Do You Know? There’s A Temple Dedicated To Mahabharat’s Most Cunning Character “Shakuni”

Several mythologists describe Mahabharat’s Shakuni as a vilian and scripted his role to spearhead the Kauravas’ clan to their steep decline and ultimate decay.

Almost a hundred percent of people who watched Mahabharat on television, consider Shakuni as a negative character because the media never portrayed him as an inspiring or motivating character like Arjuna and Krishna.

But the question always arises, was he the actual villain of the entire epic or just a vastly misunderstood entity; a victim of circumstance? Well this question defines its answers via a temple in Kerala. If you think that temples are places of worship dedicated only to Gods, then here’s a surprise for you.

Being the most criticized and most cunning character of the epic, he also earned respect from his netizens as there is a temple known as Mayamkottu Malancharuvu Malanada Temple in Kerala dedicated to Mama Shakuni. This temple worships a throne, which was supposedly the place where Shakuni used to sit.

As per the local legends, Shakuni attained moksha (liberation) by praying to Lord Shiva at this place. A large granite stone inside the shrine is believed to be the seat where Shakuni performed his penance.

The folklore also suggests that the Kauravas divided their weapons amongst themselves at this place. They took shelter here after travelling miles in search of the Pandavas.

Another intriguing belief is that a community claims to be the descendants of the Kauravas. And they worship Shakuni’s determination, perseverance and passion towards his goals. For the uninitiated, here’s all you need to know about Shakuni.

It is remarkable to see how these people have, in the full light of their optimism, chosen to pay homage to a villain with for his heroic soul.