Palkulangara Devi Temple – Kerala

Address

Palkulangara Devi Temple – Sangeetha Nagar, Palkulangara, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695024

Deity

Amman: Durga Devi

Introduction

• Location:
  • Palkulangara Temple is a Durga Devi temple located in Palkulangara, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.
  • Situated about 1 km from Pettah Junction and 1.5 km west of Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
• Management:
  • Under the control of the Sree Palkulangara Devi Temple Trust.
• Architecture:
  • An excellent example of Kerala Vasthu Vidya.
  • Surrounded by natural beauty, with a kavu (sacred grove) present at the temple.

Puranic Significance

• Legend:
  • According to legend, Arjuna installed the main deity.
  • An arrow sent by Arjuna struck the ground, leading to the discovery of a pond of milk, which was used for Abhisheka (ritual bathing).
  • The name “Palkulangara” translates to “the banks of the pond of milk” (Pal – Milk, Kulam – Pond, Kara – Banks).
• Historical References:
  • Mentioned in the stories of Nala and Damayanti, where Nala sends a messenger swan to seek blessings from Palkulangara Devi.
  • Goddess Parvati appears as Goddess Tripura Sundari, along with Goddess Kali as the main deities.
  • The temple features Goddess Durga as the Temple Bhagavathi and Kali as Oorutu Amma, both manifestations of Adi Parashakti.
• Astrological Significance:
  • Karthika is considered the star of the deity.

Special Features

• Temple Layout:
  • Large compound with the prime deity housed in the sanctum sanctorum.
  • The temple preserves the surreal beauty of nature and showcases traditional Kerala architectural styles.

Festivals

• Major Festivals:
  • Meena Bharani Mahostav: Annual festival in the month of Meenam.
  • Mandala Vratham: Linked to the annual Utsavam of Sabarimala.
  • Vinayaka Chaturthi: Pooja for Lord Ganapathy.
  • Pooja Vaypu: Similar to the Dussera festival (includes Saraswathy Pooja and Vidyarambham).
  • Karthika: Includes Kazhchakula Samarpanam, Navakabhishekam, Karthika Pongala, Annadhanam (held throughout the month).
  • Ayilya Pooja: Monthly rites on Ayilyam day, with offerings to the serpent god (except in Mithunam and Karkidakom).
  • Ayilyolsavam: Nagaroottu and Sarpabali celebrated in Thulam month.
  • Ramayana Parayanam and Bhagavathi Seva: Conducted on all days of Karkidakom (evenings).
  • Vavu Bali: Observed in the month of Karkidakom.

Century/Period/Age

1000-2000 Years old

Managed By

Sree Palkulangara Devi Temple Trust.

Nearest Bus Station

Palkulangara

Nearest Railway Station

Thiruvananthapuram

Nearest Airport

Thiruvananthapuram

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