25th, 2009.Unlike other Durga Devi temples rituals like Thottampaattu and Ottam are restricted here

History

Sree Irumkulangara Durga Bhagavathi is one of the most earliest temples in Kerala. Irumkulangara Durga Devi Temple is located on the bank of two ponds. The temple gave the name: “irum” means two and “kulam” means pond from there. The pond gives marvelous reflection of the Durga temple .It is believed that the temple has a relationship with the famous Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. In ancient times priests of the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple are believed to arrive at Irumkulangara by country boats for performing pooja and rituals at the temple.It is tedious and more difficult to find other temple of Thiruvananthapuram which preserves the beauty and atmosphere gifted by nature.In 2011, Painkuni Mahothsavam Festival was celebrated from 29 March to 8 April . The main Ulsavam was celebrated on 7 April .

Festival and Architecture

There are many festival celebrated in Irumkulangara Durga Devi Temple throughout the year. But among them Painkuni Mahothsavam is the major festival of the temple.This festival is conducted in the Malayalam month of March for almost 10 days and ends with Ezhunnallathu & Pongala .Mandala Vratham Festival is also celebrated in connection with the annual Utsavam of Sabarimala.Vinayaka Chathurthi Festival is dedicated to the lord Ganapathy.Karthika occasions is celebrated every month of the Year.Ayilya Pooja is done in Ayilyam day except in the months of Mithunam and Karkidakom.on this day milk and Flowers are offered to God.Vavu Bali Festival is held in the month of Karkidakom. Ramayana Parayanam and BhagavathiSeva event is held on all days of Karkidakom at the evening. Ayilyolsavam, Pooja Vaypu for Dussera festival is also celebrated in Irumkulangara Durga Devi Temple. Irumkulangara Durga Devi Temple has been beautifully decorated and designed at the time of festival. The temple had been recently repaired and renovated under the guidance of Vastu Shasthra expert Kanippayyur Krishnan Namboodiripad.The temple architecture was built in the new Generation age.The temple architect was Manacaud S Narayanamoorthy.
Timing of the Temple: At Morning:5.00am to 10.00am, At Evening: 5.00pm to 8.00pm.

How to Reach:

By Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is the nearest airport to reach the temple.

By Train:Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station at Thampannor is the nearest railway station

By Bus: Trivandrum Central Bus Station is located at Thampannor is just 2 km away from Attukal Devi Temple Whereas Thiruvananthapuram City Bus Station is located at East Fort is just 1.5 km away from the temple.