Maalikapurathamma is a Hindu goddess enshrined in a small temple at Sabarimala Ayyappan temple. The Maalikapurathamma temple is located within the Sabarimala temple complex and is visited after visiting the main shrine.
Cheerappanchira is an ancient noble Ezhava family from Muhamma in Alappuzha District. According to mythology, Maalikapurathamma is the divine daughter of Cheerappanchira Panicker. [1] [2] [3] Ayyappan was sent by the Pandalam king to Muhamma to learn Kalaripayattu. Malikkapurathamma, also known as Subhadra, taught kalari to Ayyappan in the absence of her father. During this time, she fell love with Ayyappan, but Ayyappan remained celibate. The Cheerappanchira family holds the rights to conduct fireworks, to light Nilavilak and ceremonial lamps at the Malikapurathamma temple, and collect half of the coconuts donated by the devotees at the Malikapurathamma temple. [4]
Thenga Urutt (rolling of coconut) is an important ritual performed in the temple. [2] Coconuts are offered to the goddess after rolling them on the ground. [5] Other offerings to the goddess include betel leaves, kumkum, turmeric, banana, jaggery, red colored-silk, and honey. [6]