Cheppad Vettikulangara Devi Temple, Kerala

Address

Cheppad-Vandikappally Rd,

Cheppad, Haripad, Alappuzha district,

Kerala 690507

Amman

Vettikulangara Devi, Karthiyayini Devi.

Introduction

Vettikulangara Devi is Amman temple located in the Cheppad near Harippad, Alappuzha, and Kerala is one of the oldest temples in Kerala. This temple is dedicated to Durga Devi and the goddess is also known as Karthiyayini Devi. The temple is said to be more than 1000 years old.

Puranic Significance

From ancient times, people have worshiped Lord Mahadeva. The arrival of a Brahmin Scholar known as Thampuran from the Pazhore Padippura became responsible for the incarnation of Devi in this area. Thampuran, who had come from the north, took up his residence at Nedunagappally, Ramapuramin the south of this region. Later, on his return to his native place, Thampuran took along with him the idol of Devi, his deity of worship. During his journey, because of the omnipotence of Mahadeva, the idol happened to fall into the pond in the Kannirasi. Despite laborious efforts, Thampuran could not regain the idol. With a heavy heart, Thampuran returned to his native place. After several years while members of the Naluveettil family were digging the pond, they found the idol of Devi in the pond.

Having been hit by their digging implements, blood began to ooze from the idol. Realizing the vitality of Devi, people took possession of the idol with devotion and began to worship. As the idol was obtained during the process of digging the pond, the name “Vettikulangara came into vogue. By preserving the purity and antiquity, the pond is being protected even today.

As Adi Parashakti, the mother of mercy and the giver of vitality, Sri Karthyayani Devi resides here. By showering her blessings on her devotees who appeals to her with aching hearts, Devi reins the Vettikulangara Temple.

Special Features

A unique feature of the temple is that instead of the male dwarapalakas the temple has female dwarapalikas. The temple is famous for its wooden sculptures. The wooden sculptures in the Valiya Balikkalpura include Ganapathy, Navagrahas, Dasavatharam, Ananthashayanam, Keeratam, Palazhi Madhanam, Sri Krishna leelas, Krishna Avatharam and Ramayana Katha Sangraha.

Beside the main deity there are many other deities; include Lord Mahadeva, Lord Ganesh, Lord Ayyappan, Nagaraja, and Nagayakshi

Festivals

The 10-day annual festival begins with flag hoisting or kodiyettam on the Karthika nakshatra in Kumbham month (February – March). Thrikarthika in Vrischikam month is another important festival.