Sakuni, or Shakuni Mama, the uncle of Kauravas, in the Mahabharata is one of the most hated characters in Hindu scriptures especially the Mahabharata. His name is associated with villainy and people talk about him scornfully and with disrespect. But Sanatana Dharma sees a person in terms of Gunas. It is true that Tamasic characteristics was dominant in Shakuni but he too had Sattvic elements and this was recognized by a community in Kerala and there is an ancient temple dedicated to Shakuni at Mayamkottu Malancharuvu Malanada Temple at Pavithreswaram near Kottarakkara.
Mayamkottu Malancharuvu Malanada Temple at Pavithreswaram
The most important exhibit in the temple is a throne ( a granite stone inside the temple) believed to have been used by Shakuni. There are no usual pujas and Tantric rituals at the temple. Offerings to the temple include tender coconut, silk, toddy etc. The temple is maintained by the Kurava community of the region.
The temple does not have a proper temple structure. Worshipped is performed on a raised platform. There are murtis on the raised platform. Subsidiary deities can be seen nearby.
The temple does not have a proper temple structure. Worshipped is performed on a raised platform. There are murtis on the raised platform. Subsidiary deities can be seen nearby.
Origin of Shakuni Temple at Pavithreswaram
During the Mahabharata battle, Shakuni traveled across the
country along with his nephews, the Kauravas. When they reached the place where
the temple is situated, the Kauravas divided their weapons among them. Since
then, the place came to be known as ‘Pakutheswaram’, which later became
Pavithreswaram.
Shakuni returned to this place after the battle and attained
‘moksha’ with the blessings of Lord Siva and became Lord Sakuni. The subdeities
of the temple include Bhuvaneswari Devi, Kiratha Moorthi and Nagaraja.
The festival of the temple, popularly known as Malakkuda
Maholsavam, is observed in the Makaram month in the Malayalam calendar.
Nearby the Shakuni Temple