Chakkulathukavu Sree Bhagavathi Temple

Chakkulathukavu Sree Bhagavathi Temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga, stands as a prominent Hindu temple near Thiruvalla in Neerattupuram, Alappuzha District, Kerala, India. Drawing pilgrims from across South India, the temple is situated on the serene banks of the Pampa River, merely 9 km away from Thiruvalla Railway Station, offering easy accessibility through KSRTC buses.

The Transformation of Chakkulathukavu Sree Bhagavathi Temple

A few decades ago, the Chakkulathukavu Temple underwent renovation, transforming it from a lesser-known family temple into a popular pilgrim center. The temple’s specifications include an elevation of 26.33 meters (86 feet), housing the main deity temple. The location, in Neerattupuram, Thalavady Panchayat, near Thiruvalla, and the proximity to the holy Pampa River add to the temple’s sacred charm. Accessibility is facilitated by its proximity to Thiruvalla Railway Station and frequent KSRTC buses.

Festivals at Chakkulathukavu Temple: A Spiritual Spectacle

One of its major festivals, Pongala, celebrated during the month of Vrischikam, is a significant occasion that lures lakhs of women devotees. During this festival, women cook offerings in round earthen pots, creating a spiritual spectacle. Another annual event, Panthrandu Noyampu, involves fasting and prayer rituals held from the first day of the Malayalam month of Dhanu until the twelfth. Additional festivals such as Naree pooja and Thrikkarthaka contribute to the vibrant and religious ambiance.

During the Pongala festival, the temple witnesses an extraordinary gathering of women devotees, offering rice, coconut, and jaggery. The chief priest lights the main hearth from the divine fire inside the sanctum sanctorum, symbolizing the sacredness of the ritual.

Chakkulathukavu Temple’s history, from its roots as a family temple to its present popularity, attracts pilgrims from South India due to the widespread devotion to Goddess Durga. The temple’s rich cultural tapestry is further embellished by festivals like Naree pooja and Thrikkarthaka, making it a spiritual and cultural hub in the region.

Photo by: Chakkulathukavu Sree Bhagavathi Temple