- Others
Karumadikuttan Buddha Temple
- Karumadi,Kerala
- View on map
- Tell us about this temple
Overview
Karumadikuttan Temple is a Buddhist shrine situated at the Karumadi village, in the Alappuzha District of Kerala, India. This Temple is primarily dedicated to Gauthama Buddha.
About The Temple
Karumadikuttan Bhuddha Temple is the only Buddhist temple of the south Indian state Kerala. Buddha is known by the name Karumadikuttan here. The temple has a black granite statue of the deity in the sitting posture. People from many parts of India visit this temple to seek the blessings of Buddha. This temple at Karumadi stands proof to the fact that this region had people from varied religion forming part of it.
About The Deity
The statue of Karumadikuttan Buddha appears in the sitting position and is half broken. Legend has it that an elephant had charged towards the statue, which had left it broken.
Legend and Stories
History reveals that Buddhism came to Kerala as early as the 3rd century BCE. The religion is said to have well flourished under the rule of the Ay King, Varaguna. The Hindu renaissance during the 8th century CE is said to have lead to the decline of Buddhism in he region. Despite Buddhism not being so popular in the state of Kerala now, several ruined Buddha statues have been unearthed in the coastal districts of the state, especially from districts like Alappuzha (Allepey) and Kollam (Quilon). The Karumadikuttan temple is one of the important Buddhist structures found in the state.
The granite statue of Karumadikuttan Buddha is said to have been brought by Buddhist monks who visited Kerala between the 9th and 11th centuries. They are believed to have entered the state through the port of Alappuzha, carrying the message of love and non-violence. Keralites who had followed Buddhism in the early days are said to have converted to Hinduism which was the most prominent religion of the region. This historically important statue of Buddha at Karumadi is protected by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI).
How To Reach
Airport
The Cochin International Airport (around 101 km) is the nearest airport to this place at Alapuzha district.
Railways
The Ambalapuzha railway station which is situated around 4 km from Karumadi is the nearest railway station.
Road
The district of Alappuzha is well connected to other many towns and cities of the state through frequent and regular bus services.
Temple Address
Karumadikuttan Buddha Temple,
Alappuzha District,
Karumadi, Kerala,
Pincode – 688562.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- Salvation
- Wealth
- Relief from diseases
- Purchase of vehicles
- Gain Knowledge
Shlokas
Tribhirgunamayairbhavairebhih Sarvamidam Jagat Mohitam Nabhijanati Mamebhyah Paramavyayam
Meaning -According to this sloka, the entire world doesn't recognize the eternal God beyond them, because they are consumed by the elements of satva, rajas and tamas (good, obssessive and dark).
Daivi Hyesa Gunamayi Mama Maya Duratyaya Mameva Ye Prapadyante Mayametam Taranti Te
Meaning -According to this sloka, the heavenly maya of God is very complicated, but those who worship God will be able to overcome it.
Balam Balavatam Caham Kamaragavivarjitam Dharmaviruddho Bhutesu Kamo'smi Bharatarsabha
Meaning -According to this sloka, God is the isolated and aloof strength of the controlling and virtuous craving in men.
Ye Caiva Sattvika Bhava Rajasastamasasca Ye Matta Everti Tanviddhi Na Tvaham Tesu Temayi
Meaning -According to this sloka, though the only source of satva, rajas and tamas (good, obsessive and dark) elements is God, they are not present within the God or the deity.
Timings
The temple is usually open from 9.30 AM to 4.30 PM