Malanada Duryodhana Temple

All around the world, there are numerous sites where heroes and their legendary deeds are worshipped, but it is very unusual to find a temple dedicated to a villain. Malanada Duryodhana Temple is a unique temple, dedicated to the infamous King Duryodhana – the antagonistof the epic Mahabharata. According to legend, Duryodhana, exhausted by his tireless pursuit of the Pandavas, was given food and shelter by the Kuravas – a community of people. In gratitude, the King offered prayers for their welfare and gifted them land holdings. Even to this day, the priest at this temple in Kollam district hails from the Kurava community. The temple is locatedat Malanada about 27 km from Alumkadavu, a village famous for houseboat making. The temple is famous for its annual Kettukazhcha festival which is celebrated in much pomp and splendour.