Kattil Mekkathil Devi Temple

Introduction to Kattil Mekkathil Devi Temple

Kattil Mekkathil Temple is located in the Kollam district in Kerala near Chavara. Here the presiding Goddess is Bhadrakali, known as Ugra Murti. The Temple is only 22 km from Kollam city and is surrounded by the Arabian sea from one side.

Legend of Kattil Mekkathil Devi Temple

Kattil Mekkathil Temple is centuries old, and so is its history. Some various rituals and traditions take place, making it a significant Temple of the Goddess. The Chera Kingdom once ruled this place. The TS Canal served as the prime channel for cargo. This place was known for the hospitality of people and their helping nature.

Some people also believe Goddess arrived here with a crocodile as her mount. She has 3 eyes and 12 hands. The family named Kattil Pateetta was the one who brought the Goddess and established it here. These people were the ones who first lit the lamp, and it was called Malayil. Those who come to visit this Temple first approach the Kedavilakku, and then they head further.

This place has many hidden gems as its legends. For example, the poet Kumaran used these waterways to travel here, and it became his favourite place. The library, which started in his remembrance, still exists.

It is said that in 2004, Tsunami happened that washed away everything, but it left the Temple intact; there was no harm made to this Temple. Since then, everyone got to know about it, and devotees started coming here more than ever.

The tying of the bells has been an important part of this place. Once, a bell fell from the flag post, and the priest then tied it to the nearby banyan tree. Soon many good things started happening in the priest's life, which the priest noticed. Since then, more and more people have come here and started tying the bells in the tree as their wish.

After tying the bell, devotees also encircle the tree. When the wind blows, these bells ring uniformly, which produces divine-like sounds. Now, more than 4 lac bells are tied from this tree, and people can tie any number of bells they want; this is all a matter of faith. These bells are never taken off; only those that get rotten with time fall, and then they are collected to dispose of.

Every Day the Temple offers Pongala, a sweet dish made of rice and jaggery in a clay pot. The Goddess here receives new clothes daily, and the food made here is distributed among the devotees. The fame started to spread, and devotees from other states also made their presence known other than people from Kerala.

Architecture of Kattil Mekkathil Devi Temple

This Temple is a small shrine which is known for its architectural significance. It is a Dravidian-style Temple. It is built based on the Vimana architectural feature. The Temple has four gopurams in four directions. The Chola and Pandya dynasties also influence the Temple.

Festivals in Kattil Mekkathil Devi Temple

12 Vilakku Utsavam is the most famous festival, during which most of the crowd flocks to the Temple. The Temple is open all seven days; Fridays are special for special pujas and rituals. Every Year when the festivity happens, the flag is brought from Champakkulam.

Benefits of Worshipping in Kattil Mekkathil Devi Temple

This Temple is one of the famous Hindu temples in Kerala. The goddess Bathrakali, a form of Devi of this temple, is powerful. People worship the goddess with three eyes and twelve hands in Kaatil Mekkathil Devi Temple. The Goddess in this Temple is compared to a gentle mother who shows blessings to her devotees. It is believed that the wishes of the devotees who visit the temples get fulfilled when they encircle the banyan tree and hang bells. People are blessed with children, good education and prosperity when they see this Temple. The tingling sound of the thousands of bells in the banyan tree tied by devotees gives a Divine feeling to the visitors. The positive energy of the Temple charges devotees who visit the Temple. Every heartfelt prayer of devotees prayed in this Temple will be granted by the Goddess of this Temple. It is a must-visit Temple in Kerala for an enchanting experience.