Thrikkavu Sri Durga BhagavathyTemple in Ponnani: Main destination for Vidyarambham in Kerala

Navrang India September 22, 2025

 In the state of  Kerala, Thrikkavu Sri Durga Bhagavathy Temple in Ponnani is  popular  for Vidyarambham ritual - the early process of introducing the kids aged 3 to 5 to the world learning - education, music, dance, etc under a proper Guru. Conducted on the Vijayadasami day during the Navaratri festival in September -October, the young boy or girl  is guided to write the first letters in the language and then the Guru writes the mantra on kid's tongue. This is done on the temple premises, invoking  the blessings of the main deity, God of learning Saraswati and God Ganapati.

Thrikkavu temple, Ponnanai. templesofkerala.org 

Thrikkavu temple, Ponnanai.  .templepurohit.com

Thrikkavu temple, Ponnanai.  .unifiedspiritualtrip.com

The Thrikkavu Sri Durga Bhagavathy Temple, a Hindu temple of great antiquity, is located in Ponnani, Kerala's Malapuram District. While the precise origin of the temple remains unknown, it is widely believed to be one of the 108 Durga temples established by Lord Parasurama, solidifying its place in Kerala's spiritual landscape. The name "Thrikkavu" itself is thought to have originated from "Thrikkani Kaadu," signifying its profound and ancient roots.

Historically, the temple endured a "dark chapter" of severe destruction during Tipu Sultan's raid on Kerala in the late 1700s. In the wake of this invasion, holy temples, including Keraladheeswaram, Thrikkandiyoor, and Thriprangatu, suffered extensive damage. According to the Malabar Gazetteer, the plundering by Tipu's army also affected other ancient learning centers, such as the renowned Thirunavaya Temple, which was a major hub for Vedic studies even before the birth of Christ. The Thrikkavu Temple, in particular, was not only pulled down and its idol destroyed but was also converted into an ammunition depot. The temple's eventual restoration to its former glory is a testament to the patronage of the Zamorin kings, who undertook its repair and reconstruction.

The presiding deity, Goddess Durga, is revered in a unique four-armed form known as Chathurbhaahu, holding a Chakra (disc), Sankha (conch), and offering blessings with two other hands. She is often referred to as "Sarva beeshta pradhayini," one who grants all wishes, and devotees believe she never fails to fulfill their prayers when approached with unwavering faith. Interestingly, the Devi is worshipped here in three distinct forms: Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. The temple premises also house smaller shrines dedicated to other deities, including Sri Krishna, Maha Ganapathi, Sasthavu, Sidhi Vinayakan, and Hanuman, along with a shrine for Brahma Rakshass. Near the temple tank, devotees offer prayers to serpent gods, with stone images of Naga Raja, Naga Yakshi, and Naga pratishtas.

The temple is a hub for numerous festivals, with the Navaratri festival being the most prominent. On the Vijayadasami day of this festival, the auspicious ritual of Vidyarambham takes place. This important tradition marks the beginning of a child's educational journey, with a guru or priest guiding them to write their first letters and mantras on the temple grounds, invoking the blessings of Saraswati and Ganapati. Another significant event is the Vrishchicka Mandala mahotsavam, a grand festival held throughout the entire period of the Mandala season.