Poruvazhy Peruviruthy Malanada Temple

Poruvazhy Peruviruthy Malanada Temple, also known as Peruviruthy Malanada or Malanada is the only temple in India dedicated to Duryodhana. Set inside the Poruvazhy Village in Kollam district, Kerala, this temple is symbolic of the goodness of a negatively portrayed character. Despite being a jealous brother and mistreating his sister-in-law Draupadi, Duryodhana still had some admirable qualities.

Malanada – There is a Nada (Temple) on the Mala (Hill). Unlike other temples, there is no deity, nor a ‘Sreekovil’ as such in Malanada.Sreekovil and deity we could see only a raised platform called ‘Althara’ or ‘Mandapam’. In the absence of an idol, devotees submit themselves to a divine power (of their imagination/understanding) through a mental process of ‘Sankalpam’.

Legend has it that Duryodhana went searching for the Pandavas when they were in exile. During his search in the southern forests of Kerala, he reached this place. He was extremely thirsty and asked for some water. An old lady, belonging from a low caste, offered him toddy (sweet coconut water) which Duryodhana drank without any hesitation.

The king enjoyed the drink, but realized after seeing the ‘Kurathali’ worn by the woman that she belonged ‘Kurava’ clan. The king appreciated the divinity of the place and its people who possessed supernatural powers (Siddha).

He was quite touched by the untouchable lady hospitality. To show his gratitude, he sat there on a hill and prayed to Lord Shiva for the well-being of the people living in the village. Not only this, he also gave agricultural land to villagers.
Later, the villagers got Poruvazhy Peruviruthy Malanada Temple built on the same spot where he meditated. Interestingly, the temple also pays property tax every year in the name of Duryodhana, which only shows villagers’ love and respect for him. In fact, the temple’s priest till date comes from the Kurava community.