Kumaramangalam Temple

Getting there

• By air

  Cochin International Airport in Kochi is the nearest airport.

• By train

  Kottayam railway station (KTYM) is the nearest railway station.

Why devotees come here

Kumaramangalam Temple is a Murugan shrine in the backwaters of Kumarakom, Kerala, set amid the waters of Vembanad Lake. It is built in traditional Kerala style, with imposing wooden pillars and carved sculptures.

Legend says the gods came in a pious villager's dream and asked him to build a shrine on that spot. He followed the guidance and set up the idol of Murugan there. The main deity is housed in the sanctum sanctorum at the centre of the temple.

The temple is believed to have been founded in earlier centuries. It has been reconstructed and restored over the years. It sits in the backwaters of Kumarakom, a tourism destination near the city of Kottayam.

The architecture follows traditional Kerala style, with imposing wooden pillars and fine carvings of deities and scenes from mythology. The gopuram tower is decorated with colourful sculptures and patterns. The hall is of open design, so visitors get fresh air from the lake.

Festivals

• annualThaipusam

  The annual Thaipusam festival is a must-attend event. During the festival, processions take place, cultural performances are arranged and holy prayers are chanted.

Tips for your visit

• Join the morning rituals and daily pujas that the temple priests perform on a regular basis.
• Attend guided tours that explain the temple's past, present and mythical aspects to get a better feel.
• Aruvikkuzhi waterfall is about 10 km from the temple by road.
• A boat cruise on Vembanad Lake is a quiet way to enjoy the backwaters and natural beauty.
• Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary gives visitors an opportunity to see fascinating wildlife.

Questions people ask