Pazhanchira Devi Temple
Pazhanchira Devi Temple is a highly revered shrine situated at Ambalathara near Poonthura in Thiruvananthapuram. The temple stands in a picturesque setting, where there is a unique blending of natural beauty and a calm atmosphere. The abode of Sree Pazhanchira Devi Temple is one of the most ancient temple, almost 700 years old and was installed by a 'Siddhayogi' who worshipped the Devi. Gradually this place was converted into a temple and there a place was given to the Yogi on the western side of the Sree Kovil. The temple erected in a spiral-shaped form is a good example of Kerala style of architecture.
The history says that the famous priests like Ashwathamav used to come to Pazhanchira Desham to rest on the way to Sree Padmanabha Swami temple for Seeveli. During the time, a yogi settled there. The divinity of Pazhanchira was received through this yogi. Once, a Goddess appeared before this yogi and asked him to install an idol of Devi in Pazhaya chira on the banks of Neelaru. Then Pazhaya chira came to be known as Pazhanchira. The Pongala Mahotsavam is celebrated to pay obeisance to the divine presence of Pazhanchira Devi. The festival celebrates the oneness of the people on the banks of Neelaru. Pongala is also celebrated to thank the elements of nature.
A kavu (small forest patch) which houses the serpent Gods is common in Travancore, which preserves the beauty and atmosphere gifted by nature. This heritage structure is placed under the list of monuments of national importance. The temple has been recently renovated with a new chuttambalam which is an excellent example of Kerala Vasthu Vidya and temple architecture in the new age.
One important aspect of the temple is that the deity appears as an avatar of AdiParasakthi. Makayiram is considered as the star of the deity. The upadevathas (sub-deities) adjacent to the temple, are installed according to the Deva Prashnam by expert astrologers.
Location
Manacaud
Main Deity
Goddess Durga
Other Deities
Yogishwaran, Lord Ganesh, Rektha Chamundi, Nagaraja, Brahm Rakshas, Madan Thampuran, Navagraha
Festivals
The festival of the temple is on the Malayalam month of 'Meenam' and starts on the day of 'Makayiram'. Makayiram is considered as the star of the deity. On every full moon day, a special pooja known as 'Aiswarya Mahalakshmi Pooja' is conducted here.
Main Offerings
Ganapathy Homam, Visheshal Pooja, Kanjiveenju, Navagraha Muzhukappu, Nagaroottu, Muzhukappu devikku, Sree Rudrasooktha Bhasmarchana, Paranirakkal (one), Raktha Pushpanjali, Sree Sookthaarchana, Bhagyasooktharchana, Swayamvara Pushpanjali, Aishwariya Mahalakshmi Pooja, Samvadha Sooktham, Thakkol Pooja, Rakthachamundi Archana, Saharsanamarchana, Kunmkumarchana, Ashtotharaarchana, Charadu gapam, Mahamrithunjaya Homam, Laghumrithunjaya Homam, Thrikala Pooja, Bhagavathy Seva,
How To Reach
By Air: Trivandrum International Airport is situated at 7.2KM from the temple.
By Rail: Trivandrum Central Railway Station is 6.8KM from the Temple.
By Road: Trivandrum KSRTC Bus Station is 5.1KM from the Temple.