Alappuzha Chakkulathukavu Bhagavathy Temple- Kerala

Address

Alappuzha Chakkulathukavu Bhagavathy Temple- Kerala

Neerettupuram PO Thiruvalla,

Alappuzha Kerala – 689571

Ph: 0477 – 2213550

Amman

Bhagavathy Devi

Introduction

• Location: The temple is situated in Neerattupuram (Neerettupuram), 18 km from Ambalapuzha, along the Thiruvalla Road, in Alappuzha District, Kerala. It is located near the Neerettupuram Junction on the Thiruvalla–Edathuva route, about 20 km from Chengannur Mahadeva Temple.
• Presiding Deity: The primary deity of the temple is Goddess Durga, worshipped as Chakkulathamma (Chakkulathu Amma). The temple is one of the most famous Devi Temples in Kerala.
• Significance: The temple attracts thousands of devotees every Friday and during the Chakkulathukavu Pongala Festival held in November-December, when the temple sees lakhs of visitors from all over the state.

Puranic Significance:

• Legend: The legend associated with the temple tells the story of a hunter who, while collecting firewood, encountered a serpent. The hunter attempted to attack the serpent, but it vanished. Following its trail, he reached a lake and discovered a chithalputtu (sand mound) resembling a golden chain. Upon striking the mound, the snake disappeared again. A divine sage, Sage Narada, appeared and instructed the hunter to break the shell. Upon doing so, the hunter discovered the image of Goddess Vanadurga inside. Since this incident, the place has been revered and holds spiritual significance.

Special Features:

• Age: The Chakkulathukavu Devi Temple is believed to be over 3000 years old.
• Idols:
  • The main idol is of Vana Durga with eight hands, located near the original idol.
  • Other idols include Lord Shiva, Sastha (Lord Ayyappa), Lord Vishnu, Vinayaka (Lord Ganesha), Muruga, Yakshi, Serpent Gods, and the Navagrahas (nine planets).
• Rivers: The temple is located between two rivers, Pampa and Manimala, which flow on either side of the temple, adding to its serene and spiritual atmosphere.

Festivals:

1. Chakkulathukavu Pongala:
   • This is the major festival at the temple, held during the Malayalam month of Vrischikam (November/December).
   • Pongala is a ritual where lakhs of women devotees gather, often arriving a week before the event.
   • Devotees prepare Pongala (a special offering of rice, coconut, and jaggery) in round earthen pots, with the chief priest lighting the main hearth from the divine fire within the sanctum sanctorum. This fire is passed from one pot to another by devotees.
   • The festival is marked by crowds that stretch up to 20 km around the temple, making it a grand event.
2. Panthrandu Noyampu:
   • This is a fasting and prayer ritual observed by devotees for eternal blessings from Chakkulathamma.
   • The fasting begins on the first day of the Malayalam month Dhanu and continues until the twelfth day.
3. Other Festivals:
   • Naree Pooja.
   • Thrikkarthika: A significant festival celebrated with various rituals and prayers.

Century/Period

500-1000 Years Old

Nearest Bus Station

Thiruvalla

Nearest Railway Station

Thiruvalla Station

Nearest Airport

Cochin

Location on Map

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