Vettikulangara Devi Temple
This is an ancient Temple located in Cheppad. This temple is dedicated to Durga Devi. The goddess Deity is also known as Karthiyayini Devi.
As per local History, people of the area have worshiped Lord Mahadeva. The arrival of a Brahmin Scholar known as Thampuran from the Pazhore Padippura became responsible for the incarnation of Devi in this area. Thampuran, who had come from the north, took up his residence at Nedunagappally, Ramapuram in the south of this region. Later, on his return to his native place, Thampuran took along with him the idol of Devi, his deity of worship. During his journey, because of the omnipotence of Mahadeva, the idol happened to fall into the pond in the Kannirasi. Despite laborious efforts, Thampuran could not recover the idol. With a heavy heart, Thampuran returned to his native place. After several years while members of the Naluveettil family were digging the pond, they found the idol of Devi in the pond.
Having been hit by their digging equipments, blood began to ooze from the idol. Realizing the vitality of Devi, people took possession of the idol with devotion and began to worship. As the idol was obtained during the process of digging the pond, the name "Vettikulangara came into vogue. By preserving the purity and antiquity, the pond is being protected to this day.
As Adi Parashakti, the mother of mercy and the giver of vitality, Sri Karthyayani Devi resides here. By showering her blessings on her devotees who appeals to her with aching hearts, Devi reins the Vettikulangara Temple. This is the only temple in India with an Ana Vilakku (Elephant lamp).
Location
Cheppad
Main Deity
Goddess Durga
Other Deities
Lord Mahadeva, Lord Ganesh, Lord Ayyappan, Nagaraja, and Nagayakshi
Festivals
Navaham in the Malayalam month of Kanni. Sapthaham in the Malayalam month of Vrischikam. Thrikarthika Maholsavam in the Malayalam month of Vrischikam. Para Ezhunnallathu in the Malayalam month of Makaram. Thiru Utsavam in the Malayalam month of Kumbham.
Main Offerings
Kadum Payasam
How To Reach
By Air: Trivandrum International Airport is 112 KM from the Temple.
By Rail: Kayamkulam Junction Railway Station is 10.8 KM from the Temple.
By Road: Harippad Bus Station is 5.8 KM from the Temple.