Seethadevi Lava Kusa Temple
The Seetha Devi Temple in Pulpally, Wayanad district, holds a unique position among temples in Kerala as it is the only temple known to have installed deities of Lava and Kusha, the children of Sree Rama and Seetha Devi. According to the legend, Seetha reached Pulpally and was given shelter by the great Sage Valmiki after being abandoned by Rama. The place in Pulpally where Seetha gave birth to Lava and Kusa is called Valmiki Ashramam. The Chedattinkavu temple is the original temple of Pulpally Temple. It is believed that Lava and Kusa stopped and caught the horse sent by Rama as part of the Ashwamedha, and when Rama came to free the horse, he saw Seetha and she immediately disappeared in the earth, her mother. Her hair was caught by Rama while going down, and thus the name Chedattinkavu or Jadayattakavu to the spot.
The Seetha Devi temple of Pulpally was constructed by Sri Pazhassi Raja in the 18th century. He managed the temple for many years, and later the management of the temple came into the hands of the Kuppathode family and the renowned Nair family in Wayanad. Tipu Sultan of Mysore planned to destroy this temple during the military assault, but it is believed that he had to retreat because of the darkness created at noon by the supreme power of Goddess Seetha.
Leeches, which are very common in most parts of Wayanad, are not found in the area surrounding this temple, according to the legend. Goddess Seetha cursed the leeches that bit Lava and Kusa and banished them from Pulpally. A large number of termite mounds (valmeekam) can also be seen at different spots, associated with the sage Valmiki, who authored the Ramayana. The temple festival celebrated in the first week of January, considered to be the regional festival, is attended by a large number of people belonging to different castes and creeds. The annual temple festival in January attracts people from various parts of Wayanad.
Location
Pulpally
Main Deity
Goddess Seetha & Sapthamathrukkal (The Seven Devine Mothers).
Other Deities
Lord Ayyapa, Lord Subramanya, Lord Ganesha, Lord Thalachiluan, Lord Vettaikaran and Lord Naga.
Festivals
Navarathri & Pulpally temple festival is conducted in the first week of January every year.
Main Offerings
Nei (ghee) vilakku is the main offering here.
How To Reach
By Air: Kannur International Airport is situated 108 KM from the Temple.
By Rail: Thalassery Railway Station is situated 105 KM from the Temple.
By Road: Sultan Bathery KSRTC Bus Stand is situated 25.3 KM from the Temple.