Prathishta / Presiding Deity : Durga
Upadevatha / Sub Deities : xx
District: Pathanamthitta
Thaluk: xx
Panchayath: Thiruvalla
Thanthri: xx
Trustee: Brahma Sree R.K Namboodiri
The presiding deity of this temple is Durga devi, who answers the call of her devotees.
Countless pilgrims irrespective of caste creed and colour reach the shrine. The
benevolent look of Goddess unfolds a thousand lotus flowers of real bhakthi in the
minds of devotees. Chanting of Her names and mantras destroys the feelings of ignorance
and pride like the flames of fire that overcomes the darkness. Many are the miracles
that we see right in front of the Goddess
The ancient history of the temple has some divine connections with the story of
Sumbha and Nishumbha referred to in the Devi Mahatmyam. The story goes that two
demoniac characters called Sumbha and Nishumbha derived super human powers through
rigorous meditation of Lord Brahma. They received a boon that they could be killed
only through a battle with woman. Such a condition being almost impossible, Sumbha
and Nishumbha conquered Indra and other Devas. They became the unquestioned monarchs
of the three worlds. The helpless Devas under had to flee away and take shelter
in remote jungles.
Saint Narada feeling pity at the misery of the Gods approaches his father Lord Brahma.
Brahma reminds Narada that ups and downs are the law of life and that was what the
Gods were experiencing. There was only one way out for this despicable state of
affair. Only one power could restore power and prosperity to Gods and that power
was none other than the very Goddess. Devas accordingly moved in search of Goddess.
Reaching near Himavan, the epic King of the mountains, they started chanting powerful
mantras to appease the Goddess. They plunged into a he artful tribute of the Goddess
who in herself was power, knowledge, creativity, benevolence and blessings.
Goddess Parvathy had just arrived on the banks of river Ganga. Echoes of the mantras
reached her. There was a touch of grief and pleading in the sounds of Devas. Goddess
Parvathy grasped the pitiable plight of Devas. There emerged another Goddess from
within her as if something comes out of a cover. This was the incarnation of Goddess
Durga, having taken a divine form to rescue the Devas from the hardships caused
by the asuras. The story culminates in a terrible fight between the “Goddess and
Asuras under the leadership of Sumba and Nishumbha. It was an encounter unheard
of ever before. Needless to specify, all the asuras were annihilated by the Goddess.
The Devas got back the early powers and prosperities. Sage Narada appears in front
of them and exults them about the invincibility of goddess Durga. She was the cause
as well as witness for the creation, maintenance and destruction the universe, told
Narada.
It is believed that the Goddess residing in Chakkulathukavu is a wholesome reaction
of this all-pervading Goddess namely Durga.
Brahma Sree R.K Namboodiri
Sri R K Namboodiri has stamped a vivid impression in the spiritual sphere of kerala
and outside through his life of extreme spirituality as well as his predictions
in betel astrology. Lakhs of people meet him for solace and blessings. He is the
guide, guardian and philosopher for innumerable pilgrims in search of Shanthi”.
The betel astrology is performed with the help of seven betel leaves and arecanut
which the pilgrims brings. He examines the shape, nature and marks of the leaves
and analyses the past, present and future of the devotees. He also uses a special
conch which is rotated and its position observed, to make predictions.
Sri R K Namboodiri is the chief preist of the temple. He gives directions in all
the spiritual routines of the shrine. He is a refuge and shelter to numberless pilgrims
who reach the temple with bundles of burdens, he suggests remedies for their sorrows
and paves way for their all round prosperity.
He has deeper understanding about the age-old traditions of this temple and channels
each activity for the ultimate welfare of others. It is he who directs the various
spiritual endeavours like poojas, pledge for liberation from intoxication, curing
of the weak, distrbution of medicate water and the like. It is because of his novelty
and commitment that a number of Yagnas, yaga and rare poojas are condcted evey year
in this temple. A humble soul with and inimitable simplicity, Sri R K Namboodiri
is belived to have received special blessings from the Goddess. No wonder, he has
become the ultimate shelter for lakhs of devotees.
Pogala :- This is the phenomenally renowned festival that takes place in the temple
during the month of ‘Vrischikam’ (November/December). This is the time when the
glory of the Goddess is at its peak. Lakhs of women devotees gather around the temple
as early as even one week before the function. The temple premises will be overcrowded
and the devotees arrange place for offering the Pongal on both sides of the mains
streets. The queue usually extends to a surprising length of 20 km
Naree Pooja :- Hindu tradition had always bestowed reverence and acceptance to Indian
womanhood. It often reminded humanity that a woman who is respected is the cause
for prosperity whereas a woman is dishonoured is exactly like fire and can annihilate
everything. We had even women who rose themselves to the pinnacle of spirituality
and gave new dimensions to our culture.
First Friday :- The first Friday of every Malayalam month marks a spiritually significant
day for the Temple. Devotees who observe rigorous fasting and penance reach the
shrine on this day. The number of persons who gather themselves to have a visit
of the Mother on this day are literally countless. Special spiritual functions are
also conducted on this day. The small idol of the God which is usually placed inside
the sanctum sanctorum beside the main idol is carried in procession and brought
to the specially arranged place for prayer.
Thrikkarthika :- Thrikkarthika that falls on the malayalam month of Vrischika is
an important day of the Temple. This day became famous after a surprising incident
that took place in 1851. A Friday of 1981.3.30 am in the early morning. Some devotees
had gathered to have the “Nirmalya Darsanam”. Everyone was amazed to see rings of
perfumed smoke all around. Rare glow of light was seen in front of the temple. No
body could discern what was happening. As the priest opened the temple, everyone
was spell bound. All the lamps inside were alive with a unique touch of brilliance.
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Manikuttan Namboothiri
ADMINISTRATOR
CHAKKULATHUKAVU SREE BHAGAVATHI TEMPLE
NEERETTUPURAM P.O
THIRUVALLA, KERALA, INDIA
TEL: 0477-2213550, 9447104242
Email: amma@chakkulathukavutemple.org
The temple is situated in the border of Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha Districts.
It is 12 Km westward from the town of Thiruvalla in Neerattupuram Junction. The
famous rivers of Pampa and Manimala flow on either side of the temple. Buses reach
Chakkulathukavu several places of Kerala. From Thiruvalla one can reach here in
15 minutes drive by car, KSRTC buses ply evey 10 minutes from thiruvalla to Chakkulathukavu.
Devotees who come by Air can land at Trivandrum or Cochin (Nedumbassery) and proceed
to Chakkulathukavu according to one’s convenience. Devotees coming from Ernakulam
side by train should get down at Thiruvalla, from there are regular bus services
to Chakkulathukavu. Further information related to the temple can be from the Public
relations officer of the temple counter.
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