About Chettikulangara Devi Temple

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.It is located between Mavelikara&Kayamkulam.(Alleppey Dist.)

Prathishta

There is also an argument that the present premises of the temple belonged to a big ‘Kavu’ (a traditional Central Travancore small sacred forest) and the Mahashilayuga Vigraha of Bhagavathi was relocated from ‘Moolasthanam’ to this place.According to the directions of Padmapadacharya, temporary consecration was performed by Chengannur Thazhaman Thanthri and Kattuvallil Valakkod Illam Namboodiri. A year later, Padmapadacharyar came here, and Prathishta Karma was performed after 21 days of rituals headed by 31 Brahmanas. Jagadambika’s chaithanyam (divine power) was absorbed into a Sri Chakra with Saptha Dalas (seven spokes representing Saptha Mathrukkal). The Prathishta here is said to be in Rurujith style, and has Thamoguna along with Sathva and Rajo Gunas. In order to reduce the intensity of the Prathishta’s mounting fierce powers, an imaginary Mahavishnu prathishta is believed to be in place near the Prathishta. On the Bharani day of every month, the Kshethram Thanthri 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 Vigraha, 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 Bhagavathi conceived as Maha Saraswathi, Uchapooja or lunch with Koottupayasam, Palpayasam and prayers offered as Maha Lakshmi, Atthazha Pooja or dinner with Neyyappam and Neypayasam with prayers for the deity conceived as Sri Durga or Bhadrakali.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. There are many Upadevathas adjacent to the temple. The main Upadevathas in the temple premises are Yakshi (a typical Central Travancore concept of bewitchingly attractive fairy witches who feed on human blood, especially that of children, and with super natural powers), Muhurthi, Rakshas (a fierce super natural creature who feed on humans), Thevara Moorthy, Kannamballi bhagavathi, Ganapathi, Nagarajav (King of serpents), Naga Yakshi, Balakan, Vallyachan ( Central Travancore parlance for family chieftains, and they are worshipped by his descendants after death) etc. Besides, there is a small temple for Moolasthanam. A Kavu (a patch of small forest which houses the serpent Gods, and is common in central Travancore). Karimbana (Black palm tree) and the nearby Chembakam tree in the premises are also places of worship on the belief that they houses Gandharvas and Yakshis, the fairytale supernatural elements who accompany Bhagavathy, their master, during her trips ‘ termed as Varutthu Pokku’ in local parlance.