As the annual Mangaladevi Temple festival was held on Friday (May 1, 2026), Poonjar Palace – once the seat of the royal family in the erstwhile Poonjar Kingdom – continued its sacred tradition of Manthila Pooja. This ancient ritual is closely linked to the restoration of the Mangaladevi temple, an act the royal family believes was essential to their survival and legacy. According to legend, the decline of the Poonjar dynasty began after the original temple, which was once under the kingdom’s jurisdiction, collapsed.
Muralidhara Varma, a 70-year-old member of the Poonjar royal family, explained that the monthly ritual, known as “Pathmamittu Vilakkuvachu Pooja”, is held at Thevarapura Palace on the last Friday of every month. “Priests from the palace perform the pooja and I have witnessed this tradition since my childhood,” he said. “Poonjar Palace shares a deep spiritual bond with the Mangaladevi Temple. Every year members of our royal family travel to attend the temple festival. Similarly, the temple trustees often visit the Poonjar Valiya Raja. Revival of the temple remains our family’s heartfelt wish,” Mr. Varma said.
Historical records indicate that the tradition of pooja began after Rashipreshna (astrological consultation). The book Poonjar Rajakudumba Charithravalokanam by PR Ramavarma Valiya Raja recounts that the temple was attacked in June 1772 by a military commander led by Hyder Ali who was lured by rumors of hidden riches. “However,” the book notes, “because the temple was in a remote area and no treasure was stored there, the enraged commander completely destroyed it.” In October of that year, the Poonjar king was forced to sign an agreement with Hyder Ali, who is believed to have later reprimanded his commander for the destruction.
Published – 01 May 2026 11:38 IST
