Chakkulathukavu Temple is situated in Neerattupuram. It is situated 30 km southeast of Alappuzha, and is beckoned by 3000 year old history. Dedicated to Goddess Durga, the shrine is open to all the devotees irrespective of their gender, religion or caste. Rivers Pamba and Manimala flow on both sides of the temple. This ancient and unique temple was not popular until its renovation. Till then, it was a family temple of a local resident, and was not known to the residents of that area.
The shrine is dedicated to Goddess Durga.
Legends state that the Temple has a mention in the Hindu epic Devi Mahatmyam. The mythological tale states that two demons Sumbha and Nisumbha attained miraculous powers from Lord Brahma as a boon for their prayers and meditation. The boon was that both the demons would die only when attacked by a woman. Owing to this boon, both the demons attacked and conquered many deities, including Lord Indra.
On seeing this situation, Lord Narada met Lord Brahma to seek a solution. On Brahma’s words, the remaining Gods went in search of the Goddess who could save them. Goddess Durga heard their prayers and fought the demons, thus saving the Gods. Hence the shrine worshipped at Chakkulathukavu Temple is believed to be another form of the Goddess. It is famous as the “Sabarimala of women”.
The festivals celebrated in the Chakkulathukavu Temple are Chakkulathukavu Pongala and Naari Pooja.
Chakkulathukavu Pongala falls in the Malayalam month of Vrischikam (November / December). ‘Pongala vendhayam’ is a sweet dish that is believed to be a favourite of the Goddess. The prime ingredients of the dish are rice porridge, molasses and grated coconut. Devotees line up in huge numbers outside the temple and prepare the dish in earthen pots.
Naari Pooja is another significant festival celebrated in the temple. At the time of this particular festival, men are refrained from entering the temple premises. Women, as per the Vedas and other Hindu scriptures, are seen as the highest form of power. Naari Pooja is performed to celebrate womanhood. The women who participate in the pooja have their feet washed ceremoniously, which signifies respect for the divine power in every woman.