Palliyara Devi Temple
Chilanthi Ambalam believed to one of its kind in India, otherwise known as Palliyara Sree Bhagavathy Temple is a famous temple dedicated to Goddess Palliara Devi (Goddess Durga manifestation). The temple is famous for the treatment of spider poisoning and related insect bites. The water of the Chilanthikinar (well) in the premises of this temple is believed to cure skin diseases.
It is believed that this temple was built during the reign of the last king of the Sakthibhadra Kingdom.
Legend has it that the chilanthi Temple is associated with King Ravindran Vikraman, The legend of the chilanthi Temple is associated with King Ravindran Vikraman, thestwhile king of Chenneerkara Swaroopam, a small sovereign state in erstwhile Kerala. The King was also renowned Ayurvedic physician and filled his palace with traditional herbs and medicines. He had three daughters, but no male heir. As he had no descendant to don his mantle and carry forward his healing skills, the king buried his precious collection of herds all around his palace before he died.
Tragedy struck after that- his eldest daughter died of small pox and the second had an untimely death. His youngest daughter began a thapasya (rigorous meditation) in the palliyara (royal chamber) Legend goes that she always had a spider on her body! She attained samadi and thus ended King Ravindran Vikraman’s bloodline. Later, a copper plate found in the palace nominated a member of the Mannadi Vakkapanjippuzha Mutt as the King’s successor. However, nobody dared to enter the Palliara.
Finally, one day, after several years, the palliara opened on its own and inside, where the Princess sat in Samadhi, was the image of a beautiful goddess in the form of a spider. The sweet scent of medicinal herbs wafted in from the well in the palace grounds and those who drank the water or washed their faces with it were cured of ailments. The Palliyara came to be known as the Kodumon Chilanthi Kshethram.
The temple continues to attract thousands of devotees from far and near for the purpose of divine healing. Devotees affected by spider bites come to Kodumon Chilanthi Kshethram for a cure. There are certain procedures to be followed by those who visit the temple for spider venom treatment. They should first take bath and offer Malar (Puffed Rice) Nivedyam to the Goddess Palliara Devi. The Bhasma (ashes) obtained with the Malar Nivedya should be applied all over the body. Along with that they should drink the Theertha (Holy water) from the well inside the Temple. It is said that doing so for 7 days will cure the complications caused due to spider venom.
Location
Kodumon
Main Deity
Goddess Durga
Other Deities
Goddess Mahalakshmi
Festivals
The temple annual Utsav is "Karthika" star in the "Vrischika" month of Malayalam calendar. Pongal.
Main Offerings
Malar Nivedyam.
How To Reach
By Air: Trivandrum International Airport is the nearest airport situated at 97.4KM from the temple.
By Road: Adoor KSRTC bus station is 9.30KM from the temple.
By Rail: Chengannur Railway Station is 31.9KM from the temple.