Cherukunnu - Goddess of all meals

Cherukunnu Annapoorna temple is situated near Chirakkal, a village of serenity, in the district of Kannur. According to the historians, the temple was constructed in AD 5. It made to the list of four prominent centres of Annapoorna worship in India. Amongst swarming age-old banyan trees, the temple stands partially obscured and it demands some effort from the part of the devotees to distinguish their pantheon distinctly. On the northside of the temple, one can see the temple-pond brimming with water throughout the year. Significantly, the deity was worshipped by the erstwhile Rajas of Chirakkal and the temple was renovated by Avittam Thirunal Valiya Raja of Chirakkal Palace.

The main entrance to the temple will lead us to a sanctum sanctorum with an idol, made of stone, of Sree Krishna instead of Annapoorna and one cannot find a direct entrance to the place where devi is seated. Bewilderment gradually dissipates as I could find Devi shrine north to the shrine of Krishna. Both the sreekovils are well built with red stone. The vast Naalambalam that surrounds the shrines may also take the role of Oottupura(place where food is given for the devotees) as the temple is acclaimed to apportion meals in abundance for the ones who come to worship Mahamaya in 'Annapoorna Bhavam'(Mother of all meals). Inside the sanctum sanctorum, one could find a mirror-idol(kannadi bimba) approximately three feet tall, which is a rarity and as far as I know, no other devi shrine across Kerala hosts a mirror-idol as large as the one at Cherukunnu.

According to the lores, Sree Parvathi once dreamt of a place which is highly prosperous and having righteous people. Later she came to know that it is the Kolathunadu and wanted to visit that place. With the permission of Lord Siva, she set off in a golden vessel made by the divine carpenter, Viswakarma. After a long journey through the ocean, she anchored the ship near the present day temple as the place was found to be suitable for her to stay for a short period. Kolathiri, who ruled at that time, came to Cherukunnu and requested devi to remain there forever. Pleased by his imploration, Devi decided to stay back and had hitherto been showering blessings rather exuberantly with her golden spoon.

The yearly festival of the temple is usually celebrated in the month of April (Medam) in full glory. It is said that Taliparambu RajaRajeswaran(Lord Shiva) will come to Cherukunnu and visit Annapoorna every day soon after the Athazha pooja at Taliparambu.

Mullackal - Raja Rajeswariye Nama

An evening at the Venice of the East. Even the sun doesn't forget to bow down his head in reverence before the almighty at Mullackal as he hides beneath the tall trees in a jiffy leaving behind a tinted ambience of orange at the horizon. Mullackal temple stands majestic, circulating the characteristic aroma of heavenly Jasmine on each day, amidst of all the suffocation the city has been producing over the years. In prominency, this pantheon, situated at the heart of the township of Alleppey, is on a par with any other shrine we have ever heard of.

According to the historians, the temple is constructed at the time of Rajas of Ambalappuzha. Numerous myths lay entwined with the origin of the temple and in an oft-told one Eravi Ittuni(aka Aasan) dons as the protagonist who by chance got an idol of devi from Aattinkara(The bank of river) Palace premises. Local landlord allowed him to worship the idol in the shades of his Jasmine(Mulla). Many years winged by. Due to certain conflicts arised between him and the landlord, Ittuni had to flee and he sought refuge under Chembakassery Raja.

Chembakassery Raja allowed Ittuni to enshrine Devi wherever he wants to and with pleasure Kittunni planted a Jasmine and consecrated devi by the side of it. Devi here is venerated as Vanadurga(Durga of forests), because of this there is no roof for the sanctum sanctorum as we seen in Chakkulathukavu and Kadambuzha.

The idol made of Krishnasila is having four hands(chathurbahu) with conch and discus in two and the other two hands together portrays Abhaya mudra. A golden flagstaff adds attraction to this temple. Ganapathi (seated eastwards) also finds a place near devi and the temple is considered as an important shrine for Ganesha worship.

The most favourite of dishes offered to devi is the "Mullackal Vadai". Along with that Kalabham, Abhishekam with milk/kunkum/flowers, Panjamrutham, Aravana Payasam are the other major offerings to gladden devi. The sub-deities of this temple are Sree Krishna, Hanuman, Sasthavu, Subrahmanya, Navagraha etc. The main festival(10 days) falls at the time of Navarathri and the festivities end on the Vijaya Dasami day.

Panachikkadu - Dakshina Mookambe saranam

 The temple at Panachikkadu, also called as Dakshina Mookambika (Mookambika of the south), is located 11 Km away from Kottayam town. Though the temple is known as Saraswathy temple, the main deity is Mahavishnu. The devotees worship Vishnu first before worshipping Saraswathi as per the custom. Ganapathy, Shiva, Sasthavu and Yakshi are the sub-deities worshipped in this temple.

The idol of Yakshi has no structure to cover. It is installed under the trees like Elinji and Ezhilam Pala. The trusteeship of the shrine is vested with Kizhapuram, Karunattu and Kaimukku Namboodiri Illams. They are the residents of Panachikkadu. The boys of the Illams used to carry out the rites here.

According to the legend, Kizhapuram Illam once had no boys to carry out the rites. The Namboodiri was about 60 years of age and lost all his hope of having a descendant. So he went to Varanasi to have a bath in holy Ganges. On the way he sojourned at Mookambika. Serenity of the place embraced him and he decided to practice bhajan there for a year. After spending a year in the temple the old man had a dream. In that a beautiful lady came and told him that it is impossible to have a child for him in this life. The woman also told him that it will be better for him to go back to his place and will be able to adopt a child from nearby Karunattu family as the lady of that family will have two children in the near future. The old man accepted his fate and returned to his home land. On reaching Panachikad he decided to have a bath in the temple pond. He put his Olakuda (umbrella made of palm-leaf) on the southern side of the temple and went to the pond. After the bath when he tried to lift the umbrella it stood firm on the ground. Perplexed by this Namboodiri stood thoughtful. Then a man came from nowhere as if to solve the puzzle. According to him, Mookambika Devi is staying in the umbrella and Namboodiri will have to transfer the divinity to an idol first before he tries to take the umbrella again. He also told that an idol suitable for this is laying hidden in the proximate forest but before taking that he has to appease an Yakshi (female demigod) who is protecting the idol.

Namboodiri did as the man ordered. Thenceforth Panachikad devi started showing her divinity in that place. Another small idol was also placed facing west as archana bimbam. As there is no roof above the main idol and the spot where the idol is placed is in a low terrain filled with water, one will get a feeling that devi is seated in the middle of a pond. The main idol now is covered by creepers and shrubs and is not clearly visible.

Like that in Mookambika temple, Trimadhuram is considered sacred here also.Navarathri festival is the main festival and lot of devotees throng the temple on that period. On Vijaya Dasami, a lot of children will scribble first before the goddess of knowledge and learning.

Cherthala - before Krishna's sister who loves profanity

Cherthala Karthyayani temple situated north of Alappuzha town, isconsidered as the abode of Karthyayani who is behind the prosperity and wealth of Cherthala and nearby places. The sub deities worshipped here are Vishnu, Shiva, Ganapathy, Kavudayan, Nagaraja and Yakshi. According to the legends, once Vilwamangalam Swamiyar was on a journey through the land of Cherthala. He accidentally saw seven virgins taking their bath. Swamiyar who had the power to sense the divinity soon came to know that they are no ordinary women. When Swamiyar came near they started running. Swamiyar gave chase to the speeding women. One after the other they soon jumped into the nearby seven ponds. Swamiyar, without wasting a moment, leaped into the first, taken the first virgin by force and laid her down on the land. He repeated the same adventure on other five. Apart from others, the last virgin plunged into a muddy pool. When Swamiyar tried to bring her to the land, she resisted severely.

So, forcefully, he caught hold of her begrimed hair and commanded in a vociferous tone uttering 'Yedi chettilthalayayole...Ivide Iri'(with an obscene slang in Malayalam) to make her seated. Thenceforth she is called as Cherthala Karthyayani. The seven ponds to which virgins dived are Kalikulam, Cherakulam, Kelankulam, Pullankulam, Pallikkulam, Kuruppankulam and Thrippurakulam. In another version of the legend, Vilwamangalam saw a lady relaxing on a swing rather luringly when he happened to go by the side of a pond in Cherthala. Swamiyar recognized her true identity and took off to capture her. It was none other than the devi herself who started running when she saw the approaching Vilwamangalam. The pursual which lasted for seven days, turned into a wild-goose chase, as Vilwamangalam Swamiyar couldn't catch her at all. Whenever he attempted, Devi jumped into a pond and hid beneath the surface. After a week-long chase, they came back to the pond from where Devi started her run. This time around, Vilwamangalam caught her and consecrated devi in the pond itself which was full of mud. Hence the idol of the devi can be seen much below the ground level and indeed is a very rare sight. The name of the seven ponds to which devi had jumped are the same as that of in the first story.

The festival, known widely as cherthala pooram, is in the month of Meenam. There is a peculiar tradition (aka Kalluthullal) of circumventing the temple by the devotees carrying toddy pots, soddening themselves and singing filthy songs to praise the deity in rememberance of her consecration.

Onattukara - At the land of infinite mysticism

Chettikulangara, the heartland of the erstwhile granary of Central Kerala, has an important place in the historical and cultural ethos of Kerala. Tucked amongst the lush green paddy fields, this serene hamlet, spanning an area of over many a mile in the Kannamangalam, Pathiyoor, Thekkekkara, Peringala etc. of the Mavelikara and Kayamkulam townships in the Alappuzha district of Kerala, is mainly dependent on its agrarian economy.

Many followers of the theory of Kerala’s genesis by Parasurama firmly believe that he had established 108 Durga temples, 108 Siva temples, numerous Sastha temples, besides 108 Kalaris (place to learn traditional martial arts in front of the deity), Sakthi Kendras etc. Besides he had established five Ambalayas. Devi of Chettikulangara, the Goddess of Oodanadu(Onattukara), is among the five Ambalayams. Though enough historical evidences and authentic study materials are not available to support, it is believed that this temple dates back to more than 1200 years.

According to one version, this temple was consecrated by Padmapadacharyar (a leading disciple of Adi Shankara) on the Uthrittathi day of Makara month in A.D. 823. There is a firm argument that the goddess here was a family deity, and later emerged as the village and regional deity. Local historians oppose the argument that the temple is not as ancient as the nearby Kandiyoor Mahadeva temple or Mavelikara Krishna Swamy temple as it had not been mentioned in Unnuneeli Sandesam written in the 14th century. According to late Kandiyoor Mahadeva Shasthri, Samudra Bandhan – a leading courtier of Ravi Varman, an ancient King of Venad had visited this temple and wrote poems on Bhagavathi. Similarly Aadithya Kulasekharan, the King of Venad (1374 A.D. to 1389 A.D.) also had visited the Chettkulangara temple. It is also believed that Devi gave holy view to Chattambi Swamikal and Uddanda Sastrikal, while they were sleeping.

However, it is to be said that the present Sreekovil of the temple is only 450-480 years old, and the Chuttambalam is not more than two centuries old. Local historians say that the temple infrastructure and the surroundings were developed by various local chieftains from time to time. 

There is also an argument that the present premises of the temple belonged to a big ‘Kavu’ and the Maha Shilayuga idol of devi was relocated from ‘Moolasthanam’ (primary abode) to this place. According to the directions of Padmapadacharyar, temporary consecration was performed by Chengannur Thazhaman Thanthri and Kattuvallil Valakkod Illam Namboodiri. A year later, Padmapadacharyar came here, and consecration was performed after 21 days of rituals headed by 31 Brahmins. Devi's 'chaithanyam' (divine power) was absorbed into a Sri Chakra with Saptha Dalas (seven petals representing Saptha Mathrukkal - Seven Mothers). The idol here is said to be in Rurujith style, and has Thamo guna along with Sathva and Rajo Gunas.

In order to reduce the intensity of the idol’s mounting fierce powers, an imaginary Mahavishnu idol is believed to be in place near the idol. On Bharani day of each month, the Temple Tantri performs Poojas to reduce the mounting powers of the prathishita.

A few centuries ago, a Salagrama donated by the Kayamkulam Maharaja was also installed inside the Garbhagriham of Sreekovil. The Ganapathi idol, adjacent to the Sreekoil is believed to be donated by the Aazhvancheri Thamprakkal during the time of consecration. 

Pooja styles include Thrimadhuram, Cherupayasam and Malar (Corn rice) in the morning with prayers for Devi, conceived as Maha Saraswathi, Uchapooja or lunch with Koottupayasam, Palpayasam and prayers offered as Maha Lakshmi, Athazha Pooja or dinner with Neyyappam and Neypayasam with prayers for the deity conceived as Sri Durga or Bhadrakali.

Sponsored by various Karas, 41 days of Kalamezhuthu and Pattu is conducted since first of Vrichikam every year. On the last day, Puram Kurithi ( homicide outside) is performed. Its Prasadam is capable of providing immunity against Small Pox and similar contagious diseases, believe the locals. Chettikulangara Sree Bhagavathi temple, now under the control of the Travancore Devaswom Board, is the second largest temple, next to Sabarimala, under the control of the Board. It is estimated that annually the temple has earnings worth many crores per year, of which rice constitutes the major contribution. A major part of the rice offered to the Bhagavathi is also used to make Appam and Aravana prasadams at Sabarimala, the single largest seasonal pilgrimage centre in the world next to Mecca. The income from the temple is also helpful to run the daily rituals and Poojas at various temples under the Travancore Devaswom Board. 

Chettikulangara Kettukazhcha, conducted every year on the Bharani of Malayalam month Kumbham, is considered as the most amazing cultural visual spectacle in Kerala, similar to the Thrissur Pooram. The event 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 ‘Kuthiras’(horses), five 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 ones built during the festivities at other temples in the Central Travancore region. On the move, these magnificent sky-scrapping flamboyant decorations are spine-chilling, and will together create an unforgetable picture of a inimitable temple procession, especially during the night in the back drop of multitude of illuminating lights. Chettikulangara Kettukazhcha heralds the architectural and aesthetic acumen of the ancient people of Chettikulangara, who could convert an improbable concept to an enormous artistic reality, achieved by collective hardships and will power.

Karikakom - Prostrating before Chamundi

Karikakom Temple, considered as the centre of Chamundi worship is situated in the village of Karikkakom near the outskirts of the metropolis of Trivandrum. The temple, according to ancestral lore and famous astrologers, is more than 600 years old. The goddess Devi who is the resident of the Vanasailadri (Forest Mountain) is believed to have come from the east. The goddess was the Upasanamurthi(worshipping deity) of a learned Brahmin well versed in the Vedas and Sasthras. It is believed that this sacred thantri (learned priest) happened to be a close companion of a Yogivaryan (an esteemed spiritual person) who was the head of a noted family. The tantri is said to have advised the Yogivaryan to worship the goddess. The goddess presented herself as a young girl and travelled to the Tharavadu (which is now the Karikkakom Kshetrasthanam) in the company of the thantri and the yogivaryan. There the goddess was installed within a green pandal. Later the temples were constructed and the idol of the goddess was installed by the tanthri himself observing all the traditional rules and daily pujas, along with other pertinent observations. The goddess was delighted and made her presence felt in the idol kept for worship. Since then, the goddess of the Thri Gunas has been reigning here fulfilling all the wishes of her devotees.

In olden days, the goddess used to be brought outside the sanctum sanctorum in procession for the observance of Dikhbali. Such a function used to be held, on the demand of the local people, whenever fatal diseases such as cholera, small pox etc. used to spread in the land. On those occasions, traditional vadyamelas (orchestra) and other observances were strictly followed. The pujas and sacrifices associated with this function used to be held in areas within 8 km of the place. Today, people celebrate this occasion as Devi’s purathezhunnallathu (coming out in procession) outside the sanctum sanctorum.

The goddess at the Devi Nada, Karikakathamma, resides in the main sanctum sanctorum of the temple. Earlier, the idol had a silver face and was made of deer horn and was installed on a peetham in the moolasthanam. Later, the Devaprasna revealed that to visualize the form of the goddess devotees needed an idol installed. Therefore the old sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) was built in the same measurements according to vastusastra, and the panchaloha idol of the goddess was once again installed.

Thousands of people come to worship the goddess daily, seeking everlasting peace, cures from incurable diseases and so on. You can conduct a special puja for the goddess. This is known as puja at the Devi Nada. This puja is conducted for removing sorrows and difficulties with the grace of the goddess. The offering dear to the goddess is Kadum payasam. Other offerings are archana, raktapushparchana, swayamvararchana, sahasranamarchana, palpayasam, panchamrtabhishekam, neyvilakku, vacchunivedyam, pournamipuja, saricharthu, pidippanam varal, udayadakal nercha and so on. Pancharmrtabhishekam is the offering given immediately after Nirmalya darsan in the morning. Conducting raktapushparchana continuously for 13 Fridays and worshipping the goddess daily is ideal for speedy fulfillment of desires and removal of all kinds of doshas. For physical well being, getting rid of frightening dreams and removing doshas caused by various evil spirits, you can avail of the ceremony called charadu japiccu kettuka (tying of the sacred thread around one’s wrist). Wearing the sacred thakidu which has been kept for 21 days at the feet of Devi is ideal for safeguarding pregnancy and for physical safety and well being.

Rakthachamundi Nada, is the abode of the goddess Sri Raktachamundi, who is kshipraprasadini, quick to grant boons and who comes to her devotees as soon as she is invoked. Here one can see a wall mural representing the goddess Raktachamundi in the roudrabhava(fierce form). In the days when Rajas ruled over the land, it was a popular practice to come to this temple and swear, in connection with carrying out legal procedures. Cases which could not be proved in the police station and court were daily brought here and blessings sought from the goddess to prove the cases. For mistakes in financial dealings, robbery, extortion, looting, hindrances in profession, quarrels regarding property, people come daily from different parts of Kerala and even from other states, pay a fine and request the temple to be opened, swear and cry out to the goddess. The goddess is believed to grant a solution to all problems. The most important puja at this temple is Shatrusamharapuja (to destroy one’s enemies). This special puja is excellent for removing evils such as Vilidosha and Kshudraprayoga (black magic), removing obstacles in the way of starting a new venture, Kaivisham, Drushtidosham (the evil eye), Jatakadosha (ill fortune due to hostile planetary positions), to remove deceitful practices of enemies and more. Kadumpayasam, red silk cloth, skirt, garland of thetti flowers, hen, and calf are favourite offerings for Goddess Raktachamundi. You can also make offerings of ornaments and weapons in gold and silver.

Balachamundi Nada is the house of peaceful, fortune providing Sri Balachamundi Devi. Here you can see the wall mural representing the goddess in soumyabhava(Pleasant form). Located just south of Devi Nada and Raktachamundi Nada, this temple is where the goddess, having shed all her wrath after putting an end to Chanda and Munda, resides as an epitome of peacefulness. Since the goddess has a peaceful demeanor here, the offerings here are mostly for securing offspring. The belief is that childless couples will be blessed with children if they pray here. Moreover, the goddess also blesses children who are suffering from numerous childhood ailments and removes all their sufferings. This is achieved by paying a fine and praying before Devi’s open temple. Devotees offer special pujas here. Kadumpayasam, garlands made of jasmine flowers, silk cloth, dresses, gold and silver, cradle and baby as well as toys for being blessed with healthy offspring, Kunjunu, Thulabharam, naming ceremony – all these are offerings most dear to the goddess. Since this goddess is in soumyabhava and the embodiment of good fortune, people come to this spot to pray for success in the sectors of education, arts and culture. The goddess is also believed to amply bless her devotees preparing for competitive exams and such other exams.

Other important deities are Mahaganapathy, Sasthavu, Yakshi, Bhuvaneswari, Annapoorna, Ayiravalli(mountain goddess), Nagaraja, Yogeeswaran etc.

Nalusseri Devi - Empress of 96 deshams

The Devi Temples of Valluvanad are usually situated in the heart of the villages and attracted by each devotee with their serene atmosphere and natural beauty. Elumbulassery Sree Nalusserikkavu is an excellent example for the same.

The Incident Behind the Worship of Devi During the time of a battle between Zamorin (The Samoothiri Raja of Kozhikode) and Valluvakkonathiri (The ruler of Valluvanad), in order to protect Devi’s idol from possible damage by the hands of the army of Samoothiri, a Land lord of Elambulassery removed the devi's idol from Keezhkavu and placed it in Nalussery Kavu. From that day onwards, the landlord and his family began to worship Devi. Subsequently, The Nalussery Devi became the supreme Goddess of Nalussery Thattakam that comprised of 96 desams.

According to ‘DevaPrasnams” conducted by different astrologers, this temple is connected with Parasurama. The saint had founded a hermitage at Koottala Kunnu of Pulappatta Desam, a place 3-4 kms away from this temple. Pulappatta Desam was a part of ‘Ulnadu’ ruled by ‘Ullattilachan’, a landlord. It is believed that Goddess Karthyayani appeared before the great saint and showered her blessings upon him. For the prosperity of forthcoming generations, Saint Parasurama consecrated an idol of Devi Karthyayani and worshipped her. He consecrated Goddess ‘Bhadrakali’ near Devi Karthyayani just in the opposite direction. The premises of Kathyayani Devi was known as ‘Melkkavu’ and that of Bhadrakali as ‘Keezhkkavu.’ The rituals and offerings of ‘Melkkavu’ were fixed by the Rishi in Uthama Sampradaya(in supreme manner). The daily poojas performed in the Keezhkkavu were of heinous manner(Neecha Sampradaya). Meat and liquor were offered to Bhadrakali and usually these poojas were performed by lower caste or tribal people.

The region of Devi 'Thattakam' was spread all over ‘Ulnadu’ and its remnants are seen even now at ‘Koottala Kalam’ and ‘Koottala Parambu’ in Pulappatta. According to the astrologers Maharshi Parasuraman along with other Devas used to perform homages at Melkkavu. The native people describe emotionally that they had experienced heavenly lights and the sound of Shankhu(Conch shell) at midnights. Nalussery temple and other temples of Ulnadu were under the protection of Brahmins and later ‘Ullattilachan’, a ruler under Valluvakkonathiri, became the main trustee. Moreover, the eldest member of Kodungalloor Kovilakam used to visit this temple and meditate three days before the festival of Meenabharani. This custom was in practice up to 1930s. She was worshiped as the protector of the 96 Desams.

The Temple situated on the Northern part of the Ottapalam Taluk in Karimpuzha village, receiving fondling of Kunthi Puzha. In the ancient time southern part of Malabar was known as 'Ulnadu' which included 90 Desams. Among them today's Ottapalam and Mannarkkad(Valluvanad) were part of the same. It is believed that the Temple is very ancient, about 900 years old.

Even after the construction of the great Nalussery Kavu, there was worship in Kootala Bhagavathy Temple (Both in Mallekavu and Kezhekavu. When Valluva Konathiri was defeated by Samoothiri, he gave away all the temples under his protection to Naduvil Madam at Thrissur and thus the Kootala Bhagavathy Temple came under Thrissur Naduvil Madam.

Ponneth Devi - manifestation of Kodungallooramma

About 800 years ago the ownership of the temple, around 2000 acres, belonged to the famous Thamarassery Mana. Due to illegitimate marriages of the members of illam with other families through pudava system, the whole property gradually went to these families. Thus the members of Thamarassery Mana lost all their property and migrated to Kodungalloor and Cheranalloor.

The illicit use of Brahmin property created a wind of destruction, family splits, diseases, conflicts and several other 'curses' to the these families. After several years, one member of that ancient Namboothiri family, a very sacred brahmin, decided to visit the ancient Thamassery Mana in search of his family roots. He was an ardent worshipper of Kodungallooramma. Needless to say he felt very bad to be away from the Kodungallore temple. Without his knowledge, the Goddess herself got into his umbrella(oolakuda). All he carried was holy books and the umbrella. He visited most of the ancient families related to the temple and informed them about his intensions. Unfortunately those people who owned the property did not listen to his words
Mainly his idea in visiting this place was to do curative measures in the temple to overcome the offences commited by his forefathers.

Very disappointed, he reached the ancient Dharma-devatha kshethra-thara(later known as Ayyankandazhath temple) to do Prayashitta Karma(repentence). He prayed very sincerily to Amma to forgive all the sins committed by his forefathers. During this journey he carried his cloth bundle, umbrella and several things related to the family for his usual prayer. He placed all these items at the old step of pond and took bath. Suddenly rain fell down accompanied by a strong wind and all his belongings including the cloth bundle started to flow by itself to the right side of Ayyankandazhath temple. The Brahmin priest followed the bundle. That bundle flew upto the place where the Ponneth temple is situated today. Suddenly he saw a divine aura around his Umbrella. The Goddess appeared and forgave all the sins committed by his forefathers. She asked him not to return back to Kodungalloor. The Goddess promised that the divinity of Devi will remain in this place forever. She asked him to take care of all his ancestoral properties and guide the people to the right path. The Brahmin priest constructed a temple at the same place where the umbrella was. This is the reason that the present temple is facing North.

After this incident 'Devi' sometimes visits all places that was once her own and take rest at the 'Peedha' of the Kadavanthara Devi Temple, which was once the 'Dharma Devatha' of the Thamarasseri Mana. In memory of this, during temple festival time the light of the first 'Thalam' is lighted from Kadavanthara Devi Temple. This is the known history of the temple. Later the properties and the land was lost from the Thamarasseri Mana and reached other families. Due to their indifferent ruling, the Ponneth Temple lost everything and finally the temple caught fire.Later during -1096-Madras Court Declarataion- the teemple and land property reached the Non-Hindus. Then on -1099- the temple's control came back to Late Shri. Damodaran Unni (his descendants are managing the temple affairs now) of Ponneth Madom. He took ruling and the temple re-opened on 'Vrishika' for monthly Puja.

The sacred Brahmin of Old Thamarasseri Mana is placed honourably as Brahmarakshas and daily pooja is performed. People of all castes, whenever they try to build anything near the temple area always pray the Brahmarakshas first and receive his blessing and permission. The special pooja is Palpayasam.

A unique incident happened in temple's Pond. There appeared more than one lotus flower from one stem. It is a very rare sight and nothing like this has ever been seen or heard before. When Ashtamangalya prasnam was conducted, it was found out that this unique feature - double lotus (erratta thamara) is due to the presence of Goddess Lakshmi in the temple. People have come from far and near to see this unbelievable sight.

Ponneth Devi temple is situated by the side of Kadavanthra Road, Kochi.

Perandoor Devi - who is worshipped by Edapally Thampuran

The Perandoor Bhagavathy Temple, is one of the the “108 DURGA” temples in Kerala, situated in Elamakkara, near Kochi in the state of Kerala in India. A distinctive feature of this temple is about it’s deity where goddess “Durga”, first of the five forms of “Adiparasakthi” in the form of an eight year old girl. Durga in the “Karthyayani Bhava” is worshipped here.

History reveals very interesting facts about the origin of the temple. Cheraman Perumal, the last emperor of the great Chera dynasty who ruled Kerala during the 10th century AD, renounced his empire and all material possessions in order to lead an ascetic life. The empire was divided and given among the regional chiefs and lords under him. At the last minute he remembered that the royal priests “Elangallur namboothiris” who were not given anything. He made amends for this by taking back some portions of land from other lords and gave it to the Royal priest family. Thus began a new dynasty called the “Elangallur swaroopam” (The kingdom of Elangallur family) in Edappally, which is one of the only two brahmin royalties in Kerala. The kingdom included Edappally, parts of Karthikapally, Haripad, Cherthala and places in and around Mavelikkara.

Kings of Elangallur Swaroopam (known as “Edappally Thampuran” meaning of Lord of Edappally) were known to be great patrons of temples and there were several prominent temples under them including the famous Ganapathy temple at Edappally and Sastha Temple at Thrikkunnapuzha (near Cherthala in Alleppey district).

It was their practice to personally oversee the running of the festivals under them. One one such occasion the Thampuran was staying at Thrikkunnapuzha during the festival at the Sastha Temple there. At night he had a dream in which the Goddess Durga appeared to him and expressed her wish to stay at Edappally near Ganapathy.(The idol of Ganapathy who is the Chief deity of the royal family was always carried by the king along with him). Accordingly next morning, the king started towards Edappally carrying an idol of Durga together with the idol of Ganesa. He travelled up to the west end of Edappally by boat and got down there and started towards the Palace. On the way the idol of Durga fell down from his hand. King was very much upset at this incident and called his astrologers for advice. The astrologers found that at the place where the idol had fallen there had been a Durga Temple built by Parasurama and that the Goddess Durga liked to be there at the same place. Accordingly a temple was duly constructed which became a prominent one among the 108 Durga temples of Kerala. Since the idol had “Perandu Veenu” (Malayalam phrase for falling down unexpectedly) the place became known as Perandoor and the temple became known as Perandoor Bhagavathy Temple.

Being the main deity of the people under the “Elangallur swaroopam” the Perandoor Bhagavathy is the family goddess of a great many families (who are called the “moola kutumbams”) in southern and middle Kerala.

Pallipattu - Bowing before the blessing trio

Legend has it that the three powers - Maha Bhadrakaali , Dharma Shastaav and Shree Durga , were the traditional deities of the Manayapilli Mana , an aristocratic family that once was very famous in Muriyamangalamkara, in Mamala in Ernakulam. With time, the erstwhile Manayapilli Mana withered away leaving behind the powerful deities. It is believed that, very many years ago, the three vigrahaas (idols) were enthroned on to a single pedestal by a revered Yogi. These are the three sources of divine power enshrined at Pallippattu Bhagavathy kshethram and prayers are offered to in the North to South direction in the order of Dharma Shastaavu , Maha Bhadrakaali and Shree Durga . Kizhakkumabhagathu Mana then took over the administration of the Pallippattu Bhagavathy kshethram from the Manayapilli Mana . Later members of the Kizhakkumabhagathu Mana themselves entrusted the administration to the NSS, together with the wholehearted cooperation of the devotees, the Pallippattu Bhagavathy kshethram exuberates in all its glory and pride.

The temple was renovated recently with the immense support from devotees and well wishers from this village and from far and wide. Today the place of worship has a temple decked in royal splendour, an auditorium for cultural gatherings and festivals, the administration complex and a covered walkway leading to the temple- everything by the grace of Pallippattu Bhagavathy . Pallippattu Bhagavathy has been caring for the devotees who throng the shrine with their woes. Sudden deaths in the family, ill-ominous events, accidents by fire, loss of honour and pride, financial crisis, prolonged illness and miseries, obstacles in marriages, burdens and shame through children and many more such pains have been eased away by the Goddess. Devotees believe that constant prayers have never been left unanswered.

Pallippattu Bhagavathy Kshetram is a temple situated 2kms north of the popular and centuries old Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Kshetram in Ernakulam District. The Pallippattu Bhagavathy Kshetram is by itself more than three centuries old and the main deity of this temple is Shree Bhadrakaali . Enshrined on one pedestal in the sanctum sanctorum are the main deity Shree Bhadrakaali with Dharma Shastaav on her left and Shree Durga on the right. Together the trio is believed to wash away the tears and fears of thousands of devotees.

The deity has been showering blessings and easing away the pains of thousands of devotees who come from far and near. Some come here with prayers for a child in the family while some come to be blessed with a life partner. Thousands have come here in prayers to ward of their ill luck and diseases. Guarding the sacred deity on the left and right are Ghantakarnan, Nagayakshi, Nagaraja and the Raktharakshasu. Pujas and offerings at the temple begin when the Nada (sanctum) opens at 6am and the Nada closes at 10am . Evening prayers are between 5pm and 7pm when the Nada is closed after the Deepaaradhana.

Pisharikavu - devi worshipped by vaisyas

Pisharikavu Temple is located at Kollam, in Calicut district. This location is 30 Km from calicut through National Highway. One could easily reach there by bus or train.The nearest railway station is located at Quilandy.

Associated with every temple there would be a myth.Pisharikavu is no exception for this. The noted malayalam writer Kottarathil Sankunni had mentioned a myth about the origin of Pisharikavu temple in his great work 'Aithihya mala'(collection of myths). The Pisharikavu temple was built here by Vaisya community who came from southern Kerala. Many years before, this community lived in Quilon and trade was their main profession. They built a temple there and the main idol of this temple was a sword(Nandhakam) which was presented by Sri Porkali Devi to a believer of this community. He was a person who could cure snake-bites by taking poison out of the wound of the bitten(called as Vishahari in malayalam and it is from this the word pishari came). The presence of Sri Porkali Devi in this sword and her grace brought richness and prosperity to Vaisya community. The wealth changed the behavior and attitude of this community towards the King of the country and tried to challenge his authority. The King got angry and expelled vaisyas from his kingdom. The expelled vaisya community later came to Kurumbranadu (Now Quilandy taluk) and brought some land from the natives and settled there. They built a temple here and put the idol(nandhakam) that they had taken along with them, and start to worship. They named this place as kollam to memmorise their old place.

Kattumadom Namboodiri, a famous ritualist and tantric proponent, was the one who had done the consecration. This well maintained temple has exquisite wood carving and mural paintings.

At first poojas were done by Namboodiris as per the brahmin tradition and this inturn increased the power of the deity to uncontrollable levels. Hence Namboodiris were soon replaced by Moosads(a brahmin sub-caste) who are doing the day to day rites now according to the saktheya tradition. Valia-vattala guruthi is the main offering and booked for serveral years. Udayasthamaya pooja, Niramala, Rakthapushpanjali, Palpayasam are a few of them. The annual festival is celebrated every year in March/April. The date of the hoisting of flag is fixed by Moossads and this rite is known as "Kaliyattam Kurikkal". The 7 days celebrations is concluded with "Kaliyattam". In this day a Nandhakam sword (not the one given by devi) is taken out of the temple atop a female elephant ornamented with golden nettipattam and believers pray for the grace of Devi in an atmosphere of devotion.

Pishari Kovil - At the abode of Poornatrayeesa's sister

Pishari Kovil is considered as one of the ancient temples in Tripunithura, situated at Eroor. This temple is one among the 108 Durgalayas praised by Adi Sankara. The devotees worship the deity as BAALAMBIKA, the exemplification of Goddess of Knowledge. Devi is in her adolescence. The beautiful picturesque figure of devi is carved out of stone with all the minute aspects. The chathurbahu (four-handed) idol is in the standing posture adorned with precious ornaments. She holds a "Shanku" (Conch) in her top left hand and a "Chakra" in her top right hand. The bottam left hand is held near her hip and the bottam right hand is in "Varadamudra"(giving blessings). Her favorite dress is yellow-silk and her favorite flowers are Jasmine (Mulla), Chrysanthus (Chethi), Lotus (Thamara), and Basil flower(Tulasi).

The temple is believed to be about two thousand years old. This historical temple is an ideal example for the architectural beauty of Kerala temples. When we enter into the Naalambalam, a spacious Namaskara Mandapam(a stage for meditation) can be seen. The extensive round-shaped Sreekovil also intensify the structural beauty of the temple. The temple pond is maintained at the North side of the temple. It is a large fresh water pond which occupies about one third of the temple area. There is also a large banyan tree in front of the temple.

The chieftain among the Upa-devathas(Sub-deities) is Lord Vishnu, idol is again that of chathurbahu, installed as viewing towards west at Agnikone (south-east corner). Near to Lord Vishnu at left side, Lord Vinayaka is installed. In south-west corner of the temple Lord Sastha is installed viewing towards east. In the west nada of the temple there is a sarppakavu (place where snakes are worshipped). In the north-west corner Panchamoorthis (combination of Five Gods) are installed. Inside the Naalambalam, Ganapathy and Dakshinamoorthy are installed at the left side of the Sreekovil. For all these Upadevas separate poojas are done. 

The Thantram(Spritual administration of the temple) of the temple is carried out by Puliyannoor Mana, one of the famous Thantris in Kerala. They are authorised to conduct the pujas at the temple and decide how the rituals should be conducted.

In the beginning, the temple was owned by the family members of Elemprakkodath Mana. Then it came under the patronage of five Brahmin families, say Elemprakkodath Mana, Puliyannoor Mana, Maniyampilly Battathiri (Kalloor Mana), Mambat Battathiri (Muriyamanghalam Mana), Morakkala Mana and Pera Battathiri. Later the temple administration came under the direct control of Kochi Royal family. Now the temple comes under Cochin Devaswom Board. The Kshetravrithi or Kazhakam (service of cleaning of the temple and arranging flowers etc for poojas in a temple) is allotted to Pishari Kovil Warriyom from early days. The Adiyanthram (right to perform traditional orchestration) is allotted to three families, Kumbayil, Kezhakkekkra and Mattur.

Legend says that the Goddess is the incarnation of famous MOOKAAMBIKA of Kollur. A Malayali Brahmin ("Pishara") had brought a part of the divinity of Kollur Mookambika to this holy place. Yogis, monks, sages etc are called commonly as "Pisharas". The temple of "Pishara" is termed latter as "Pishari Kovil". The Pishara who was in Mookambika for a long period of his life-time returned to his native place in his old age and decided to spend the rest of his lifetime here. However, Amma appeared before her dearest devotee as "Balambika". The place in which Amma gave holy darshana can now be seen at the north-west corner of the temple. The "swayambhoo" idol can also be seen there and kept as "Sreemoolastahanam". It is believed that "Pishara" had spent his latter years in a "Madom"(the place where saints live) at the East side of the temple, which now belongs to Thottakkattu Mana. We can see his Samadhi at the south side of Thottakkattu Mana.The "Pishara" has been installed at the south-west corner of the temple in front of the "Sreemoolastahanam".


Stories relating Sree Poornathrayeesa as the elder brother of the goddesses of Chottanikkara and Pishari temples are also popular among the people. As a part of the renewal of this relationship, Lord Poornathrayeesan will visit the temple during the Parayezhunnellippu( typical procession with an idol of god on top of an elephant) and a combined pooja is held in the Mandapam for Lord Poornathrayeesan and Pishari Kovil Amma. During her annual festival which will be held in Kumbham, Amma will visit Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple for a combined procession which is termed as "Laksmi Narayana Vilakku"(Goddess Laksmi and Lord Vishnu) and the Aaraattu (holy bath) of Pishari Kovil Amma will be held at "Phalguna Theertham" (Temple pond of Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple) on Uthram Naal (the birth day of Lord Poornathrayeesan).


"Theeyattu"(a type of artistic form as part of religious rites usually done for Devi) is conducted only on this day at Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple for pleasing his sister. It is really a heart throbbing experience to see Amma saying goodbye to her beloved brother and wishing to see next time.