Ancient ritual continues at Poonjar Palace as Mangaladevi festival draws devotees
The annual Mangaladevi Temple festival took place on May 1, 2026, with continued observance of the traditional Manthily Pooja at Poonjar Palace. The royal family attributes their survival and legacy to the revival of the temple, which was destroyed in 1772. A monthly ritual is still performed at the palace, reflecting the enduring spiritual connection between the temple and the Poonjar dynasty.
- ▪The Manthily Pooja is a sacred ritual conducted at Poonjar Palace linked to the revival of the Mangaladevi Temple.
- ▪The monthly Pathmamittu Vilakkuvachu Pooja is held on the last Friday of each month in the palace's Thevarapura.
- ▪Historical records indicate the temple was destroyed in 1772 by a commander under Hyder Ali, who later reportedly rebuked the act.
- ▪The tradition of the pooja began after an astrological consultation, as documented in the book Poonjar Rajakudumba Charithravalokanam.
- ▪Members of the royal family and temple trustees maintain regular visits between the Poonjar Palace and the Mangaladevi Temple.
- ▪The Poonjar royal family views the temple's revival as a heartfelt and ongoing aspiration.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
As the annual Mangaladevi Temple festival was held on Friday (May 1, 2026), the Poonjar Palace—once the seat of royalty in the erstwhile Poonjar Kingdom—continued its sacred tradition of the Manthily Pooja. This age-old ritual is closely intertwined with the revival of the Mangaladevi Temple, an act the royal family believes was pivotal to their survival and legacy. According to legend, the decline of the Poonjar dynasty began after the original temple, which was once under the kingdom’s jurisdiction, fell into ruin.Muralidhara Varma, a 70-year-old member of the Poonjar royal family, explained that the monthly ritual, known as the “Pathmamittu Vilakkuvachu Pooja,” is conducted in the Thevarapura of the palace on the last Friday of every month.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Hindu — Top.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from The Hindu — Top
