Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple
Chettikulangara Devi Temple is a renowned temple in Kerala dedicated to Jagadambika, the Goddess of Oodanadu. According to legend, the temple was established by Parasurama, who established 108 Durga temples and five Ambalayas. This temple is considered one of the strongest Devi Temples in Kerala.
There are different versions regarding the temple's establishment, and one of them suggests that Padmapadacharyar, a leading disciple of Adi Shankara, consecrated the temple on the Uthrittathi day of Makara month in A.D. 823. Another legend states that the Mahashilayuga Vigraha of Bhagavathi was relocated to this place from the Moolasthanam. The temporary consecration was performed by Chengannur Thazhaman Thanthri and Kattuvallil Valakkod Illam Namboodiri, and later, Padmapadacharyar performed the Installation Ceremony.
The Prathishta here is said to be in Rurujith style, and has Tamoguna (inertia/ignorance) along with Sathvaguna (goodness) and Rajoguna (passion/activity). To reduce the intensity of the Prathishta's mounting fierce powers, an imaginary Mahavishnu prathishta is believed to be in place near the Prathishta. On the Bharani day of every month, the Kshethram Thanthri performs Poojas to reduce the mounting powers of the prathishita.
The temple also houses a Salagrama donated by the Kayamkulam Maharaja and a Ganapathi Vigraha donated by the Aazhvancheri Thamprakkal. The temple conducts 41 days of Kalamezhuthu and Pattu, sponsored by various Karas since the first of Vrichikam every year. On the last day, Puram Kurithi (Holy Slaughter - outside) is performed, and its Prasadam is believed to provide immunity against Small Pox and similar contagious diseases.
Location
Mavelikara
Main Deity
Sree Bhadrakali
Other Deities
The main Upadevathas in the temple premises are Yakshi (a typical Central Travancore concept of bewitchingly attractive fairy witches who feed on human blood with super natural powers), Muhurthi, Rakshas (a fierce super natural creature who feed on humans), Thevara Moorthy, Kannamballi bhagavathi, Ganapathi, Nagarajav (King of serpents), Naga Yakshi, Balakan, Vallyachan (Central Travancore parlance for family chieftains) etc. Besides, there is a small temple for Moolasthanam.
Festivals
The important festivals celebrated here is the Chettikulangara (Kumbha) Bharani dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy during the months of February–March. A prominent highlight of the festival is Kettukazhcha where giant, elaborately decorated structures of temple cars known as Kuthira, chariots known as Theru, icons of Lord Hanuman, Bhima, Panchali (popular characters from Indian epics) are all paraded to the temple through the city roads. Ethirelppu Ulsav, Parayeduppu Ulsav, Aswathy Ulsav.
Main Offerings
Kumkumarchana, Raktha Puzhpanjali, Panthirunazhi, Bhagavathi Seva, various types of Payasams, Niramala and Vilakku.
How To Reach
Nearest railway station: Mavelikkara, 6kms away
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 85kms from Alappuzha