Puttingal Temple
Puttingal Devi Temple is located in the coastal town of Paravur in Kollam. It is one of the oldest temples in the Kollam district. A small temple was constructed when the presence of the Goddess herself was experienced on an anthill. Later on, the temple was reconstructed a couple of centuries before the present. Puttingal Devi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathi.
The Sreekovil (Sanctum sanctorum) has got three entrances. At the extreme end of the front compound, there is the prathishta of Lord Shiva which faces with Puttingal Devi. The Mighty Banyan Tree is located on the east side of the temple. The temple is famous for its grand fireworks during the Meenam (March-April) Festival. During festival days, rituals like Aswathy Vilakku and cultural programs like Kathakali, Kampadikali, and Marameduppu are performed in the temple premises. Malsara Kambam (fireworks) is one of the main attractions in connection with Meena Bharani Mahotsavam. It starts around 10.00 PM on the last day and continues till the next morning. The festivals attract thousands of visitors and foreigners. After the festival, the temple closes for seven days. On these days, pooja does not take place. Thottam Paattu is also a main offering of the Puttingal temple. It begins on the 21st day of Vrischikam (November-December) and lasts till the principal festival of the Goddess. Three persons recite the story of Devi in three parts, twice a day first in the evening and later on after Deepa Aradhana. After the Thottam Paattu season, again the temple closes for seven days.
There are quite a few temples in and around Paravur. On the day of the festival of each temple, the evening procession comes to Puttingal temple before it ends. People believe that if you pray Puttingal Devi deeply, their sufferings will be mitigated by Amma - the eternal Mother.
Location
Paravur
Main Deity
Goddess Bhadrakali
Other Deities
Ganapathy Balaka Shastha (Adoloscent Ayappan) Marutha (A mythological figure popular in Kerala state of India. Aana Marutha is often depicted as a bloodsucking evil spirit. She is known for her lusty quest and erotic pranks) Vasoorimala (a disease goddess worshiped in many parts of Kerala) Serpant Gods & Goddess Moolasthanam (Original Source/Seat of the power of the Deity) Kaadiyaathy Moorthy, Lord Siva
Festivals
Meena Bharani, Aswathy Vilakku.
Main Offerings
Thottam Pattu (ballad sung just before performing the Theyyam ritual), Guruthy (Sacrifice) and Urul Nercha (Devotees rolling through the ground for five to eight kilometers would reach the Temple premises and pay the deity by rolling around the Temple seven times). Aval (beaten rice) and Malar (the puffed rice) are the main offerings for the Puttungal Goddess along with tender coconut and flowers.
How To Reach
By Airport:
Cochin International Airport is the Nearest Airport which is 180.9 km away from the temple.
By Railway Station:
Ernakulam Jn (South) Railway Station is the Nearest Railway Station which is 152.7 km away from the Temple.
By Road:
Kerala is well connected with other major cities; also, many direct vehicles ply to the temple.