Uru Punyakavu: Ancient temple of Jaladurga

Along the serene coast of the Arabian Sea, tucked away in the tranquil village of Moodadi in Kerala, stands a temple that seems to belong to another time. The Moodadi Jaladurga Temple, believed to be nearly 5,000 years old, and one among the 108 Durga temples consecrated by Lord Parasurama. Dedicated to Jaladurga, the Sea Goddess, this temple isn’t just a place of worship it’s a living testament to Kerala’s spiritual heritage and coastal culture.

From above, the temple complex curves elegantly along the coast, resembling the sacred letter “Om” as it follows the contours of the land. Legend says that to protect this stretch of land from the encroaching sea, Lord Parasurama built this temple today known by various names like Oru Punyakava, Uru Punyakavu, and Guru Punyakavu. While time has added a few modern touches along the promenade, the rituals, architecture, and atmosphere remain beautifully preserved, allowing visitors to step back into a world of devotion and tradition. Alongside the presiding deity, devotees can also offer prayers to Lord Ayyappa, Ganapati, and Vishnu.

One of the temple’s most enchanting features is its five sacred ponds. Though the temple stands right beside the roaring sea, the waters in these ponds remain crystal clear and sweet, a phenomenon that feels nothing short of miraculous. The temple uses this water for daily rituals and to prepare meals for devotees. There’s also a pond inside the temple premises where pilgrims bathe before performing ancestral rites, purifying themselves in nature’s own sanctuary. Strikingly, even though the temple stands on rocky terrain, pure water can be found just a foot below the surface, as if the land itself blesses the faithful.

The Moodadi Jaladurga Temple is not only a shrine for the living but also a place of solace for the departed. According to Hindu tradition, performing bali tharpanam (ancestral rites) helps the soul attain moksha, or liberation. Many families come here on the 16th or 41st day after a loved one’s passing to conduct rituals by the sea. With prayers on their lips and waves lapping gently at the shore, the ashes of the departed are released into the ocean. The goddess here is believed to be a divine union of Lakshmi (prosperity), Vidya Swaroopini (knowledge), and Annapoorneshwari (nourishment). Families flock here to conduct sacred rituals like Vidhyarambham (initiation to learning) and Choroonu (first feeding ceremony), adding personal milestones to the temple’s timeless story

Perhaps the most awe-inspiring sight is the lamps inside the sanctum which never go out. Despite the strong coastal winds, their flames burn steadily, a symbol of unwavering devotion. It’s also believed that no sea turbulence will ever harm the temple; the waves may rise, but they only ever touch the steps,  never the sanctum. Standing here, one can’t help but feel that nature itself pays respect to the goddess.

A visit to Moodadi Jaladurga Temple is not just a religious journey, it’s a journey into the heart of Kerala’s coastal soul. Whether you seek spiritual solace, cultural curiosity, or simply the serene beauty of a temple embraced by the sea, this sacred site offers an experience that lingers long after you leave.