Among the temples of Kerala dedicated to Shakti or Devi, one of the significant place of worship is Sree Chakkulathukavu Devi. This pretty old temple is in 'Neerattupuram' on the border of Patthanamthitta. This temple conducts many festival annual utchavams. The 'Pongala Festival' of Chakkulathukavu Temple is as popular as that of 'Attukal Pongala' of Attukal temple in Thiruvanathapuram with which it has similarities. Since the goddess is considered the mother of the universe, she is reverentially called 'Chakkulathamma.'
 |
| Sree Chakkulathukavu Devi Temple,Kerala wanderboat.ai |
 |
| Sree Chakkulathukavu Devi Temple,Kerala |
 |
| Sree Chakkulathukavu Devi Temple,Kerala templesofkerala.or |
The Sree Chakkulathukavu Devi Temple, in Alappuzha district near the banks of the Pampa and Manimala rivers, is one of Kerala’s most revered and vibrant temples dedicated to Goddess Durga, worshipped here as Chakkulathamma. Though its origins are believed to be over 3,000 years old, the temple underwent major renovations in 1981, giving it its present form. The temple is renowned for its blend of spiritual power, regional culture, and architectural simplicity rooted in traditional Kerala temple design, with tiled sloping roofs, richly carved wooden features, and gold-plated flag post (Dwajasthambam) that reflect sacred aesthetics and ancient Vastu principles.
 |
| Sree Chakkulathukavu Devi Temple keralatourism.org |
 |
| Chakkulathukavu Devi temple kerala Pongala festival DiscoveringIndia.net |
The sanctum (Sree Kovil) enshrines a swayambhu (self-manifested) idol of the goddess standing with eight arms, exuding divine grace. The complex also includes shrines for sub-deities such as Lord Shiva, Vishnu, Vinayaka, Murugan, Ayyappa, serpent gods, Yakshi, and the Navagrahas, offering devotees a holistic spiritual experience.
 |
| Chakkulathukavu Devi keralatemples.info |
One of the temple’s most iconic events is the Pongala festival held in the Malayalam month of Vrischikam (November–December), where lakhs of women gather to prepare sweet rice porridge (made from cooked rice, jaggery, etc.,)as an offering to the goddess. The chief priest lights the main hearth, and the fire is ceremonially passed to each devotee. This massive ritual often spans several kilometers around the temple and is considered a powerful act of devotion.
.jpg) |
| Thrikkarthika festival, Chakkulathukavu Devi Temple youtube.com |
Another unique observance is the Naari Pooja, held on the first Friday of the Malayalam month of Dhanu, where women are worshipped as incarnations of the divine feminine. In December 2023, a 100-year-old devotee named Parukutty Amma was honored during this ritual, underlining the temple's commitment to honoring womanhood across ages. The Thrikkarthika Mahotsavam is also celebrated with grandeur, with the lighting of one lakh oil lamps, Divyabhishekam, and the symbolic burning of the Karthika pillar. Daily rituals, Vidyarambham during Navaratri, Panthrandu Noyampu, and first Friday poojas are regularly observed. The temple is easily accessible from Thiruvalla, about 9–12 km away, and remains open from early morning to evening. With its spiritual depth and evolving traditions, Chakkulathukavu remains a symbol of enduring feminine power and devotion in Kerala.
https://templesofkerala.org/alappuzha/chakkulathukavutemple.html
https://keralatemples.info/temple-details/chakkulathukavu-sree-bhagavathy
https://www.navrangindia.in/2016/07/inspiring-sree-chakkulathukavu-devi.html
