Holy Pilgrimage – Temples in Kerala State -5 at 10:10 PM

Holy Pilgrimage – Temples in Kerala State

Chettikulangara Devi Temple, Chettikulangara, Kerala

Chettikulangara Sree Bhagavathi temple is one of the most renowned temples in Kerala. The temple is located at Chettikulangara in Mavelikkara taluk of Alappuzha district in the south Indian state of Kerala. The temple is situated about 4 km west of Mavelikkara, 7 km north of Kayamkulam on SH6 (Kayamkulam - Thiruvalla Highway).

 Overview

One important aspect of the Chettikulangara Sree Bhagavathi temple is that the deity appears as Maha Saraswathi in the morning, as Maha Lakshmi at noon and Sri Durga or Bhadrakali in the evening.
The 1200-year-old temple has 13 Karas (territories). The temple is at the centre of the oldest four Karas–Erezha South, Erezha North, Kaitha South and Kaitha North and the rest of the Karas Kannamangalam South, Kannamangalam North, Pela, Kadavoor, Anjilipra, Mattam North, Mattam South, Menampally and Nadakkavu surround this temple.
This is the second largest temple in terms of income under the control of Travancore Devaswom Board, second only next to Sabarimala.  It is estimated that the temple has earnings worth many crores per year. In 2009 it earned around 1.7 crore Rupees from a single type of offering called Chanthattam. A major part of the Nellu offered to the Bhagavathi is also used to make Appam and Aravana prasadams at Sabarimala. The income from the temple is also helpful to run the daily rituals and Poojas at various temples under the Travancore Devaswom Board.

Sub-deities

There are many Upadevathas (sub-deities) adjacent to the temple, and a few Prathishtas were either revamped or added according to the Deva Prashnam by expert astrologers recently.
The main Upadevathas in the temple premises are

• Yakshini
• Ganapathi
• Nagarajav
• Balakan
• Muhurthi
• Naga Yakshi
• Thevara Moorthy
• Kannamballi bhagavathi
• Rekshas (a fierce supernatural creature who feeds on humans)
• Vallyachan (Central Travancore parlance for family chieftains; they are worshiped by his descendants after death)

There is a small temple for Moolasthanam (primary abode).
A Kavu (a patch of small forest which houses the serpent Gods, and is common in central Travancore). A Karimbana and Chembakam tree on the premises are places of worship on the belief that they house Gandharvas and Yakshis, the supernatural elements who accompany Bhagavathy, their master, during her trips, termed Varutthu Pokku in local parlance.
As followed for many centuries, elephants are not taken to the western side of the Nalambalam, fearing that the fairy creatures residing at the Chembakam may kill them.

Festivals

The Temple has a number of festivals. The important ones are

Parayeduppu

In the numerous temples of Onattukara, the "Parayeduppu" period is the festival season. It all begins when the deity ("Devi") of Chettikulangara temple is taken out in procession for Parayeduppu on the Makayriam star of the Malayalam month Makaram. The festivals continue to the end of Medam. The main part of Parayeduppu is the Jeevatha constructed in the model of the temple structure itself. This box-like carriage for the deity rests on two teakwood poles about two meters long, and is in the form of a palanquin . The front resembles "Thidambu" behind which is a kind of pettakam (small chest) built as per Thachusaasthra calculations. Up front is a woollen cloth embroidered with shining, colourful pictures and gold trinkets. Behind that is kept the deity's holy dress, starched and pleated, and decorated with small mirror pieces. More than 100 families form the entourage of Parayeduppu Bhagavathy's - five month long visit to the homes of people who lives in her Karas
The rhythms used during Jeevatha Ezunnallathu (procession) are quite noteworthy. Starting with very slow beats, it builds up a crescendo and ends in fast beats. The ensemble consists of Veekkan chenda, Uruttu chenda (both drums), Elathaalam (cymbals), Kombu and Kuzhal (both, wind instruments).
Although Jeevatha Ezunnallathu and Parayeduppu are centuries old customs, the "Chuvadu Vechu Kali" (a peculiar dance with unique steps) is recent.

Kumbha Bharani

The major festival at Chettikulangara is Kumbha Bharani. This is in the month of march or April. The date is determined according to the Malayalam Calendar KollaVarsham. The Chettikulangara Bharani is in the month of Kumbha and the day which has the star Bharani and hence the name Kumbha Bharani. The highlight of the festival is Kuthiyottam and Kettukazhcha.
The preparation for Kumbha Bharani starts days before the actual day and usually that day will be the Shivarathi. People who had pledged for Kuthiyottam will start training their children for the offering on that day. All these days these people will host public get-togethers and arrange food for them. The children will be taught a special dance steps called Kuthiyoota chuvadukal. Meanwhile the people from 13 karas of chettikulangara will arrange for the construction of Kettukazhcha to the temple.
The Kuthiyottam processions starts early morning on that day and will last until afternoon. Those who had offered Kuthiyottam to Devi will bring their children to the temple as a procession and will offer the children before Devi as sacrifice. The boys will be playing the Kuthiyootam dance before the Devi. During the evening hours it will be turn of the Kettukazhcha. People from each area will pull the Kettukazhcha from the construction sites (usually in their respective karas itself) to the temple to preset them before the Devi and after having darshan the parties take up their respective position in the paddy fields lying east of the temple
During the night, the image of Devi will be carried in procession to the Kettukazhcha stationed in the paddy fields. On the next day these structures will be taken back. A big bazaar known as Bharani Chanda is also held at Chetikulangara as part of this festival.

Ethirelpu Ulasvam

This is the annual temple festival. On the tenth day following the Kumbha Bharani the annual festival is celebrated in the temple for 13 days. Each day of the festival is organized by residents of each Kara numbering 13. special rituals are held in the temple premises. Every afternoon, cultural processions start form each Kara to the temple premises, with the accompaniment of drums, ornamented umbrellas, kuthiyottam songs, display of events from the Mahabharatha and the Ramayana, classical art forms, folk art form, different type of music, decorated structures and caparisoned elephants.
During the rituals at the temple Thottampattu is sung. Thottampattu is a devotional song sung by a certain section of the community residing in the far off Trivandrum. This song is sung in the temple only during the Etheralpu festival.
Performance of classical arts and other temple arts are conducted in the evening in the temple premises

Aswathy Ulasvam

The unique rituals during the Aswathy festival clearly convey the firm bondage and human pathos at the time of separation between the people and their beloved Bhagavathy. Held in the Aswathy day in the month of Meenom, this festival is attracting a large number of visitors. This festival is imagined as a send off to the deity on her journey to visit her mother at Kodungallur. In the evening, 100 odd decorated [Kettukazhcha] and different effigies are brought to the temple mainly made by the children. Though the size of these Kettukazhcha are comparatively smaller than the ones made for Bharani festival, the number of Kettukazhcha provide a visual impact even challenging the aesthetic effect of Bharani. During the day, Bhagavathy visits the four karas surrounding the temple for Parayeduppu and official Anpolis are given by Kara leaders at Kuthirachevudu, the place where Kuthiras are made. After that she visits and blesses the offerings displayed at the temple premises.
By dawn, she decides to leave, and seeks their permission to leave for Kodungallur. The people of the first four karas make Polavilakku (a large structure drawn on wheels decorated with tender banana stem and lighted with numerous traditional lamps) during her farewell procession. They offer her a grand farewell procession with Aappindi [a unique slow paced dance carrying a pyramid shape box on head). Aappindi will be embellished with crackers, pookkula (cluster of coconut flowers - inflorescence), and will be covered with tender banana stems and Thalapppoli (traditional sacred lamps carried by ladies).
People from Kaitha North and Kaitha South participate in the function with Thiruvantham. It is said that Thiruvantham, a palanquin type structure with fireballs and carried by four people, is the light of Darika, which incenses the Bhagavathy. She scares them away. After the procession, she again visits the Upaprathishtas and asks the people and other gods to let her visit her mother at Kodungallur.
By dawn, she proceeds with lightning sped towards west. Normally, within the 100 meters, the Poojaris carrying the Jeevatha will fall down unconsciously, and the Jeevatha will be taken back to the temple.
The temple will remain closed for the day, and will be opened only the day after. The Aswathy festival concludes the five month long festivities at this temple.

Kettukazhcha

Kettukazhcha is an offering of the people of Chettikulangara to their beloved deity known for her spontaneous blessings on true devotees as a mark of gratitude, devotion, unflinching faith, and for showering prosperity and protection to their lives. Kettukazhcha displays deftly sculpted and decorated forms of six temple cars known as ‘Kuthira’ (Horses), five Theru’ (Chariots ) and icons of Bhima and Hanuman. All the temple cars, chariots and the icons are all incredibly gigantic in size and are many times larger than any other similar Kuthiras and Therus built during the festivities at other temples in the Central Travancore region. On the move, these out of the world sky scrapping colourful decorations are electrifying, and will create an unforgettable artistic impression in union, especially during the night in the back drop of illuminated lights. Chettikulangara Kettukazhcha heralds the architectural and aesthetic acumen of the ancient people of Chettikulangara, who could convert an improbable out of the world concept to an enormous artistic reality, achieved by collective hardships and will power.
Lineage according to historians
Historians attribute the concept of ‘Kettukazhchas’ - similar to the architecture of the Buddha tradition in square, rectangular and pyramid shapes, to the remnants of the Buddha culture which was widely prevalent in the Central Travancore region a few centuries ago.
Many historians cite that the famous Chettikulangara Kettukazhcha in the present form is not more than 180 to 200 years old, and was started during the early part of the 19th century.
According to a popular legend, a group of village chieftains and their workers went for civil works to construct the Kollam–Chavara Thodu (canal), about 50 km away from Chettikulangara, in accordance to the decision from the then ruler of the region. But they could not return to their native place due to the unforeseen inordinate delay in completion of the canal. They pleaded with the authorities, but their request was turned down. During the period, they got an opportunity to visit the temple festivities at Kollam Mulankagakam temple, and were attracted by the Kettukazhcha there. They vowed to their local deity Chettikulangara Bhagavathy, that they would construct Kettukazhchas for her every year, if they were allowed to leave for Chettkulangara immediately. To their surprise, they were allowed to return to Chettikulangara the very next day, and as promised, they made huge Kettukazhchas and took them to their Bhagavathy's premises.
Kuthiras
Kuthiras have a height of about 70 to 75 feet, and are a union of four parts– Adikkoottu, Kathirakal, Edakkodaram, Prabhada and Melkkoodaram, one above the other respectively.
Adikkottu the basic structure also known as Vandikkoottu, form the basic foundation which consists of four big wooden wheels interconnected with four other beams above it. Kuthiras have Thandu, two long huge wooden poles helpful to control the direction while on the move. Thandu and the basic structure are interconnected and have reinforced wooden bearings similar to the modern shock absorbers.
Kathirukal with about 35 feet height, consists of four long poles interconnected with Arecanut poles known as ‘Alaku’ and reinforced with coir and Panavalli knots. These are again strengthened with ‘Kuthukathrika’ or criss cross formation of Alakus. Kathirakal is again bifurcated to two parts–the lower portion consisting of four to five extended layers of Thattu and Charippu (slanting pyramid shaped boxes, made of interconnected Alakus and coir formation, then decorated with white cloth known as Vella, colourful glittering clothes and embellishments called ‘Thookku’.
Prabhada consists of exquisite wooden carved sculptors narrating stories from the Puranas, elephant caparisons called Nettipattoms, Thalekkettu and Aalavattom displayed in the backdrop of colourful clothes and sculptors. Many of the Prabhadas have stories like Gajendramoksham, Vasthrapaharanam,Krishnavatharm.
Edakkoodaram almost half the size of Kathirakal with four to five Charippu made as in the lower portion, comes above the Kathirakal. It also has glittering different clothes and Vella, interlaced with colourful Thookku embellishments.
Melkkoodaramthe top structure is exactly having a pyramid shape, and pivotal to it is an extended long sculpted wooden pole in white colour known as ‘Nambu’. All the separate units are pulled up and placed one above the other with the help of wooden pulleys, giant coir ropes called Vadams with a length of over 100 fts.and with huge iron structures, drawn by hundreds of people.
Theru
Theru does not have the Prabhadas and Edakkoodarams. Their illithattu and charippu are larger than that of the Kuthiras and diminishes in size upwards. Therus are also smaller than the Kuthiras height.
Bhima and Hanuman The wooden icons of Bhima made by Mattom North and Hanuman brought by Mattom south are probably the largest of its kind in the world, and are sure to be the largest in Kerala. Bhima's icon is postured as the Pandava en route to kill Baka on Pothu Vandi (vehicle drawn by buffalos) with food for the Rakshasa King. Mattom south kara also brings the icon of Panjali along with Hanuman
Preparations for constructing the Kettukazhchas start from Shivarathri, about six to ten days prior to Kumbhabharani. On the evening of Kumbhabharani, the Kettukazhchas are dragged to the temple by hundreds of people, and are paraded at the paddy field in front of the temple. After Bhagavathi's Ezhunnellippu to bless the Kettukazhchas and people, the Kettukazhchas are taken back to the respective Karas by next morning. The dismantled parts of Kettukazhchas are kept at the 'Kuthirappura' of each Karas.

Kuthiyottam

Kuthiyottam is performed as an important offering to the deity. This is a ritual dance practiced and perfected through several centuries. It used to be done only in houses in the 13 Karas of the Chettikulangara Temple but after a recent Deva Prashnam it was allowed to conduct Kuthiyottam in the houses outside of the 13 Karas . The houses are decorated, and the portrait of the deity is installed in temporary structures. Kuthiyottam starts a week before Bharani day. It is a type of folk dance performed by youths with the accompaniment of folk music and other musical instruments. Young boys between 8 to 14 years are taught this ritual dance in the house amidst a big social gathering before the portrait of the deity. Feasts are also provided for all the people.
Early in the morning on Bharani, after the feast and other rituals, the boys whose bodies are coiled with silver wires, one end of which is tied around his neck and an arecanut fixed on the tip of a knife held high over his head are taken in procession to the temple with the accompaniment of beating of drums, music, ornamental umbrellas, and other classical folk art forms, and richly caparisoned elephants.
All through the way to the temple tender coconut water will be continually poured on his body. After the circumambulation the boys stands at a position facing the Sreekovil (Sanctum Sanctorum) and begins to dance. This ceremony ends with dragging the coil pierced to the skin whereby a few drop of blood comes out

 

Contact Temple

Chettikulangara Devi Temple, Chettikulangara. P.O, Mavelikkara,  Alappuzha District, Kerala, India. Phone:+91479 2348670.

Transport to Alappuzha

The city is accessible by air, rail, road and water. Cochin International Airport, which is 78 kilometres (48 mi) to the North, is the closest airport. Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, 159 kilometres (99 mi) to the South, is the other airport that links the district with other countries. International tourists utilize this facility to reach Alappuzha. The other nearest airports are at Calicut (236 kilometres (147 mi)) and Coimbatore (254 kilometres (158 mi)). There is also a helipad in the city which however is reserved for government uses.
One major rail line passes through Alappuzha. The railway station is about 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) away from the center of the town. Alappuzha Railway Station is linked by rail to cities like Trivandrum, Cochin, Coimbatore, Chennai, Bokaro and Mumbai A total of four trains originate from Alleppey to cities like Kannur, Chennai, Dhanbad, and Tatanagar. Since Alleppey is a prime destination, many trains from important cities, like Banglore, Manglore, Calicut, and Amritsar, pass through this station.
Alappuzha is also well connected by road. The town service is served by white and brown coloured private buses with routes starting from Erattakulanagra Temple at Ambalappuzha till Kalavoor. These buses connect the city with the surrounding suburbs. National Highway NH 47 passes through the city connecting the city to other major cities like Coimbatore, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kollam, and Trivandrum.  The state run KSRTC runs buses connecting Alappuzha to these cities.
The presence of a lot of backwaters and canals makes water transport a popular means of transport. National Waterway-3 passes through Alappuzha. There is an SWTD boat jetty in the city that lies opposite to the KSRTC bus stand. It is served by regular boat services to major towns like Kottayam and Kollam besides to other small towns and jetties. Taking an SWTD boat is a cheaper alternative to houseboats for enjoying the scenic beauty of Alappuzha.

Mannarasala Temple, Kerala

Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple(Malayalam: മണണാറശ്ശാല ശ്രീ നാഗരാജാക്ഷേത്രം) is a very ancient and internationally-known centre of pilgrimage for the devotees of serpent gods (Nagaraja). The famous Nagaraja temple "Mannarasala" is nestled in a forest glade, like most snake temples. The Mannarasala Temple has over 30,000 images of snakes along the paths and among the trees, and is the largest such temple in Kerala. Women seeking fertility come to worship here, and upon the birth of their child come to hold thanksgiving ceremonies here, often bringing new snake images as offerings.A special turmeric paste which is available at the temple is credited with curative powers.

Location

The temple is located about three kilometers to the north-east of the bus station in N.H.47 at Haripad, in Alappuzha district of Kerala.

History

Though the legends related to the origin of a place cannot be deemed as its history, the story on the evolution of Mannarasala as one of the foremost places of worship of the Serpent Gods is associated with Lord Parashurama who is widely believed to be the creator of Kerala. This history of Mannarasala has been mentioned in the 'Mandara Salodyam', a Sanskrit poem written by Mannarasala M.G. Narayanan Namboodiri of the sacred family based on the accounts and legends handed down and old scriptures and books available with the temple.

Legends

The Reclamation of Kerala

Lord Parashurama in order to release himself from the sin of killing Kshatriyas approached the holy Rishis. They suggested that he should make a gift of a land of his own to the Brahmins. Parashurama, the son of Bhrigu, propitiated Varuna to get some land for himself. He threw into sea the Axe which Lord Shiva had given him with his blessings. Thus he reclaimed the land from the sea and gave it as a gift to the Brahmins according to the rites. This land came to be known as Kerala. This piece of land, however was not habitable because of the salinity of the soil and as a result people began to leave the place. Bharghavarama was pained at this. He undertook a penance to please Lord Shiva, who advised him that the objective could be realized only if the flaming poison of the serpents was spread into the soil and that the only means of doing that was the worship of Nagaraja. Parashurama set out with his disciples in search of a deserted jungle in order to please Nagaraja. He found a suitable place near the seashore in the southern part of Kerala. Satisfied with having found a proper place for the realization of his cherished dream, the great Rishi constructed a Thirthasthala for the performance of the penance.

Nagaraja makes his appearance

A pleased Nagaraja, appeared before Parashurama, willing to grant him his desire. According to the poem by Mannarasala M.G.Narayanan Namboodiri, the Nagaraja made his appearance as if : " The unspeakable splendor of millions of moons! The bright magnificence of emeralds stuck to the hoods. Golden jewels made attractive by miraculous embroidery! Lotus feet worshipped by crowds of Gods! Brilliant beauty of form, full of youthfulness!".
Parasurama prostrated at the lotus feet of Nagaraja and prayed to realize his objective. Nagaraja granted his request with great pleasure. Ferocious serpents arrived at the spot at once to spread the flaming Kalakuda poison. Because of the percolation of poison, the land of Kerala was desalinated, to become habitable with envious greenery. Parasurama then requested the Lord to bless the land forever with his eternal presence which was also accepted by the kindly-disposed Nagaraja.

Installation

Parashurama installed, according to Vedic rites, Nagaraja, who is Brahma, Vishnu and Siva in one in the 'Thirthasthala' (Hall of pilgrimage) filled with Mandara trees, the place now known as Mannarasala. (The installed deity here represents Anantha (Vishnuswaroopa) and Vasuki (Siva in spirit). The installations of Sarpayakshi, Nagayakshi and Nagachamundi, the Naga deities, as well as of their associates were conducted in the proper places with the proper rituals. Parashurama performed to the accompaniment of Vedic recitation and singing of Sama, Abhishekam, Alankaram, Neivedyasamarpanam, Neeranjanam, Sarpabali and other rites pleasing to the serpents and thereby made all the serpents happy. Parasurama brought learned people from other religions; installed Durga and other deities in different places; appointed Brahmins who were Tantric experts for performing poojas; nominated Kshathriyas, peasants and the Ashtavaidyas who were supreme among the physicians; thus he brought Kerala, filled with beautiful vegetation and to prosperity.
After giving important instructions to be followed to preserve the sanctity of the place, Parashurama proceeded to the Mahendra Mountains to continue his austerities.

Vasudeva and Sreedevi

Many generations passed by. The family fell into the grief of childlessness. Vasudeva and Sreedevi were the sad couple who had to bear that heavy load of sorrow, who resolutely worshipped Nagaraja to allay their grief. It was about this time that unexpectedly fire broke out in the jungle around the dwelling place of Nagaraja and burnt down the jungle. The serpents were tortured by the flames, forcing them to hide in their pits with great difficulty. Vasudeva and Sreedevi looked after the serpents, who had their hoods charred, bodies half-burnt, and fainting from time to time, falling down and crawling along. They gently fanned them with fans made of sweet-scented grass and poured ghee mixed with honey and oil on the wounds; cooled their melted bodies with sandalwood ointment; and comforted them. They put them at the foot of banyan trees. They performed purification ceremonies and consecrated the pits; and were put up in special places under the shade of deodar trees and in Chitrakudas. The couple performed abhisheka with thirtha like Panchagavya (a holy mixture of five items from the cow's milk, curd, butter, urine and dung); observed elaborate poojas according to rules with areca nut flower bunches, fragrant flowers and water, incense etc., Nivedyam with melted butter (ghee), milk, payasam with molasses, rice powder, turmeric powder, coconut juice, Kadali fruit, cow's milk, all mixed together in the proper form as Nurum Palum, equivalent to the elixir of life. They offered serpent deities with great devotion, appam, aval (beaten rice or rice wafers), tender coconut etc. They chanted vedic mantras, performed circumambulation and performed all kinds of poojas to restore those crowds of serpents to full health.
The omnipresent and omnipotent Nagaraja was greatly pleased with their continuous penance and the love shown to his associates; Nagaraja made himself visible to the couple and blessed them that he would incarnate on the earth as their beloved son. He said " I shall assume the form of a serpent and stay here (in Mannarasala) permanently, as long as the sun and the moon are there, showering prosperity on your family and granting protection to all the devotees who come here …". Thus Mandarasala, the place filled with Mandara trees, the holy spot where the serpents got shelter, where the earth was fully cooled, became Mandarasala. The boon came true. The Brahmin lady became pregnant and gave birth to five-hooded serpent-child as well as a human child. The two brothers grew up together. Initiation ceremonies and Vedic education were carried out at the proper time in the traditional style. Nagaraja instructed the younger brother to enter into matrimony for the perpetual reservation of the holy family and he obeyed it. When the five-hooded Nagaraja realized that the objectives of his incarnation were realized, he informed the Holy Mother that henceforth he would live at this Illam by entering into Samadhi to bless the devotees. Then he suggested certain inviolable rituals and rules for offering worship and then went into the immaculate cellar and vanished. (It is believed that even today that five-hooded Nagaraja stays in the cellar doing Tapas for the abound prosperity of his dependents. The members of the household always refer to him with great respect and devotion as "Muthassan' and "Appoppan" (Grand father). The jungle close by is the exclusive preserve for his unobstructed peregrinations (Appoppan Kavu - Grandfathers' Grove).

Offerings

Main Offerings
Aim	Offerings
For wealth and prosperity	A pot filled with gold or a gold pot filled with other things.
For education, prosperity and famme	Silk grains, divine ornaments.
For recovering health	Salt
For protection from poison	Turmeric
For curing diseases	Pepper, mustard, green peas etc.
For protection from damage	Serpent cave made of gold etc., images of serpents' eggs, tree, earth etc.,
For long life	Melted butter (ghee)
For getting whatever one wants	Milk, ripe kadalai fruit, nilavarapayasam.
For having child	A vessel named Uruli made of brass, bronze etc. for performing 'Nurum Palum'

Mannarsala Aayilyam

Mannarsala Aayilyam is the main Temple Festival.On the day of Aayilyam asterism in the months of Kanni and Thulam (September and October), all the serpent idols in the grove and the temple are taken in procession to the illam (family connected with the temple) where the offerings of Nurum Palum (rice flour and milk), Kuruthi (a red liquid made of turmeric and lime) and cooked rice are made. The oldest female member of the family carries the idol of the Nagaraja and the procession is conducted with great pomp and rejoicing.

How to reach

Nearest bus station :3 km from Haripad KSRTC bus stand
Nearest railway station :Haripad (3 km), Mavelikkara (10 km), Kayamkulam (11 km)
Airport :115 km from Cochin International Airport,125 km from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.

 

Mullakkal Sri Rajarajeswari Temple, Alleppey, Kerala

Alleppey Mullakkal Goddess temple courtyard is open to Non Hindus too. A very interesting temple to visit at morning. Please make sure that there is somebody with you to advice you to follow the customs in the temple.
The temple is dedicated to the Goddess Rajarajeswari. The nine day Navratri festival celebrated is of special significance.
The temple is managed and owned by Kerala Devasom Board.
The Mullakkal Devi Temple, in the centre of the town, is linked to the legends of the goddess who is believed to have appeared at the site many times to care for a jasmine plant. Each year there is a 41 day festival called Chirappu out of which last 12 days are the most important, the festival starts by mid November and ends by last Week of December.
It situated in the heart of Alleppey town, Kerala, India.

 

Evoor Sri Krishna Temple, Kerala

Evoor is a place near Kayamkulam in Alappuzha DIST. It is 40 Kilometers south of Alappuzha in the Onattukara area and next to Cheppad railway station.
It is famous for the ancient Sri Krishnaswamy temple which originated in the presence^{[citation needed]} of Bhagavan Sri Krishna Himself  One of the largest power plants in Kerala, run by the National Thermal Power Corporation, is located near Evoor. The climate is tropical wet, with heavy rain in the monsoon season.
Evoor Major Srikrishnaswamy temple of Travancore Devaswom Board, is one of the most important 26 Mahavishnu shrines. It is linked to ‘Khandava-dahanam’ (burning of Khandava forest), described in Mahabharata . The remains of burnt trees being widely found here, confirm this. Further evidence are, nearby ‘Mannarasala’ and ‘Pandavarkavu’ temples in this part of Onattukara .
The great Kanva Maharshi (one of the Saptarshis), had been living in this area. ‘Kannamangalam’ (Kanva-mangalam) is nearby. His ‘ Ashrama ’ (hermitage) later became a temple. Evoor Krishnaswamy’s yearly ‘Araattu’ (ceremonial bath) is held in this temple’s tank.

Valiyakulangara Devi Temple, Kerala

Valiyakulangara Devi Temple is located about 5 km from Haripad and 4 km from Thrikkunnappuzha. It is located 3 km from the National Waterway-3 as well as from the National Highway-47.
The major festival is the Aswathi festival in Feb-March, famous for the Fireworks show and the Kettukaazcha (procession of chariots).
Valiyakulangara Kettukazhcha, conducted every year on the Aswathyi Nakshathram of Malayalam month 'Kumbham - It is probably the most amazing cultural visual spectacle in Central Kerala, similar to the Thrissur Pooram.The great chariot festival that exposes Haripad’s true heritage
The event is an offering of the people of Valiyakulangara to their beloved deity known for her spontaneous blessings on true devotees as a mark of gratitude, devotion, unflinching faith, and for showering prosperity and protection to their lives. 'Kettukazhcha' displays deftly sculpted and decorated forms of ' six temple cars known as 'Kuthiras', five Therus' (Chariots ) and icons of Bhima and Hanuman. All the temple cars, chariots and the icons are all incredibly gigantic in size and are many times larger than any other similar Kuthiras and Therus built during the festivities at other temples in the Central Travancore region.

 

Vethalan Kavu Mahadeva Temple, Kerala

Vethalan Kavu Mahadeva Temple (Malayalam: വേതാളൻ കാവ് മഹാദേവ ക്ഷേത്രം) is located at Krishnapuram near Kayamkulam in Alappuzha District, Kerala. It is one of the rarest temples in the world   where Lord Siva is worshiped as Vethala. It is about 3 km East of famous Oachira Parabrahma temple.

Important Festivals

• Festival is celebrated on the last Friday of Malayalam month Makaram (in February).
• Sivarathri
• Vishu

 

Karingattukavu Devi Temple, Kerala

The Karingattukavu Devi Temple is located at Prayar Village, Chengannur Taluk, Kerala, India on the bank of the river Pampa. Its a Durga and Bhadrakali temple. An annual festival is held during the Meena month (March) of Malayalam Calendar, and the most important day is Karthika. Now the temple has a snake boat (Chundan Vallam) to participate in boat race during Onam festival in Chinga masam (August month).

 

Kuttikattu Sree Bhadra Kali Devi Temple, Kerala

Kuttikattu Sree Bhadra Kali Devi Temple is one of the Bhadrakali temples in Cherthala, Alappuzha district, Kerala. The temple is located about 1 kilometer to the west of the Arthungal bypass of NH 47 at Cherthala.

Rituals at the temple

Kunguma Khalasam is conducted on the first Sunday of every month, as per Malayalam calendar. This special Vazipadu (offering) is for people who wish to have children, wealth and prosperity, improve their health or other desires. Rahukala Naranga Vilakku (putting oil in half potion of lemon and lighting it ) is another major offering for settling marriage. It has been conducting on every Friday.
Prasadam Oottu (Temple feast). Providing food for temple attendees on special days is regarded as quite benevolent. Prasadam Oottu is available on Prathishta (Consecration) days, Day of Kunguma Kalasam, Bhagavatha Sapthaham days and 10 day annual ceremony. These are sponsored by the Devaswom. Devotees too can contribute through remittance at the temple counter. Now there is a Prasadam )ottu on all Fridays

Serpent-worship The temple is a centre of pilgrimage for devotees of serpent gods (Naga devatha). The Sarpam Pattu (song of Nagas) is most pleasing of all poojas to the serpents. This holy ceremony has been conducted once every year, during the annual ceremony. Sarppam Pattu requires huge spending and manpower for many months. Separate poojas are offered to the nine Nagas namely, Nagaraja, Sarppa Yakshi, Naga Yakshi, Naga Chamundi, Angu Thala Mani Nagam, Kuzhi Nagam, Kari Nagam, Mani Nagam and Para Nagam during these days (different manifestations of Naga devathas).

Pulluvanpattu On the eastern side of the temple, songs are recited to please the serpents. The Pulluvan song is accompanied by the sounds from the little Veenas and the music of the Pulluva women playing on Kudam are a familiar sight at Kuttikkatu Temple. Pulluva is a community of the Hindu religion, and they follow this musical form as their vocation. It is believed that the songs, recited by the Pulluva praising the Nagaraja and his consorts, the sound of the musical instrument Pulluva Veena (an instrument of the violin family), and Kudam (an earthen pot connected with strings), have the divine power to appease and attract divine serpents and earn their blessings. Now people with expertise in handling these musical instruments are rare even among the Pulluva community.

Nalpathaneeswaram Sree Mahadeva Temple, Kerala

Nalppathenneeswaram Sree Mahadeva Temple is a Mahadevar temple situated in Nalppathenneswaram, in Panavally village of Cherthala taluk in Alleppy district of Kerala state; this place is 20 kilometers from Cherthala and 11 kilometers from Aroor on the Cherthala Arookutty bus route.
Here Lord Siva is in Kiratha Bhava. It is considered the 48th foundlings of Saint Khara, one who founds the Ettumanur temple and Kaduthuruthi temple. The temple is very artistically constructed in calm a quiet, typical village atmosphere. The festival in this temple is celebrated in the month of Kumbham (February-March, uthrittathi-kodiyettu, thiruvathira -aarattu), and lasts for 7 days, All those days are important days according to the traditional rituals, (Utsavabali, Koodi ezhunnallathu, Bharani, Karthika, Araattu). People refer the God in this temple as “Nalppathenneswarathappan”.
Other deities are, Lord Ganapathi, Varahamoorthy, Durgadevi, Rakshassu, Chovva bhagavathi, Nagaraja, Nagayakshi, Ayyappa. This temple has one sister concern temple called Oorali Parambathu Sastha Temple situated on the north-west side of the temple. Recently performed devaprasana led by late legend Sri Chorodu Narayanappanicker and his team found that, the temple has more than 1000 years old, deity likes arts performance, annadanam etc.
The temple is under the administration of three ancient Kaimal families named Kozhisseril, Payippattu, Mullakkeril. This is one of the oldest temples still proceeding under Raja Sassana Chepped. Main offering to the deity is kathakali. Because of this, temple is famous for kathakali. A lot of history surrounded with the temple premises, according to the old people this place were known as Pandavar Veli, later it became Panavally. Still there are four big stones that were kept 1 km east of the temple; people believe that these stones were used by pandavas during vanavasam for heating milk.
Thanthram-Puliyannur mana

 

DEVIKULANGARA TEMPLE AITIHIYAM, Kerala

THIS TEMPLE WHICH IS MORE THAN 800 YEARS OLD IS SITUATED IN DEVIKULANGARA GRAMAM 2KM WEST OF KAYAMKULAM CITY IN ALAPPUZHA DISTRICT.THE MAIN DEITY OF THE TEMPLE IS GODESS BHADRAKALI.IT IS TO BE BELEIVED THAT THIS TEMPLE HAS A RELATION BETWEEN KRISHNAPURAM PALACE.AITHIYAM OF THE TEMPLE IS THAT,ONCE A BRAHMIN WENT TO KODUNGALLOOR TEMPLE WITH THE GREAT DESIRE TO SEE "AMMA"AND BRING HER PRESSENCE TO HIS PLACE.IN HIS NIGHT DREAM AMMA CAME AND SAID HIM TO TRAVEL TOWARDS SOUTH KERALA.ON HIS WAY, HE REACHED PUTHUPALLY,AS HE WAS SO TIRED HE RESTED THERE(PLACE IS SITUATED IN FRONT OF THE PRESENT TEMPLE).IN THE GLANCE OF MIDNIGHT THE BRAHMIN SUDDENLY AWAKES AND STARTED SHIVERING WITH FEAR BY SEEING THE VISHWAROOPAM OF GODESS BHADRAKALI.HE PLEADED TO THE GODESS TO GIVE DARSANAM IN SOUMYABHAVAM,AS YOUR WISH REPLIED AMMA.SUDDENLY AMMA TRANSFERED INTO SOUMYABHAVAM AND GIVE  DARSANAM TO HIM.AS PER THE WISH OF THE BRAHMIN BHAGAVATHY AGREED TO RESIDE IN THIS VILLAGE.THE BRAHMIN WITH THW HELP OF OFFICIALS HAD BUILT UP A TEMPLE FOR AMMA TO RESIDE WITH POOJAVIDHIS.THE BRAHMIN ALSO RESIDE IN THI PLACE OFFERING POOJAS TO AMMA.AFTER SO MANY YEARS THE FOLLOWERS OF THAT BRAHMIN HANDED OVER THE TEMPLE TO PUBLIC.NOW PRESENTLY TEMPLE IS ADMINISTRATED BY 6 KARAS. A TEMPLE ADMINISTRATION TEAM WILL BE ELECTED 5 YEARLY WITH CASTE IMPORTANCEOF HINDU RELIGION.

Kottamkulangara Sri Vishnu Temple,  Kerala

KottamKulangara is a small place in the Alappuzha District of Kerala, India. This place got its name from a pond called kottamkulam. There is a temple complex in Kottamkulangara having two main dieties, namely Sri Maha Vishnu and Sri Bhadrakali. This complex have some speciality like the two deities having separate flag masts, having two separate festive season, that too inside the same compound wall.

Sri. Maha Vishnu temple in KottamKulangara is one of the oldest temple in Alappuzha district(Or even in south Kerala). The deity was worshiped in Ancient times and was under the ruins. Later on 12th century Sri Vilwa Mangalam Swamiyar found the four handed Icon from the big Pond.

The Devi Temple (Bhadrakali) is relatively new here. The temple was built around 1799 AD, after the outbreak of a contagious decease. The icon was kept at Avaloor Madam and later brought to the current place on the left of Sri Maha Vishnu Temple.

This is a temple complex situated at the north-east end of the municipality of Alappuzha. The complex posses more than six acres of land as a whole. Even though, not much far away from the rush and hurry din and buzzle temptations and sins of the urban area, but nearer to the rural area, this shrine stands as a place of peace, happiness and harmony.

The origin of this Vishnu Temple drives back to thirteenth century as per the available legend during that period, several canonizations of Vishnu idols are named after this legendary yogi Vilwamangalathu Swamiyar, but the notable historians of Kerala, have not still come to an agreement about this. Any how, this Vishnu temple can be considered as one of the most ancient one, among the other temples nearby. The deity have four hands(ചതുര്‍ബാഹു Chathurbhahu ) which bear Conch (Shanku) , Wheel (chakram), club(gadha) lotus (padhmam) on each hands. This represents elaborate and deep miraculous secrets of human life, death and control of the universe(brahmanda).

The same temple of Sri maha Vishnu is accomodating other dieities like Sri Ganapathi, Sri Bhuvaneshwari and Nagaraja.These dieties are incarnated on the north east position(Known as Eeshana Cone) of the main diety, Sri Maha Vishnu. The Nagaraja icon is having an extra importance as it is near the holy well(known as Manikinar).

Festivals:

Eight days of annual festival, in between the midst of January and the second week of february every year. (Kodiyettu on the day of Chothi and Aarattu on the day of thiruvonam, in the month of Makaram).

MahaGanapathy Homam - Vinayaka chathurthi of chingam.

Reincarnation Day, is celebrated on the first week of April(Rohini on the month of Meenam ), every year. Kalabhaabhishekam is also on the same day..

Ashtami Rohini, Sreekrishna Jayanthi, the birth day of lord Sri Krishna.

Sapthaha Yajnam, is the persual of Puranas for seven days.

Karkidakavaavu Bali, is observed during the month of July( Karutha vaavu of karkidakam)

The temple complex consists of all the deities situated in a large area of about six acres of land in which there are two large ponds preserved and protected by the Devaswam, giving top importance. As the campus area is comparatively broad and there is an appearance of thick forest in the eastern part of the Vishnu Temple, It is highly convenient for large crowds and inhabiting herds of Elephants at a time.

In a nutshell, this temple complex and campus is a real eco friendly area, giving a calm and peaceful atmosphere, along with fresh air. The presence of banyan trees in the campus, shield the campus atmosphere from pollution.

Consequent to the gredge,jealousy and dispute with Rajakesavadsan the then diwan of travancore and Jayanthan Sankaran Nampoothiri,one of the ministers there, suceeded in convincing the king to return North Paravoor back to the kingdom of Kochi. But Rajakesavadasan, caught him on the way, (at Kottamkulangara part of Aryad Desham) and captured the related documents. In revenge of this, Jyanthan Nampoothiri, with the help of the king of kochi, send some evil spirits and deamons to Aryad Desam to destroy the area. As a result there were so many unpleasent happenings and chaoes to some prominent families of the village. It was Kuriattupurathu bhattathirippad, the famous thanthri(preist,) and manthrik(juggler) destroyed the evil spirits and saved the village. Afterwords, he managed to place a jack tree wood, to represent goddess bhadrakali and incarnate the same on 1799 FEBRUARY (974 Kumbham bharani naal) on the left of Sri maha Vishnu temple at kottamkulangara.
Out side the main temple building there is Lord Siva on the north east and Sri Dharma Sastha on the South west.

Festivals:
Festival of this dieity is a seperate one. This is conducted annually, and lasts for ten days, between the end of february and midst of march. Kodiyettu is on the Bharani and Aarattu on the Pooram day of Kumbham. Aarattu is in Sri Mahadeva temple in Avaloormadam, and the diety is brought back to the Kottamkulangara getting warm reception from the people on the way.The flaghosting(Kodiyettu) proclaims the begining of the festival. The ritual bath of the diety(Aarattu), marks the end of the festival.

 

Om Tat Sat

                                                        

(Continued...)                                                                                                                              

(My humble  salutations to the great devotees ,  wikisources  and Pilgrimage tourist guide for the collection )