Chakkulathu Kavu Temple is a Hindu temple located in Neerattupuram, Thalavady panchayat, Alappuzha District, Kerala. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. Bhagawathi is one of the most popular deities in the area. Devotees from far off places visit and pay worship to the deity. Earlier the temple was not well known and was regarded as family temple. The temple later became famous among the devotees after it was repaired and renovated a few decades ago. The temple is located on the banks of the holy Pampa River. Devotees from far off places come here to visit the deity and offer her prayers and receive her blessings.
Legend of Chakkulathu Kavu Temple
According to the legend of Chakkulathu Kavu Temple two demons, Shumbha and Nishumbha was granted boon by Lord Brahma that they could only be killed by a woman. Upon receiving the powers they began torturing people and usurped the throne of the Devas. The tormented devas then began praying to mother goddess. The Goddess then taking the form of Goddess Durga fought with the demons and finally killed them.
Festivals of Chakkulathu Kavu Temple
Chakkulathu Kavu Temple organises and celebrates many festivals on a grand scale. The temple is attractively decorated with flowers and lights during the festival time. The major festival of the temple is Pongala which takes place during the month of Vrischikam i.e. November and December. It is believed that the glory of the Goddess is at its peak at this time. Devotes thus throng the temple during various festivals of Chakkulathu Kavu Temple. Lakhs of women devotees gather around the temple as early as even one week before the festival. The temple premises remains overcrowded. The devotees arrange for places for offering the Pongala on both sides of the main streets. The queue usually extends to a surprising length of 20 km. The devotees bring with them rice, coconut and along with round earthen pots for cooking. The Chief Priest lights the main hearth from the divine fire inside the sanctum sanctorum. This fire is exchanged from one oven to another.
Panthrandu Noyampu is another festival celebrated at the temple. In this festival the devotees fast and pray for her eternal blessings of Chakkulathamma. This fasting starts every year from the first day of the Malayalam month of Dhanu till the twelfth.