Chakkulathukavu Temple

Introduction to the Chakkulathukavu Temple

Chakkulathukavu Temple or Chakkulathukavu Sree Bhagavathi Temple is famous in Thiruvalla, Alappuzha district, Kerala. It is one of the most revered temples in the state. The rivers Pampa and Manimala flow on both sides of the Chakkulathukavu Temple, which is otherwise called 'women's Sabarimala' and attracts devotees across the state.

Legend of the Chakkulathukavu Temple

According to the legends, once the demons Sumbha and Nishumbha performed a severe penance to Brahma. Pleased with their devotion, Brahma appeared before them. Both demons asked Brahma for a boon that only a woman could kill them. Brahma granted their wish without any hesitation. They battled and conquered Indra and the other Devas and ruled the three worlds.

The helpless Devas fled and took refuge in forests. Sage Narada felt pity for Indra and the Devas. Narada asked them to invoke Parvati Devi, and they did so. Parvati Devi agreed to help the Devas. Durga, an incarnation of Parvati, emerged and defeated Sumbha and Nishumbha in a ferocious battle.

The Architecture of the Chakkulathukavu Temple

The Chakkulathukavu Temple's history dates back to 3000 years. However, the present temple structure was last renovated in 1981.

The Chakkulathukavu Temple is in a traditional Kerala architectural style. Its tiled sloping roof with multiple stories exhibits the architectural excellence of Vastu Shastra.

The Dhwaja Sthambam is huge and covered with a gold-plated sheet. Durga is the presiding deity. She is a self-manifested deity with eight arms and enshrined in a standing position. Shiva, Vishnu, Vinayaka, Muruga, Sastha, Yakshi, Serpents, and Navagrahas are carved on monolith stones. A magnificent idol of Bhagavathi was recently installed here. The Chakkulathukavu Temple has a vast temple pond.

Festivals in the Chakkulathukavu Temple

The Chakkulathukavu Temple grandly celebrates Pongala, Naree Pooja, and Kalamezhuthu. The first Friday of every Malayalam month is considered a spiritually significant day for the Chakkulathukavu Temple. Devotees who observe rigorous fasting visit the temple on this day, and the temple also conducts special spiritual functions.

The deity's small idol is usually placed inside the sanctum. Her main idol is carried in procession and installed in a specially arranged place for prayer. On the first Friday, devotees receive the unique medicinal water called "Oushadha Vellam." Drinking this medicated water is believed to cure all types of diseases.

Chakkulathukavu Pongala is the renowned festival conducted in the temple during 'Vrischikam' (November/December) Masam. Lakhs of women devotees throng the temple a week ahead of the function. The temple premises will be very crowded, and the devotees select places to offer the Pongala on both sides of the main streets. The queue usually extends to a length of up to 50 km. Women devotees cook sweet Pongala in earthen pots. The temple's chief priest lights the main hearth from the divine fire inside the sanctum, exchanging it from one to another. While cooking the Pongala, devotees utter a thousand names of the deity, their chants reverberating in the atmosphere.

Naree Pooja is another major festival celebrated in the Chakkulathukavu Temple. During this festival, men are strictly prohibited. This ceremony celebrates womanhood and pays respect to them. Women who participate in the Naree Pooja have their feet ceremoniously washed, which denotes respect for the divinity that is present in every woman.