STORIES by HEARITAGE

Tucked away in the quiet little village of Karumadi near Ambalapuzha lies one of Kerala’s most intriguing historical treasures, Karumadikuttan, a half-broken yet deeply serene black-granite Buddha statue that whispers stories from a forgotten past. The name Karumadikuttan likely comes from its dark colour (karu = black) and the local word kuttan meaning “young man.” But when you stand before it, what you’ll truly feel is a sense of profound calm, a presence so striking that it makes time slow down. 

It is widely believed that Buddhism found its way to Kerala as early as the 3rd century, when monks journeyed south to spread Buddha’s teachings. For several centuries, Buddhist traditions quietly shaped the cultural life of the region before Hinduism rose to prominence around the 8th century. Among all archaeological traces discovered later, temple remains, statues, idols none is as significant as Karumadikuttan. Standing just three feet tall, this Buddha in a classic lotus posture is a powerful reminder of an era lost to time.

Scholars date the statue to around the 11th century, yet its sculptor and exact origin remain unknown. Some believe Buddhist monks brought it from North India; others think it arrived from Ceylon. What adds intrigue is the statue’s missing left half, a clear evidence that it witnessed a violent past. Local folklore offers two stories: an elephant attacked it while it lay under a tree, or it was damaged during invasions by fanatic rulers in the 13th century. Neither tale is proven, but what is known is that the statue was found abandoned in Karumadithodu, a small stream. It might have remained forgotten forever if not for Sir Robert Bristow, a British engineer, who recognized its significance in 1930 and placed it in a protective shrine.

In 1965, His Holiness the Dalai Lama visited Karumadi and built the elegant pagoda-style enclosure that now protects the Buddha. The Archaeological Department has since developed the site with paved walkways, signage, lights, and resting areas making it a peaceful and easily accessible spot for visitors.

If you’re visiting Alleppey, known for its backwaters and tranquil landscapes, make sure to take a short detour to Karumadi. The shrine is small, serene, and soaked in history, the only surviving Buddhist temple site in Kerala. Here, beside the gentle rustle of palm trees and the quiet village paths, you can pause to pay your respects to Lord Buddha, the eternal messenger of love and compassi