Palakkadu Vadakkankarai Sri Bhagavathi Amman Temple, Kerala
Address
Palakkadu Vadakkankarai Sri Bhagavathi Amman Temple, Kerala
Vadakkankarai, Palakkadu,
Kerala district,
Phone: +91 491 250 0229 +91-491 250 4851
Amman
Sri Bhagavathi Amman
Introduction
- Location: The temple is situated in Palakkadu, Kerala.
- Deity: The temple is dedicated to Bhagavathi Amman, also known as Kannagi Amman.
- Age: The temple is believed to be over 1500 years old.
- Significance: It is the only Kannagi temple in Kerala, where Kannagi is worshipped in an idolic form.
Puranic Significance:
- Kannagi’s Journey: After burning down Madurai, Kannagi traveled to the Malayalam region with Kannadathu Bhagavathi, Kannu Kottum Bhagavathi, and Pullukkottai Aiyan.
- Temple Origins: The people of Malayalam built a temple for Kannagi in Nadapathi Mannam and for the other deities in Pirayari. The temple was damaged during foreign invasions, and the idols were destroyed, but the Peeta (base) of the Bhagavathi idol was found.
- Temple Restoration: The idol was reinstalled near the Vishnu Temple in Tirupuraikal Vadakkanthurai, and the temple grew in prominence. It is believed that the temple was either founded by merchants or a Malayalam King.
- Architecture: The temple complex is an example of traditional Kerala architecture. It features:
- A Lord Vishnu shrine to the left of the entrance.
- A Goddess Bhagavathi shrine to the right.
- Sub-shrines dedicated to Bramharakshas (in the form of a Lingam), Lord Ayyappa, Lord Nagaraja, and Lord Ganesha.
Beliefs:
- Thottra Padal Song: Listening to the Thottra Padal song in the temple is believed to alleviate evil effects and bring relief to devotees.
- Alankara Puja: Parents perform Alankara Puja with Thethi flowers dipped in sandal paste for the well-being of their female children, especially during critical illness or to ensure a good future marriage and education.
- Nivedhana Offerings: Devotees offer a variety of Payasam (porridge) as Nivedhana, including Iratti Madhuram Payasam, Kattu Payasam, milk payasam, and Bhagavathi Sevai payasam.
Special Features:
- Velai Thiruvizha: A unique festival called Velai Thiruvizha is celebrated once every three years, where people from all religions come together.
- Kumkum: Unlike other Amman temples, kumkum is not used in this temple.
Festivals:
- Chithirai Pratishta Day (April-May)
- Velai Utsav (on the last Friday of Masi, February-March, celebrated once every three years)
- Navaratri (September-October)
- Krishna Jayanthi (August-September)
Century/Period
1500 Years old
Nearest Bus Station
Palakkadu
Nearest Railway Station
Palakkadu Station
Nearest Airport
Coimbatore