Story of Malikapurathamma at Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple

Malikapurathamma is the Goddess that is worshipped in a subsidiary shrine at Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple. Malikapurathamma Temple is visited after having darshan of Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple. As per the story of Malikapurathamma, she is Demoness Mahishi who was annihilated by Ayyappa.

When Mahishi – the buffalo-headed demon – was killed by Ayyappa, she changed into a beautiful woman. Mahishi in her previous birth was the daughter of Sage Galvan. She was cursed by a student of Galvan to become a buffalo headed demon.

With Ayyappa killing Mahishi, she attained reprieve from curse.

The beautiful woman wanted to marry Ayyappa. But Ayyappa told her that he is a Brahmachari. Ayyappa asked her to reside near his temple in Sabarimala. Her temple in time came to be known as Malikapurathamma Temple.

Ayyappa also told her that He will marry her when no first timer (kanni Ayyappa) comes to Sabarimala Ayyappa temple.

Related
Story of Mahishi