Karumadikuttan (Buddha Statue)

About this place

Karumadi Kuttan is a historically significant black granite statue of Lord Buddha located in the village of Karumadi near Alappuzha (Alleppey) in Kerala, India, and is believed to date back to the 9th or 10th century. The statue is an important relic representing the presence and influence of Buddhism in Kerala during ancient times, when Buddhist culture and teachings were widespread across parts of South India. Carved from a single block of black granite, the statue is approximately three feet tall and depicts Buddha in a seated meditation posture. One of the most distinctive features of Karumadi Kuttan is that the statue is partially damaged and appears half-broken, with only one side of the sculpture remaining intact. Because of this unusual appearance, it is often referred to locally as the “half Buddha statue.” The relic was discovered near a small stream in the Karumadi area and is now preserved and protected by the Archaeological Department of Kerala due to its cultural and archaeological importance. The site attracts a wide range of visitors including tourists, historians, archaeologists, and followers of Buddhism, all of whom come to observe this rare artifact and learn about the historical spread of Buddhism in the region. Local traditions and folklore also add to the significance of the statue, as many people believe that Karumadi Kuttan possesses healing powers and that offering prayers at the site can bring relief from illnesses and difficulties. Because of this belief, devotees from different communities occasionally visit the location to seek blessings and spiritual comfort. Every year, the site hosts a special festival and religious gathering that draws Buddhist monks and devotees from various parts of India and abroad, highlighting the statue’s continuing spiritual and cultural relevance. The peaceful surroundings of the village, along with the historical aura of the ancient statue, create a quiet and reflective atmosphere for visitors. Today, Karumadi Kuttan stands not only as a tourist attraction near Alappuzha but also as an important archaeological monument that reflects Kerala’s multicultural and religious history, especially the period when Buddhist philosophy influenced the region’s culture and society. Overall, Karumadi Kuttan remains one of the most unique historical landmarks in Alappuzha district, combining religious heritage, archaeological value, and local tradition while continuing to attract visitors interested in history, spirituality, and the ancient legacy of Buddhism in Kerala.

🚆 Railway: Ambalappuzha Railway Station (~4 km)

✈️ Airport: Cochin International Airport (~108 km)

🚌 Bus: Ambalappuzha Bus Station (~4.5 km)

🏨 Stay: Kayaloram Homestay / JJ Homestay / Hotel Coral Heights

✅ Notes: Karumadikkuttan is a three-foot-tall black-granite Buddha statue, believed to date from the 9th–14th century, preserved under the protection of Kerala’s Archaeology Department.