Mampazhathara Bhagavathi Temple, also known as the Pushkala Devi Temple, is located at Mampazhathara (Mampazhathurai) near Aryankavu in Kollam District of Kerala. Surrounded by the scenic hills and forests of the Western Ghats, the temple is closely associated with the famous Aryankavu Sastha Temple and is an important center of Bhagavathi worship.
The exact age of the temple is not known. However, it is regarded as an ancient shrine that has been worshipped for generations and remains an important part of the spiritual heritage of the region.
The presiding deity is Pushkala Devi, worshipped as Bhagavathi, the Divine Mother. She is revered as a compassionate goddess who protects her devotees and grants blessings related to prosperity, family welfare, courage, and spiritual well-being.
The temple follows the traditional Kerala style of architecture. The sanctum, stone-pillared mandapam, sloping roofs, and simple sacred layout reflect the architectural traditions of Kerala temples. The peaceful surroundings add to the temple’s spiritual charm.
The temple’s sacred legend begins in Madurai, where a young girl named Pushkala, the daughter of a Saurashtra silk merchant, lived. Though only nine years old, she possessed deep devotion towards Lord Hariharaputra (Lord Ayyappa).
During a journey with her father to Thiruvananthapuram, they stopped at the Aryankavu Sastha Temple. The moment Pushkala entered the temple, she felt an intense spiritual attraction towards Lord Ayyappa and desired to remain in his presence. Her father entrusted her to the temple priest and continued his journey.
While returning, the merchant was saved from a wild elephant by a hunter. In gratitude, he promised the hunter that Pushkala would be given in marriage to him. Arrangements were made for the wedding to take place at Aryankavu.
When the wedding party arrived at the temple, Pushkala had mysteriously disappeared. The temple priest opened the sanctum and witnessed a divine revelation. Lord Ayyappa appeared as a celestial bridegroom wearing a shawl gifted by the hunter, revealing that he had accepted Pushkala as his divine consort.
Another traditional version of the Sthalapurana says that all arrangements were made for Pushkala’s marriage. However, before the wedding could take place, she attained womanhood. Since Lord Ayyappa of Aryankavu had taken a vow of lifelong celibacy, the marriage could not happen. Pleased with her deep devotion and purity, Lord Ayyappa blessed Pushkala and declared that she should be worshipped as a goddess. She later manifested as Pushkala Devi at Mampazhathara, where devotees continue to worship her as Bhagavathi and seek her blessings. Following the divine command, Pushkala manifested at Mampazhathara as Pushkala Devi. A shrine was established for her, and she came to be worshipped as Bhagavathi, blessing devotees with protection, prosperity, and spiritual grace.
The temple is one of the rare shrines associated with the Pushkala Devi legend connected to Lord Ayyappa. It symbolizes unwavering devotion, divine grace, and the eternal bond between the devotee and the Divine. Devotees believe that sincere prayers offered here help remove obstacles and bring peace, prosperity, and family harmony.
The temple also holds special importance for the Saurashtra community, whose ancestors preserved the legend of Pushkala Devi through generations. Many Saurashtra devotees continue to visit the temple and Aryankavu, considering the story an important part of their religious and cultural heritage.
Thirukalyana Utsavam is the temple’s most important festival, commemorating the sacred association of Pushkala Devi with Lord Ayyappa through special rituals and prayers. Navarathri is celebrated with Devi worship and special poojas, while Thrikkarthika is marked by the lighting of traditional lamps and offerings to Bhagavathi. The annual temple festival also features special poojas, deeparadhana, and devotional gatherings of devotees from the surrounding regions.
