Puthiyakavu Temple is located in the heart of the Kollam city near the Kollam Railway station gate. It is believed that this temple has been renovated more than 200 years
ago. It is a myth that when the second regiment of British cavalry
passed along the temple's way they shivered and fell. It is said that
the Goddess Mahakali here has extraordinary powers. Old people have said that
this goddess was a worshipped presence in the cowla (gowla) tradition.
Once upon a time, It was a very dense forest in which sages have
meditated and held rituals. A few of the king's men is said to have
witnessed a miraculous sight at midnight here. So, for the protection of
the king's subjects and the kingdom and for the king himself, the
temple was built and rituals were held for the goddess. At that time
worship was done according to cowla tradition. At those times the weapon of Goddess was kept instead of idol for worship and later was changed to an idol made of wood.
On the passing of time, the temple was neglected and later taken care
by the Paruvumel family and they managed it for a short period of time.
Later, the temple protection group was established and they
took over the administration of temple, but they didn't do the
temple developments and was not able to take care of the well being of
the temple. Hence in September 1990, the temple rule was undertaken by a new group. Based on the astrological findings,
the temple was renovated and the rituals and public prayers are being
held.
On the passing of time, based on the Kerala traditions, a great
temple was built. In 1996 March, the idol was replaced and rituals were
held. The rituals were done by Sri Kalpuzha Divakaran Namboothirippadu. The idol is the same as the idol in Bhadrakali Devi temple, Calcutta,
worshipped by Sri Rama Krishna Paramahamsa and Sri Vivekananda.
Lord Ganapathy,
Shiva, Durga, Ayyappa, Hanuman, Madan, Yogeeswara, Navagrahangal,
Serpant Gods are also worshipped in this temple.
Ponkala festival on last Friday of month Kumbham attracts thousands and thousands of ladies symbolizing their mental contribution by feeding Ponkala to Devi and attain relief. Year by year the number of persons attending the function increases. 'Manjaneerattu' (bathing in yellow) and 'Karakam' procession conducted during Ponkala give happiness and enjoyment to the devotees. Even from distant places ladies reach here for offering 'Rahukala Naranga Deepam' on Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. They make light in lemon halves and pray goddess by singing and request for all sort of reliefs. 'Kuruthi Pooja' is a main offering on all Tuesdays to Devi which give relief to all diseases, attacks from rivals, and attainment of wishes. Kumari Pooja on Durgashtami day and Soubhagya pooja on Magom day of Karkidaka month are the important poojas. 'Abheeshtasiddhi pooja' is performed on all Sundays. Aarattu festival is performed on Meenam and is an eight day festival.
