| |
|
|
CHAKKULATHUKAVU
DURGA
|
Prathishta: Durga
|
|
Dist: Pathanamthitta
|
Thaluk:
|
Panchayath: Thiruvalla
|
|
Festival:
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.
|
|
Importance
/ Main offerings:
|
|
Description:
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.
|
|
Thanthri:
|
|
Trustee:
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.
|
|
Address:
Manikuttan Namboothiri
ADMINISTRATOR
CHAKKULATHUKAVU SREE BHAGAVATHI TEMPLE
NEERETTUPURAM P.O
THIRUVALLA, KERALA, INDIA
TEL: 0477-2213550, 9447104242
Email: amma@chakkulathukavutemple.org
|
Any
other information:
http://www.chakkulathukavutemple.org |
| Photo: |
|
Route: 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.
|
|
