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Malikapuram Temple at Sabarimala - Malikapurathamma

Malikapuram Temples at Sabarimala is dedicated to Malikapurathamma. The small temple is located on the right side of the main temple at Sabarimala. There is an interesting story of Ayyappa and Malikapurathamma. The popular belief is that Malikapurathamma is the beautiful woman that emerged from the body of Demon Mahishi after the demon was annihilated by Lord Ayyappa.

After appearing from the body of demon Mahishi, Malikapurathamma made a request to Lord Ayyappa to marry her. But Ayyappa said that he was a Brahmachari and so he could not marry her. But Malikapurathamma continued to plead to marry her and then Lord Ayyappa said that He will marry her when no Kanni Ayyappas or first time visitors comes to his shrine.

The first time visitors, or Kanni Ayyappas, to the Ayyappa temple pierce sharakol, or arrow, at Sharamkutti on the way to the Sabarimala Temple.

Every year Malikapurathamma is taken from Malikapuram Temple to Sharamkutti in a procession to know whether any Kanni Ayyappas have arrived. She returns back sadly after seeing thousands of Sharakols at Sharamkutti.

The most important puja and offering performed at the Malikapuram Temple is Bhagavati Seva. 

Pattudayada (silk cloth), Pottu (Bindi), Chandu, Kanmashi (Kajal), and Vala (bangles) are the other main offerings.
A unique ritual performed by Ayyappa devotees at Malikapuram Temple is the rolling of coconuts or thengai uruttu.

The other shrines near Malikapuram Temple are that of Nagaraja, Navagrahas and Kochu Kadathu Swami. Mani Mandapam the place where Lord Ayyappa meditated before merging with main Murti in the Sabarimala Temple is also located here.