Pallippad Manakkattu Devi Temple - Kerala

Address

Pallippad Manakkattu Devi Temple – Kerala

Pallippad, Karthikappalli taluk,

Alappuzha district,

Kerala 690511

Manakkattu Devi

Location and Overview:

The Manakkattu Devi Temple is a Shakthi temple located in Pallippad, in the Karthikappalli taluk of Alappuzha district, Kerala, South India.
The temple is situated around 4 km east of Harippad, on the Nangiarkulangara Mavelikkara road.
It comes under four NSS Karayogams: Thekkummuri, Kottakkakam, Naduvattom, and Thekkekkara Kizhakku.

Puranic Significance:

The area was once part of the Khandava forest during the time of Dvapra yuga.
According to legend, Arjuna, following the advice of Lord Krishna, shot an arrow from Eythooru (later known as Evoor), where the famous Sree Krishna Swami Temple is situated. After the Khandavadahana, the temples in the area were destroyed by fire.
Many years later, a farmer’s lady, while sharpening her bow-shaped knife on a stone, discovered blood flowing from the stone. Terrified, she informed the prominent Brahmin family at Kochoor Madam. The priest found an idol of Sree Bhuvaneswari, which he consecrated near the old Shasta temple, said to be consecrated by Parasurama. The place where the idol was found is called Valiya Manakkattu Kaavu.

Deity and Worship:

The main deity of the temple is Manakkattamma, in the form of Sree Bhuvaneswari, the Mother of all Gods (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva). She is considered the Prakruthi, the divine power of creation.
The temple’s rituals are distinct, with three main poojas performed daily, each dedicated to Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswathi, similar to the worship practices of Mookambika Devi.
Important offerings include Kadumpayasam (a type of rice pudding) and Therali, which are considered sacred prasada.

Historical Significance:

The temple is said to be over 1500 years old, making it a significant site of worship in the region.

Sub-Deity – Valiyachan:

Valiyachan (Sree Kunjekutty Pilla Sarvadhi Karyakkar) is a revered sub-deity in the temple.
He was the army chief of Dharma Raja Karthika Thirunal Rama Varma and played a crucial role in the victory over Tippu Sultan.
Valiyachan was born in Evoor but his maternal home was Nadalikkal Madam, near the Manakkattu Devi Temple. He was a trusted devotee of Manakkattu Amma and is believed to have attained moksha during his Vanaprastha.
His story was recorded in Aitheeha Mala by Kottarathil Sankunny. Valiyachan’s presence is considered eternal in the temple.

Other Sub-Deities:

Festivals: The Manakkattu Devi Temple celebrates numerous festivals, with the most notable ones being: