Cheppad Vettikulangara Devi Temple, Kerala

Address

Cheppad Vettikulangara Devi Temple, Kerala

Cheppad-Vandikappally Rd,

Cheppad, Haripad, Alappuzha district,

Kerala 690507

Amman

Vettikulangara Devi, Karthiyayini Devi.

Introduction

Location and Overview:

• Vettikulangara Devi Temple is located in Cheppad, near Harippad, in the Alappuzha district of Kerala, India. It is one of the oldest temples in Kerala, dedicated to Durga Devi, who is also known as Karthiyayini Devi.
• The temple is believed to be over 1000 years old and holds great historical and religious significance in the region.

Puranic Significance:

• The temple’s origin is closely tied to the worship of Lord Mahadeva (Shiva) in ancient times.
• The arrival of a Brahmin scholar, Thampuran, from Pazhore Padippura, played a key role in the incarnation of the Devi in this area. Thampuran, a devotee of the goddess, took an idol of Devi with him during his travels back to his native place after residing in Nedunagappally, south of the region.
• During his journey, the idol of the Devi fell into a pond at Kannirasi. Despite many efforts, Thampuran could not recover the idol and returned home, heartbroken.
• Years later, members of the Naluveettil family were digging the pond and discovered the idol. When struck by their digging tools, blood started to ooze from the idol. Realizing the divine significance of the idol, the people began to worship it, and the area became known as Vettikulangara, meaning “the place where the idol was dug up.”
• The pond, which holds the idol’s history, is preserved even today to maintain its purity and antiquity.

Deity and Worship:

• The main deity of the temple is Sri Karthyayani Devi, an incarnation of Adi Parashakti (the primordial mother goddess). She is believed to be the giver of mercy and vitality, and her blessings are sought by devotees in distress.
• The temple is known for its female dwarapalikas (guards), a rare feature in temples dedicated to goddess worship, where male dwarapalikas are typically seen.

Special Features:

• The temple is renowned for its wooden sculptures. The Valiya Balikkalpura (large offering area) features intricate wooden carvings depicting:
  • Ganapathy
  • Navagrahas (Nine planets)
  • Dasavatharam (Ten Avatars of Vishnu)
  • Ananthashayanam (Reclining Vishnu)
  • Keeratam (The hunt of Lord Shiva)
  • Palazhi Madhanam (Churning of the Ocean)
  • Sri Krishna Leelas (Episodes from Lord Krishna’s life)
  • Ramayana Katha Sangraha (Summary of the Ramayana)
• Other deities worshipped in the temple include:
  • Lord Mahadeva (Shiva)
  • Lord Ganesh
  • Lord Ayyappan
  • Nagaraja (Serpent god)
  • Nagayakshi (Serpent goddess)

Festivals:

• The temple celebrates many important festivals throughout the year. The most significant ones include:
  • Annual Festival: A 10-day festival starting with the flag hoisting (Kodiyettam) on Karthika Nakshatra during the Kumbham month (February–March).
  • Thrikarthika: Celebrated in the Vrischikam month, this is another important festival for the temple and the community.

Century/Period

1000 Years Old

Nearest Bus Station

Haripad

Nearest Railway Station

Cheppad (1.5 km), Haripad (6 km)

Nearest Airport

Cochin

Location on Map

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