Pattazhy Devi temple is a beautiful temple situated in Pathanapuram Taluk of Kollam District which is not so far from the Mannadi devi temple, and is 7 kms east of
Enath on MC Road. The land of Pattazhy comprising two panchayat areas (Pattazhy and Pattazhy vadakekara) was given as a gift to Pattazhy Devi by the King of Travancore for the help and shelter given in the fierce fight against the King of Kayamkulam. The place is highly gifted with its natural beauty. The green hills and valleys, the river Kallada and sky high rocks are an added attraction.
In ancient times, the powerful Devi's abode was a plantain farm of Keezheveetil family. Once a virtuous and beautiful woman was manifested before the Keezheveetil Unnithan of the family when he came for a visit in his plantain farm. This vision was momentary and vanished abruptly. This was informed to Alaprathu Thirumeni. By further quest to find the origin and circumstances of the manifestation, it was assumed that the place was the abode of Devi. A deep well and a piece of red cloth (chembattu) were also visible in place of the Devi's manifestation. On behalf of Devi, a throne was consecrated on top of the well. The faith is that the throne is having the divine presence of Devi.The Pattazhy Devi Temple was constructed at this place and the sanctum sanctorum is the consecrated throne. The nearby Kannambally kavu is believed to be the Devi's first place of manifestation.
The ancient history shows that Pattazhy desam was gifted on behalf of Devi from The King Marthanda Varma. The king extended the kingdom by winning war with the neighboring countries with the help of Ramayyan Dalava, his loyal minister. Kambithan also helped the king to take over Kayamkulam desam. Kayamkulam had become a part of Venad. As a symbol of his gratitude the king ordered to let Pattazhy desam be named and dedicated to Devi by issuing a royal order.
Kambithan (oracle) is a hardcore worshipper of Devi and having miraculous powers. On behalf of Devi, Kambithan took over the responsibility to protect and preserve the temple affairs.The temple affairs were earlier managed by the people of authority in that area, landlords, and wealthy people. Adjacent to the Pattazhy temple, there is a Kambithan Nada (dwelling place), which show the significance and intense devotion of Kambithans. Kambithan was the representative of Devi's Pattazhy desam. The Kambithan concept is peculiar and one can find only in few temples like Pattazhy, Mannadi etc. Kambithan Nada is constructed in front of the Arappura temple for the direct vision of Devi.
Sub Shrines of the temple are many of which ARAPPURA TEMPLE is Kambithan's main place of worship. Devi's shrine is consecrated at the eastern side of the harem facing the west. The idol of Devi is made out of pure gold and precious stones is kept in a locker in the temple. Formerly there were five Mala Nadas under Pattazhy Devaswom. Now Pulikunnel Mala Nada is the only Mala Nada deeply attached to the temple affairs placed adjacent to the southern side of the main shrine. Ooraly (Headman of the tribe) is manning the affairs of this shrine on behalf of Devi. Every year on the Ucharam day Oorali arrives with his retinue and receives the holy sword (palli vaal) as a symbol of protection from the president of the Kshethra Samithi. Bhoothathan nada is placed on the western side, this shrine is omnipotent and Devi's loyal servile. Subrahmanya is worshiped in the southern side. Yakshiamma is being worshiped in the southern side. Main offerings are Pattu(red cloth) and Black bangle(Kari vala). In front of the shrine there is a Kanikonna tree, as a miracle, it blooms through out the year. Saraswathi shrine is situated in the southern side of the temple. Thousands initiate learning (Vidyarambham) here in every year. Navarathri is also in full celebration with nine days music concerts of eminent musicians.
Ganapathy shrine is situated in the Kannimoola (south western comer) of the temple. Idols of Nagaraja, Naga Yakshi are erected here under a huge banyan tree. Pulluvans are always there to sing songs praising Nagaraja and Naga yakshi. Turmeric powder and milk are the main offerings. Lord Shiva is enshrined in the western side of the temple. The shrine is below the level of the main temple land and have to step down to there. On the right side of the temple there is an Indilayappan Kovil. Brahma rakshass is seen on the north western side of the temple and the main offerings are flowers and garlands. Varikka plammodu althara temple is seen 300 meters west of the main temple complex. Every year on Kumbha Thiruvathira festival after the fierce battle and elimination of Darika, Bhadrakali is taken out in procession there and return. There is a tendency for Devi to move to the west, breaking all barricades. The legend behind this is that after the battle Bhadrakali wishes to go to Mannadi to meet her sister. In Hindu mythology one tree is attributed to each star. All the 27 trees (some among them are very rare) are planted in the temple premises for worship and is known as Nakshathra Vanam (Forest with trees for every star). Beautiful and spacious pond is seen on the southern side of the temple complex.
Ponnin thirumudiyezhunnallippu (golden thirumudi/divine hair of devi is kept in this temple and is take out only on special occassions) associated with Meenathiruvathira festival is the main event related with this temple. 8 day festival on Kumbhathiruvathira is also celebrated with much devotion in this temple.
