In the lush green heart of Pathanamthitta district, tucked along the TK Road near Karuveli, lies a temple with a story that defies every expectation.

At Idappara Maladevar Nada, alongside age-old deities and ancient traditions, a 19th-century Muslim highwayman—Kayamkulam Kochunni—is worshipped like a god.

Kochunni, often called Kerala’s own Robin Hood, was no ordinary thief. Born in Kayamkulam in the 19th century, 40 kilometres from this temple, he robbed the rich and helped the poor, becoming a symbol of defiance against British rule and feudal injustice. Though he died in prison, his legend only grew stronger—passed on through ballads, books, and films.

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So how did this folk hero become a temple deity?

As the tale goes, an oracle of Maladevar—on his way back from a ritual—saw a man hanging upside down from a tree. When asked, “Who blocks my path?” came the reply: “Kayamkulam Kochunni.”

The oracle asked, “Will you come with me?” Kochunni responded, “What will you give me?”

“I’ll seat you before me,” said the oracle.

And so, Kochunni was brought to the sacred grove—installed as a guardian, a protector of the people.

Today, devotees light candles before Kochunni’s shrine, praying for justice, lost items, or simply to honour his memory. Many believe his spirit still watches over them. Even actor Mohanlal, who played Kochunni in the 2018 film, made a pilgrimage here.

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In a land steeped in myth and devotion, where boundaries between man and god blur, this temple stands as a powerful reminder…

That sometimes, even a Muslim Robin Hood can become divine.