Chakkulathukavu

Chakkulathukavu Sri Baghavathy

Chakkulathukavu Sri Baghavathy Temple

The temple that dates back to almost 3000 years. This area where the temple stands now had been a dense forest. It is located around 12 kms from Thiruvalla. This is popularly known as 'Ladies Sabarimala'.

As per the legends two demons Sumbha and Nishumbha acheived super powers through rigorous meditation of Lord Brahma and received a boon that they could be killed only through a battle with a woman. Drunk with power, Sumbha and Nishumbha conquered Indra and other Devas. They conquredr the three worlds and the helpless Devas had to flee away and take shelter in remote jungles.

The Devas approached Brahma for a solution to save them. Brahma was helpless and said only Parvathi Devi can save them. Deva went in search of Goddess Parvathi. Goddess Parvathy had just arrived on the banks of river Ganga when she heard the pleading sounds of Devas. Goddess Parvathy reincarnated as Goddess Durga, and a big war between the Goddess and all Asuras under Sumba and Nishumbha ensued. All the asuras were annihilated by the Goddess Durga and the Devas got their rightful places and peace prevailed. It is believed that the Goddess residing in Chakkulathukavu is a wholesome reincarnation of Parvathi as Goddess Durga.

The Temple : The temple is situated in a big sprawling space.There is a big Dwajasthamba in front of the entrance. We can two massive statues of two tuskers on each side, said to be elephants of this temple. The sanctum or the karpa graha of Chakkulathuamma has no roof over the Goddess. There are sannidhis for Ganesha, Shiva,Sastha,Subramanya,Yakshi,Naga,Anai Marudha and navagrahas. There is a sannidhi for Baghavathy,Sarsawathi and Raaghu called Sarswathi mandapam where abishekams can be performed by the devotees. River Pamba and River Manimala flow on the two sides of Chakkulathukavu temple.

Important Festivals

Chakkulathukavu Pongala This is a famous and important festival in the temple during the month of ‘Vrischikam’ (November- December). The temple premises will be overcrowded and the devotees arrange place for offering the Pongal on both sides of the mains streets. The queue sometimes extends to a length of several kilometers.

Earthen pots ready for Pongal preparation (file picture)

Rice, coconut and jaggery are bought by women devotees along with earthen pots for cooking. The Chief Priest lights the firepalce from a fire from inside the sanctum sanctorum. Every year at the time of lighting the main hearth (cooking fire place) an eagle is found to circle above the sky. It is believed that the Goddess Durga herself is present near each Pongala hearth as the cooking is done. According to the devotees all the griefs, problems solved and illness of the devotees are cured through the Pongal offering.

Saraswathi Mandapam

Baghavathy,Sarswathi,Raaghu

There is a seperate sannidhi called Saraswathi mandapam with idols of Baghavathi,Saraswathi and Raghu.Devotees can perform abhishekams with their own hand to these idols and it is beleived that this ritual wards off the evils of Raaghu, Sani ,Chevvai doshas. And it is also beleived that the abhishekams here bring prosperity to the devotees.

Nari Pooja

Several decades ago, ladies were not allowed in this temple.A very old lady pleaded with the priest that she wanted to stand in a corner and wanted to darshan the Goddess and witness the pooja. She was mercilessly chased away. As soon as she left, there were heavy rains,gusty winds uprooting the trees. Lamps and the temple kalasams broke in the gust. The priest realised that this was not a good omen and performed deva prasanam (a type of astrolgy) and found out that the ols was none other than the Goddess Durga herself. The priest was upset and prosrtated before the Goddess seeking forgiveness.

Devi Chakkulathma asked the priest to perform pooja for the ladies visiting the temple on the same day by washing their feet. Among thousands of women coming on that day, she will be also one among them.

This Nari pooja is performed every year sometime during December by the head priest.During that day no male members shall be allowed inside

Kashayam as prasadamEvery Friday a herbal concoction called Kashayam is used for abishekam to Goddess Chakkulathamma and distributed as prasad. It is beleived to cure ailments and people throng to obtain this.

Temple location The temple is situated in the border of Pathanamthitta and Alapuzha districts and is around 12 kms from Thiruvalla and 18 kms from Chengannur.

Temple Timings The temple is open from 4:30 AM till 1:30 pm and from 5:00 pm till 8:30 pm

How to reach?
Thiruvallah is well connected by Rail,Road. The nearest airport is Cochin.From Thiruvallah there are several bus services and cab services

Where to Stay? There are many semi deluxe hotels in Thiruvallah and Chengannur
Other interesting places around Chakkalthukavu Chengannur is just just 17 kms away from here and there are four Divya desams around Chengannur - Thiruchittatu,Thirupuliyur, Thiruvanvandoor, and Thrikodithanam near Changancherry all said to have been built and worshipped by the Pandavas. Sri Mahadeva temple and Bhagavathy temple are very famous and must visit. River Pamba flows near the Mahadevan temple and also near Thiruvaranmula where you can have bath before proceeding to Sabarimala.
Contact Chakkulathukavu Sree Bhagavathy Temple
Neerettupuram P.O., Thiruvalla
Kerala
Ph: + 91 477 2213550,Mob : 09447104242,8943218902
Website: http://www.chakkulathukavutemple.org/
Useful data
State: Kerala
District: Alappuzha
Languages: Malayalam,Tamil, English
Best Season: Throughout the year.
Weather: Summer 33-39°C, Winter 16-28°C . Heavy seasonl rains from June till August
Altitude: Sea level