Chakkulathukavu Sree Bhagavathy
Chakkulathu Kavu is a Hindu temple, dedicated to goddess Durga. The temple is located Near Thiruvalla in Neerattupuram, Thalavady panchayat, Alappuzha District, Kerala,India, and is one of the most popular temples in the state.
Durga is one of the most popular deities in the area. Pilgrims from all over South India visit and worship the Devi.
Located on the banks of the holy Pampa River, this temple has attracted pilgrims all over Kerala and became one of the most popular pilgrim centers of the state.Chakkulathamma is famously known as the mother who answers the call of her devotees. Countless pilgrims irrespective of caste creed and colour reach the shrine. The benevolent look of Goddess unfolds a thousand lotus flowers of real bhakthi in the minds of devotees. The ancient history of the temple has some divine connections with the story of Sumbha and Nishumbha referred to in the Devi Mahatmyam. The story goes those two demoniac characters called Sumbha and Nishumbha derived superhuman powers through rigorous meditation of Lord Brahma. They received a boon that they could be killed only through a battle with woman. Such a condition being almost impossible, Sumbha and Nishumbha conquered Indra and other Devas. They became the unquestioned monarchs of the three worlds. The helpless Devas under had to flee away and take shelter in remote jungles.
Saint Narada feeling pity at the misery of the Gods approaches his father, Lord Brahma. Brahma reminds Narada that ups and downs are the law of life and that was what the Gods were experiencing. There was only one way out for this despicable state of affair. Only one power could restore power and prosperity to Gods and that power was none other than the very Goddess. Devas accordingly moved in search of Goddess. Reaching near Himavan, the epic King of the mountains, they started chanting powerful mantras to appease the Goddess. They plunged into a he artful tribute of the Goddess who in herself was power, knowledge, creativity, benevolence and blessings.
Goddess Parvathy had just arrived on the banks of river Ganga. Echoes of the mantras reached her. There was a touch of grief and pleading in the sounds of Devas. Goddess Parvathy grasped the pitiable plight of Devas. There emerged another Goddess from within her as if something comes out of a cover. This was the incarnation of Goddess Durga, having taken a divine form to rescue the Devas from the hardships caused by the asuras.
The story culminates in a terrible fight between the "Goddess and Asuras under the leadership of Sumba and Nishumbha. It was an encounter unheard of ever before. Needless to specify, all the asuras were annihilated by the Goddess. The Devas got back the early powers and prosperities. Sage Narada appears in front of them and exults them about the invincibility of goddess Durga. She was the cause as well as witness for the creation, maintenance and destruction the universe, told Narada.
It is believed that the Goddess residing in Chakkulathukavu is a wholesome reaction of this all-pervading Goddess namely Durga.
The temple was renovated in 1981. The illuminating idol of Vana Durga with the holy eight hands is installed near the original idol.
Location
Neerettupuram
Main Deity
Goddess Durga
Other Deities
Lord Shiva, Sastha, Vishnu, Vinayaka, Muruka, Yakshi, Serpent Gods and Navagrahas
Festivals
Nirapara, Kalamezhuthu, Thrikkarthika, The first Friday, Naree Pooja, Chakkulathukavu Pongala (November/December). Panthrandu Noyampu is another festival celebrated at the temple.
Main Offerings
Ganapathy Homam, Archana, Pushpanajali, Raktha Pushpanjali, Kadumpayasam, Kudubarchana, Mrithunjaya Homam, Pithur Pooja, Bhagavathy Seva, Kukuma Seva, Neeranjanam, Shathrusamhara Pooja
How To Reach
By Air: Cochin International Airport - Nedumbassery is situated at 114KM & Trivandrum International Airport is situated 132KM from the temple.
By Rail: Thiruvalla Station is 10.3KM from the Temple.
By Road: KSRTC Bus Depot, Thiruvalla, is 9.9KM from the Temple.