Kerala Tradition & Fascinating Destinations 2014 Kerala Tradition & Destinations 2014 | Page 173

Chakkulathukavu Bhagavathy Temple
The Sabarimala of women, celibrates
Pongala festival during Nov/Dec

Chakkulathukavu Bhagavathy Temple: Chakkulathukavu Bhagavathy Temple
‘The Sabarimala of women’ is located at Ambalapuzha, Neerattupuram in
Alappuzha District of Kerala after Thakazhi and Edathuva. (17 kms East of
Ambalapuzha and 9 kms west of Thiruvalla). Chakkulathamma the benefactress cosmic mother, the conduit power of Brahma, Vishnu and
Maheswara, the creator, preserver and destroyer dwells here. This
Bhagavathy temple is famous for its Pongala Maholsav. Pongala is a devout offering made of pudding by devotees as a reverent exposure of their
awesome offering of love and respect. The myth about Chakkulathamma
makes an interesting reading as it was she who transformed a foolish
shepherd into the saint poet Kalidas overnight. The revered Brahmasree
Radhakrishnan Thirumeni, the best among the blessed of
Chakkulathamma provide remedy to all who approach him for various
worldly solutions. P.B.K. Namboodiri, one of the best astrologer,
Unnikrishnan Namboodiri and Ashokan Namboodiri worship the goddess during the daily temple rituals under the efficient and capable guidance of the administrator Brahmasree Manikuttan Namboodiri who is
also famous in writing divine songs. Sri. Damodharan Namboodiri, the
father of the blessed five leads his sons in religious texts and rituals and
is their beacon light. Pongala - This is the phenomenally renow-ned
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 over
crowded and the devotees arrange places for offering the pongala on
both sides of the main streets. The queue usually extends to a surprising
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TRADITION AND DESTINATIONS|ALAPPUZHA