Katu-Sarkara-Yogam or Kadu Sarkarayogam is an ancient technique of
Vigraha(idol) making following the directions given in Shilpa Sastras.
There are only a few temples in India where the Vigrahas are made of off
Katu-Sarkara-Yogam process. In this method, the idol is made of rare
combinations of more than 108 material naturally available in six different
steps:
.Skeleton making Good quality wood like Sandal, Karigali, Deodar is chosen
& different body parts are made of from the wood and joined together with
copper wire and copper.
Astabandha Lepa. Different types of materials like Jaggary, Thribvattapasa
(gum obtain from trees), a resin obtained from different trees are powered
& mixed in a specific proportions in oil & ghee and heated in an earthen
pot to make a paste.
Nadi Bandhana Fine fiber from coconut husk is used to resemble the nervous
system of the Idol.
Mirth Lepana: This is the most complex process. Soil from three types of
land i.e dry, marshy & desert is collected. Each type of soil is mixed with
specific kashayam(concoction) & kept for 10 days. This mixture is mixed
with Triphala Kashayam & kept for another 10 days. Then river sand is added
to this mixture & different other material along with Ganga water is added.
The mixture is added to a concoction of Lippa tree and kept for 5 days.
Thus, a medicinal mud is created. This mud is applied to the skeleton of an
idol to obtained the desired shape.
Silk Fixing: Pure silk is wrapped around the idol with latex to give
protection to the Mirth Lepana.
Kallaka Application: River sand, black sand, and gravel sand in equal
proportion powdered for a month in concoction of Triphala, gum of Koovalam
& plavu. This mixture is called kalkka. This kalkka is coated on the idol
and also use for ornamentation and decoration. Application of sankhu
(conch)powder is used to give the Vigraha a whitening look.
Katusarkara Yogam is an ancient, specialized technique used to
create temple idols in India, particularly in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It
involves a unique, medicinal-based mixture of herbs and a specific
construction process that differs from other idol-making methods. The
resulting idols, like those at Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple, are not
typically subjected to Abhishekam (ritual bathing).
Katusarkara Yogam utilizes a specific blend of herbs and materials, often
including divine earth from various locations and 108 ayurvedic compounds.
The idols are not cast or carved in the traditional sense. Instead, the
mixture is applied and shaped on-site, often using wooden tools and
jackfruit leaves, says a report in The Hindu. This technique is rare and
not widely practiced. The idols made using Katusarkara Yogam are known for
their medicinal properties and are often associated with specific deities
and temples. The Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram,
Kerala, and the Thiruppathisaram temple in Tamil Nadu, are known for their
deities made using Katusarkara Yogam. Only floral Puja is performed.
HISTORY of HERBAL that is different from NAVABHASHAANAM OF
PAZHANI:
The worship of deities is closely associated with the evolution of mankind.
The early tribal settlements had a leader and he had conceived a form of
God that they believed to give protection and such conceptions were based
on nature and environment. This approach led them to worship the sun
(Sūrya), the rain (Indra), the fire (Agni), the animals, birds, trees,
plants, etc. The worship of the elephant (later transformed as Ganapati),
the serpent (Naga worship), and trees (Banyan tree) are the leftovers of
pre-Dravidian culture. In course of time, the mode of worship developed to
the concepts of ancestor worship, spirits of animistic origin, spirits of
Indian mythology and legendary or historical heroes who gave up their lives
for society and attained divinity.
In Kritha-yuga men had great mental power and they could meditate the
‘Pranava mantra’ (Om or AUM) with full concentration. Here ‘A’ represents
the Almighty; ‘U’ represents the Universe and ‘M’ represents Man. Gradually
man lost concentration and in Tretha-yuga, he began to worship natural
forces like the Agni (fire), the Surya (Sun), the Vayu (air) and the Jala
(water) as representatives of the superpower. During Dvapara-yuga, the
systematic procedure of worship was evolved and followed. In Kali-yuga to
have mental peace, shastra (science) gave importance to Namasamkērthanam,
Sath-Sanga, hearing of scriptures, worship in temples, etc.
As far as laymen are concerned their feeling of God is in idols. Our
philosophies believe God lives within Us. But for ordinary people,
different types of idols were made in different materials based on
different concepts. Idols are either self-revealed (Swayambhu) or made and
consecrated. Swayambhu idols are considered more sacred and important. The
emergence of Swayambhu idols is associated with some strange incidents.
There are instances where idols were recovered from rivers, streams, etc.
on whispering in the dreams of ardent devotees.
The idols made and consecrated are excellent artistic creations
either carved or moulded as laid down in Shilpa-Shastras. Consecrating
idols in the shrine generally are made in different mediums such as stone,
metal, wood, Kadu-sarkara-yogam, stucco, and mud and a system of
measurements of them was also schematized. An elaborate description of them
is found in Agamas. Even according to the Agama texts, icons can be
constructed of stone, wood, metal, clay, kadu-sarkara — a kind of cement,
precious stones, or painted on cloth. Those made in metal are usually
sculptured in wax form and then cast in metal.
In a few temples in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the idols are made of
neither metal nor stone but are prepared by a unique technique employing a
rare combination of about 108 materials called Kadu-sharkara-yogam.
Literally, it translates as a ‘hard sugar candy recipe’.
kṛtvā pratinidhiṃ samyag dāru loha śilādibhiḥ |
tat sthāpayitvā māṃ sthāne śāstra dṛṣena vartmanā || 2
Padma Samhita,
Kriya Pada 1:5
The Kadu Sarkara Yogam, an auspicious and noble yogam, is a rare
mixture of natural materials that is used to make or fix idols in temples.
Making of idols using Kadu Sarkara Yogam involves six stages: (1) Making
the skeleton of the idol as per the measurements as specified in Tantric
Texts; (2) Ashta-bandha-Lepana for properly fixing the skeleton; (3)
Nadi-bandhanāni i.e., fixing of nerves at various parts of the skeleton
from head to toe; (4) Mirth Lepana i.e., coating specially prepared
medicated mud for shaping different parts of the body; (5) Fixing of silk
cloth resembling an inner layer of human skin and (6) Application of kalkka
– a thin natural medicinal coat for the protection of the body.
Ashta-Bandha-Lepana (Eight mixture Paste)
A powdered mixture of about 1 part of gum from the common gum tree (also
called Thiruvatta Pasha), 3 parts of kundirikkam (Boswellia Serrate), 5
parts of gulgulu (Commiphora Mukul), 1 part of jaggery, parts of
chenchalyam (resin of Shorea Robusta), and 3 parts of kavi earth (red
lumber stone or red ochre) is made. It is mixed with equal portions of oil
and ghee and then boiled in an earthen pot till it reaches the consistency
of honey. The mixture is applied all over the skeleton of the idol which
binds the frame. This is known as Ashtabandha-lepana. [ALMOST EVERY TEMPLE
OF TAMIL NADU HAVE INLY SUCH HERBAL KUMBABISHEKAM @ KADU SARKARA YOGAM.
Malayalapuzha Devi / Bhadrakali Temple, Malayalappuzha
Malayalappuzha Devi temple11 dedicated to goddess Bhadrakali at
Malayalappuzha is in district Pathanamthtta of Kerala. The temple enshrines
an eight-armed goddess Bhadrakali seated on padmasana. At the time of the
consecration of the image, the priests endow the figure with power and
energy by Tantric methods in a ritual called Prana- Prathishta (life-giving
ritual). The Kali images have been made using a technique called Kadu
Sarkara Yogam. In addition, there are two more idols inside the sanctum
sanctorum; one is used for abhisheka and the other for Sri Bali, a daily
ritual.
Madayi Kavu, Kannur Madayi Kavu is situated at Madayi
Para, Payangadi, presently located near Payyanur railway station in the
Kannur district. It is believed that this place was initially a part of the
sea and when a conch (Shanka) thrown by lord Prasurama landed here, the sea
moved and the place became a barren land to be known as Madayi Para. The
idol of the Devi /Bhagavathi, facing the east side is made of very rare
concentrated Jaggery -Kadu Sarkara
5. Shri Madhur Ganapathi Temple, Kasaragod Madhur Ganapathi temple,
also known as Madhur Sri Madanantheshvara Siddhivinayaka temple18, is an
apsidal shrine situated on bank of the river Madhuvahini about 8 km
northeast of Kasaragod in Kerala. As the legend goes a woman accidently
discovered the Swayambhu Shivalinga. Mayappadi king, the ruler of the
region, had a dream that night in which he was asked to consecrate the
Shivalinga at Madhuri. There is an interesting story that revolves around
Ganapati found on the outer face of the southern wall of the sanctum
sanctorum of Shivalinga. As the lore goes, in order to avoid any kind of
troubles and obstructions while doing penance here, one Yogeshvara drew
Ganapathi on the wall here. But it was found later that the drawing got
transformed into an image. The image is of Kadu Sharkara Yogam – a special
kind of murti found in certain rare Kerala temples.
6. Thiruvazhamarban Temple, Thiruppathisaram
Thiruvazhamarban temple also known as Sri Kuralappa Perumal
temple is in Thiruppathisaram in lush surroundings near Nagarkoil in
district Kanyakumari of Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity here is Vishnu in a
seated posture called as Thiruvazhamarban also known as Tirukkuralappan or
Venkatachalapti. It is about feet in height. The deity is made of a special
element called Kadusarkara yogam. Since the presiding deity is made of
mustard and jaggery paste, no abishekam is performed to the goddess
Mahalakshmi / Kamalavalli Naachiyar found residing on his chest.
7. Shri Adi Keshava Perumal Temple, Thiruvattar Situated in a
picturesque landscape and surrounded on three sides by rivers Kothai,
Parali and Thamirabarani Sri Adi Keshava Perumal temple is in Thiruvattar
in district Kanyakumari of Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity here is Vishnu
in the form of Adi Keshava reclining on the serpent couch Anantha. The idol
of Adi Keshava is made of a mixture of Kada Sarkari Yogam. There are images
of Sridevi and Bhudevi, Garuda, Sun, deities of five weapons, demons Madhu
and Kaitabha and saint Hadhaleya {RAMACHNDRA RAO AGAMA ENCYCLOPEDIA}
K Rajaram IRS 23425
On Tue, 22 Apr 2025 at 12:45, 'gopala krishnan' via Thatha_Patty <
thatha_patty@googlegroups.com> wrote:
> *MALAYALAPPUZHA DEVI TEMPLE,*
>
> * PATHANAMTHITTA DISTRICT, KERALA*
>
> Dear friends,
>
> Today my posting is about the famous Malayalappuzha Devi Temple, which is
> a Bhadrakali temple situated at Malayalappuzha in Pathanamthitta in Kerala,
> India.
>
> It is believed that the temple was built more than 1000 years ago. The
> temple is about 10 KM from Pathanamthitta. Nearest Railway station is
> Chengannur. Temple is on a small hill. Steps are there to reach the
> temple. The temple is close to my native Pandalam. My latest visit was when
> a Mahayanjam conducted in the temple about 10 years ago.
>
> Hope a divine reading.
>
> Gopalakrishnan 22-4-2025.
>
> LEGEND
>
> Once upon a time, two revered members of the Namboothiri caste from
> northern Travancore—belonging to the Aikireth Illam and Eravimangalath
> Illam —undertook a sacred pilgrimage to the holy shrine of Mookambika. With
> them, they carried an idol of Bhadrakali, to whom they devoted themselves
> in deep and prolonged meditation.
>
> Moved by their unwavering devotion, Goddess Bhadrakali bestowed upon them
> a divine oracle, *proclaiming that her perpetual presence would dwell
> within the idol they bore*. Empowered by this divine revelation, the two
> Namboothiris resumed their pilgrimage, bearing the sacred idol with
> reverence.
>
> After a few years of travel with the idol to find where to consecrate the
> idol, the Goddess again manifested before them—this time to guide them
> to their final destination. She revealed that Malayalappuzha was the most
> auspicious land to enshrine her divine form. Obedient to her command, the
> Namboothiris continued their journey to Malayalappuzha and consecrated the
> idol, establishing what would become a powerful and revered temple of
> Bhadrakali.
>
> To this day, the descendants of the Aikireth Illam and Eravimangalath
> Illam faithfully perform the daily rituals and poojas, preserving the
> sacred legacy passed down through generations, and continuing to serve the
> divine.
>
> There is modification of the legend that the original installation was on
> a place below Edathattil hill , in the planes and a magician from
> Malayalappuzha transferred the power to his locality in a new idol by him
> and installed there.
>
> Even today there is worship in the original temple of the Goddess and lot
> of devotees gather there on the first of every Malayalam month.
>
> Architecture
>
> The temple, believed to be over 1,000 years old, features a medium-sized
> structure with a majestic gopuram at the eastern entrance.
>
> The architectural layout includes a small Namaskara Mandapa, a
> chuttambalam (enclosure), and a Balikkalpura (sacrificial altar). The inner
> sanctum, which is rectangular, houses a mukhamandapam (entrance porch),
> adding to the temple's spiritual ambiance. Malayalapuzha Devi Temple
> features beautiful wall paintings and artistic stone carvings.
>
> Deities
>
> Main deity
>
> In the temple, Bhadrakali is seen in a ferocious form soon after the
> killing of the demon, Darika. The main idol is *5.5 feet high,* made from
> *katu
> sarkara yogam.* In addition to this idol, two other idols are also
> erected inside the sanctum sanctorum; one used for abhisheka and the other
> for sreebali, a daily ritual.
>
> 'Katu Sarkara Yogam'- This intricate technique involves combining several
> materials like different types of wood, clay, Ayurvedic herbs, milk, ghee,
> jaggery, turmeric, sandalwood, camphor, gold, silver, sand, and natural
> glue, all symbolizing various aspects of the human body. This idol is
> consecrated through a Tantric ritual called Prana Prathishta, which imbues
> it with life and energy.
>
> Sub deities
>
> The temple features a unique statue of Goddess Parvati feeding baby
> Ganapathy on her lap. An idol of Veera Bhadra can be seen on the entry to
> the sanctum. Other sub deities in the temple are *Brahma Rakshas,
> Nagaraja and a swayambu Shiva Linga.*
>
> Poojas
>
> 5:00 AM: Nirmalyam 6:00 AM: Usha Pooja
>
> 6:20 AM: Ethruthu Pooja 8:20 AM: Pantheeradi Pooja
>
> 11:00 AM: Kalasha Pooja 11:30 AM: Ucha Pooja
>
> 6:30 PM: Deeparadhana 7:20 PM: Athazha Pooja
>
> Festivals
>
> The annual festival is celebrated for 11 days. The festival starts on the
> Thiruvathira nakshtra in the Kumba masam (February – March). Kathakali is
> conducted on the fourth and fifth day.
>
> Malayalapuzha Devi Temple is a hub of vibrant festivities. Significant
> events like Vinayaka Chathurthi, Navarathri, and Sivarathri are
> celebrated with great pomp. The temple's annual festival commences on the
> day of the star Thiruvathira in Kumbham (February–March) and includes
> the Aarattu ritual on the eleventh day, involving the ceremonial dipping of
> the deity in a temple tank or river. Tuesdays and Fridays, traditional
> days of worship in Devi temples, witness a surge of devotees.
>
> The annual festival at the temple falls on the day of the star sign
> Thiruvathira in Kumbham (February–March) as per the lunisolar Hindu
> calendar. The aarattu falls on the eleventh day, the last day of the
> festival, when the deity is taken out in a grand procession for a
> ritualistic bathing ceremony.
>
> Thiruvonam on chingam, Ayilya Pooja On Kanni, Navarathri, Vrichika
> Chirappu, Makara Samkramam, Pongala and Ulsavam On kumbham, Vishu On Medam,
> Niraputhari On Karkidakam are other festival days.
>
> WORSHIPING
>
> Malayalapuzha Devi is believed to grant boons for extending prosperity to
> all the devotees. The goddess is worshiped for protecting the devotee from
> enemies, getting the unmarried girls married, obtaining job for the
> unemployed, and helping businesses flourish. This popular belief and faith
> makes the temple visited by devotees from far locations. *The devi is
> also known as Goddess Idathattil Bhagwathi*
>
> Devotees visit the temple for
>
> For recovering stolen goods people offer Thoniyari Payasam (Payasam made
> of 36 ¼ para (Para is approximately 14 kg) of rice
>
> People believe that offer of Payasam made of with 101 Nazhi(120 ml) of
> rice, coconut milk , jaggery and 101 banana fruits offered to the goddess
> leads to fulfilment of our desires and success in business.
>
> Ladies offer Manjadi seeds (Adenanthera pavonina Linn.) to the Goddess for
> increase of breast milk. This same seed , after taking it round their
> head hair is offered by ladies near the flag post for luxurious hair
> growth.
>
> Offer of arecanut , betel leaves , tobacco and camphor to the Goddess at
> the sanctum is believe help us fulfil our desires.
>
> The sacred ash that you get back from the temple after this offer should
> be kept in the prayer room. People believe that within a year their desires
> would be fulfilled.
>
> *People believe that when we make requests to the Goddess , if a honey bee
> from outside enters the Sanctum sanctorum and returns back in our presence
> then our desire would definitely be fulfilled.*
>
> A peculiar belief
>
> There is another very peculiar belief in the temple. It is believed that the
> soul of the devotees of the Goddess , after death comes and stays in the
> temple. So their sons/daughters come to the temple along with a piece of
> sandalwood packed in a red silk, make the soul enter that and take it out .
> This is called Chavirakkal (removal of death)
>
> Farmers pray that they will give a part of the harvest of their field and
> take a cloth from the temple, write on it that the produce belongs to the
> Goddess. People believe that if this is done then theft of the produce from
> their field is prevented . This is called “Malayalappuzha Thoopu”
>
> People also worship the Brahma Rakshas which is on the east of the temple
> for getting rid of ghosts , devils and evil magic affecting them. Offering
> of Mangalya to the Goddess to get married quickly is also done.
>
> Peculiar Konna tree
>
> Just outside the temple The Naga Raja also is consecrated. Near it is an
> Konna tree which flowers daily all the year long. Below it a Shiva Linga
> which Is Swayambu is there . People believe that this Shiva linga keeps
> on growing. People believe that if this Shiva linga is bathed with tender
> coconut water, immediate rain will result.
>
> Unlike other Bhagwathi temples , there is no practice (asked to be
> discontinued by the Goddess ) of drawing her figure using rice powder,
> turmeric , saffron etc. but the usual singing of her story is done there
> without it.
>
> Another peculiar custom of the temple is *that the procession carrying
> the deity turns left (ie clockwise) and because of this people called this
> Goddess Idathattil Bhagwathi( Bhagawathi of the left).*
>
> Visiting Hours
>
> The temple is open for darshan from 5 AM to 1 PM and in the evening 5 PM
> to 8 PM.
>
> Visitor Information
>
> The best time to visit Malayalapuzha Bhagavathy Temple is from October to
> March, when the weather is cool and pleasant, making it ideal for temple
> visits and sightseeing. The festival season, particularly during
> Malayalapuzha Pooram, is also a great time to experience the cultural
> vibrancy of the temple.
>
> How to Reach
>
> Chengannur Railway Station, around 33 km, is the nearest major station for
> those coming in train. Trivandrum International Airport is the nearest air
> terminal around 107 km away. *Pathanamthitta KSRTC Bus Stand, about 9 km
> away*
>
> Address:
>
> Kumbazha - Malayalapuzha Rd, Malayalapuzha - Mannarakulanji Rd,
> Malayalapuzha- Kerala 689666 Phone: 0471 232 1132
>
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