Chakkulathukavu Sree Bhagavathy Temple Kerala

Chakkulathukavu Sree Bhagavathy temple, a famous pilgrim center with a history of more than 3000 years, is located in the Alappuzha district of Kerala. Nestled on the panoramic banks of River Pamba, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. The temple is fondly called as the Sabarimala of women as Sabarimala temple does not allow the entry of women aged between 10 and 50. River Pamba and River Manimala flow on the two sides of Chakkulathukavu temple.

The annual Pongala festival of Chakkulathukavu Sree Bhagavathy temple is as famous as the pongala festival of Attukal Bhagavathy temple. Lakhs of women from different areas of South India gather here to offer pongala nivedyam, a sweet porridge made up of rice, jaggery, coconut and dry fruits. They line up on both the sides of roads that lead to this temple to prepare pongala payasam which is a favorite dish of the goddess. Sometimes the queue extends up to an unexpected length of 20 kilometers. This festival is conducted every year on the Karthika star of the Malayalam month Vrischikam (November-December). It is believed that the glory of Goddess Durga in this temple is at its peak on this day.

Naree Pooja is other major festival of Chakkulathukavu Sree Bhagavathy temple. Hindu tradition believes that God gets pleased wherever women are adorned. Naree Pooja is a unique ceremony where women are seated on specially decorated seats. The priests wash the feet of women respectfully. It is a way of giving respect and reverence to womanhood. Many devotees visit this temple on this day to witness this special ritual. The first Friday of every Malayalam month is also important for this temple. Special rituals and spiritual functions are conducted on this day and hundreds of devotees reach the temple to participate in them. The nearest railway station to this temple is Thiruvalla which is almost 11 kilometers away. Cochin International airport is about 113 kilometers and Trivandrum International Airport is approximately 135 kilometers away from Chakkulathukavu Sree Bhagavathy temple.