Karthyayani Devi Temple
The adorning deity is Karthiyayani (Goddess Parvathy). It is believed that the famous Indian Saint Vilwamangalam Swamiyar consecrated Devi in this temple. While he was going back after consecrating 'Padmanabha Swamy' at Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram he saw Devi at this place and consecrated her in this place is the popular belief. The deity 'Cherthala Karthyayani Devi' is famous as 'Mangalya Dayini' in the sense she provides welfare and prosperity for her devotees and removes obstacles for the marriage of young girls. Although the main deity is Karthyayani Devi, the sub deity 'Dharma Sastha' (Ayyappan) is also having importance in this temple. For Lord Ayappan, there is a special offering known as 'Aalthadi' is performed. The 'Vazhipadu'(Offering) 'Aalthadi' is offered by the devotees in the belief that their physical ailments will be removed.
The darshanam of Cherthala Karthyayani Devi is towards east. The sreekovil is located nearly 4 feet down from the ground. The flag post of the temple is gold plated and Sheeveli is performed here daily.
Location
Cherthala
Main Deity
Sree Karthyayani (Parvathy) Goddess
Other Deities
Vishnu, Shiva, Ganapathy, Kavudayan, Nagaraja, and Yakshi.
Festivals
'Aarattu' is a ritual held once annually. Karthika star day in the Malayalam month of Vrichikam is also well celebrated. The annual festival in the temple begins on Makayiram nakshatra in Meenam month with kodiyettam. The festival ends with arattu on Uthram nakshatram. The festival is famous as Cherthala pooram. Arattu is held twice every day during the annual festival.
Main Offerings
For Devi: Archana, Rakta Pushpanjali (flower offerings), Swayamvara Pushpanjali, Muzhukappu (adorning the deity with sandalwood paste), Thalappoli is also an important offering here: a lighted oil lamp is placed on a flower decorated plate and women carry them accompanying Devi's processions For Lord Sastha (Ayappan): Neerajanam, Aalthadi
How To Reach
By Airport: Cochin International Airport is the Nearest Airport which is 101 km away from the temple.
By Train: Ernakulam Jn (South) Railway Station is the Nearest Railway Station which is 121 km away from the Temple.
By Road: The temple is well connected with other major cities.