Temple For Duryodhana, The Kaurva Villain At Kollam Kerala

Tuesday, May 16, 2023, 22:45

We have one temple for every mythical hero in every village of town. India has quite a good number of temple towns that are built for the heroes whose lives stand as examples for us to follow.

Sometimes, views and opinions differ. So as a result of this, we erect temples for villains too, for a change. Duryodhana for example, may appear as a villain to good many of us where as he has a dedicated set of followers who have also built a temple for him.

At Kollam Kerala, there is no idol inside the temple but there is a mandapam on which devotees can sit and meditate because this was exactly the place where Duryodhana meditated.

This temple is built in recognition of the virtues that he showed to the villagers of this village. Duryodhana had been here, searching for pandavas who were in exile.

Tired of the journey, he asked for water to drink from an old lady from the kuruva caste. When she gave him toddy to drink, he drank all of it and quenched his thirst.

Noticing his attire and ornaments, people around him realized that he was a king. Duryodhana did not bother about her religion but as a sign of gratitude, he sat on this mandapa and prayed to Lord Shiva for the good of the villagers.

He donated lands to them. His temple is known as Poruvazhy Peruviruthy Malanada Temple and it is built in the same spot where he meditated.

The people of this village aer so enamoured by his regal personality that they pay taxes even today in the name of Duryodhana. The priest for this temple is from kuruva community.

This temple is on top of a hill but it is conspicuous due to absence of gopura or a temple tower or an idol.
Poruvazhy Peruviruthy Malanada Temple has a Gold Flag which is hoisted only on auspicious days like 'Malakkuda Maholsavam procession Day'.

About 70-80 feet tall decorated structures of bulls and horses are taken on a procession along with a orchestra background. These are carried on chariots.

It is evident that this Kaurava Prince had a generous compassionate heart that beat for the sufferings of the downtrodden. He born in an atmosphere of vengeance, to two parents whose animosity towards Pandavas was bred to Duryodhana's bones.

He grew up venomous, bullied his Pandava cousins without reason, usurped the throne what was rightfully theirs, misbehaved with Draupadi and settled for war as the only solution to the maladies that both parties suffered.

But it was the gesture that he showed to the downtrodden is still alive in their minds and they worship him even today for the mercies extended.