Kollam Kattil Mekkathil Devi Temple

Address

Kattil Mekkathil Devi Temple,

Panmana, Chavara,

Kollam district, Kerala 6915833

Amman

Bhadrakali

Introduction

Nestled in the Kollam district of South Kerala, this enchanting temple draws devotees from across the state and even abroad, captivated by its divine grace and mystical charm. The presiding deity, Bhadrakali, affectionately revered as ‘Kattil Mekkathil Devi’, is believed to shower her devotees with love, compassion, and blessings. This ancient pilgrimage site is uniquely situated on a serene isle, flanked by the Arabian Sea to the west and the TS Canal to the east.

One of the most cherished rituals here involves tying a bell to the sacred banyan tree near the sanctum sanctorum. It is believed that tying a bell after circumambulating the tree seven times brings the fulfillment of heartfelt wishes. The tree, adorned with hundreds of bells, stands as a powerful symbol of faith and devotion.

Astonishingly, despite being just 10 metres from the sea, the temple remained untouched by the devastating 2004 tsunami, a sign many attribute to the divine protection of the goddess. The temple compound also houses five fresh-water wells, whose crystal-clear waters remain unaffected by the surrounding salty sea.

The temple’s 12-day annual festival, held in the Malayalam month of Vrishchikam (November–December), is celebrated with grandeur and draws large crowds, including devotees from Kanyakumari and other Tamil Nadu districts.

In addition to Bhadrakali, the temple also enshrines Ganapathy, Durga Devi, and Yakshiyamma. The temple is accessible by boats and Ro-Ro services from the nearby village of Ponmana. One can also reach the temple via the national waterway, with boat services available from Alappuzha and Kollam, offering a scenic and spiritual journey to this divine destination.