Chettikulangara Sree Bhagavathi temple, Mavelikkara

Mavelikkara, Kerala

Chettikulangara Sree Bhagavathi temple in Mavelikkara is a revered and time-honoured place of worship that continues to inspire deep devotion among countless devotees. Surrounded by a serene atmosphere and enriched with cultural charm, the temple stands as a symbol of faith, tradition, and community bonding. Its sacred premises have witnessed generations of prayers, festivals, and rituals that reflect the spiritual heartbeat of the region. Visitors are often drawn not only by the temple’s divine presence but also by its beautiful surroundings, intricate craftsmanship, and the sense of peace it offers. Whether you are a pilgrim seeking blessings or a traveller exploring heritage sites, Chettikulangara Sree Bhagavathi temple remains an unmissable spiritual landmark that speaks of the region’s enduring cultural and religious legacy. As part of the broader heritage of Famous temples in Kerala, it continues to attract devotees and travellers alike.

Chettikulangara Sree Bhagavathi temple History and Significance

Chettikulangara Sree Bhagavathi temple is believed to be at least 1200 years old. The temple is located in Chettikulangara, near Kayamkulam city in Alappuzha district, Kerala. The temple is managed by the Travancore Devaswom Board and is the second largest in terms of income under its control.

The temple has 13 'Karas' or territories, with the oldest four Karas surrounding the temple. The Thantric rights belong to Plackudy Illom, an ancient Thantric family of Kerala. UNESCO has collected details about the temple and its customs for potential inclusion in the World Heritage List.

Chettikulangara Sree Bhagavathi temple Pooja Timing
Chettikulangara Sree Bhagavathi temple Interesting Facts
Chettikulangara Sree Bhagavathi temple Nearby Temples
Other Bhagavathi Temples
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Chettikulangara Sree Bhagavathi temple Pooja Timing

Pooja Name	Timings
Nirmalyam	4:00 AM
Usha Pooja	7:00 AM
Ucha Pooja	12:00 PM
Athazha Pooja	8:00 PM

Chettikulangara Sree Bhagavathi temple Location Details

How to Reach Chettikulangara Sree Bhagavathi temple

By Road:

Chettikulangara is well-connected by road to major towns in Kerala. State Transport Buses and private taxis operate regularly from cities like Alappuzha, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram.

By Train:

Nearest railway stations: Mavelikkara Railway Station and Kayamkulam Junction. From these stations, buses or taxis are available to Chettikulangara.

By Air:

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport (COK). From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Mavelikkara via connecting cities.

Chettikulangara Sree Bhagavathi temple Nearby Temples

Best time to visit (season/months):

The best time to visit is between November and March when the weather is pleasant. Avoid the monsoon season (June to September) due to heavy rainfall.

Other Bhagavathi Temples

Legends Beliefs

Legends and BeliefsAccording to legend, local chieftains humiliated at Koypallikarazhma Bhagavathi temple decided to build their own temple. They sought blessings from Kodungallur Bhagavathi and received a sacred sword. An old woman, believed to be the Devi, appeared to a local boatman and later vanished, confirming her presence in Chettikulangara.Another version states that the temple was consecrated by Padmapadacharyar, a disciple of Adi Shankara, in 823 CE. Some believe the goddess was a family deity who later became a regional deity. The present Sreekovil is about 450-480 years old, and the Chuttambalam is around two centuries old.
Deities and Sub Deities

Deities and Sub-DeitiesThe main deity is Bhadrakali, an incarnation of Mahakali born from Shiva's third eye. The temple also houses several Upadevathas or sub-deities, including Yakshini, Ganapathi, Nagaraja, Balakan, Muhurthi, Naga Yakshi, Thevara Moorthy, Kannamballi Bhagavathi, Rekshas, and Vallyachan.There is a small temple for Moolasthanam and a Kavu, a small forest patch housing serpent gods. Certain trees on the premises are believed to house Gandharvas and Yakshis. Elephants are not taken to the western side of the Nalambalam due to these beliefs.
Offerings

OfferingsKuthiramoottil kanji and Therummoottil kanji are major offerings at the temple, both of which have received Geographical Indication (GI) tags. Other offerings include Chanthattam, which earned the temple around 1.7 crore Rupees in 2009. A significant portion of the Nellu (whole rice grain) offered is used to make Appam and Aravana prasadams at Sabarimala.
Architecture

ArchitectureThe temple follows the traditional Kerala style of architecture. The present Sreekovil was revamped during 1540 CE, and the Chuttambalam was slightly modified in the Malayalam year 1002 due to a small fire. The temple infrastructure has been developed over time by various local chieftains.
Festivals

FestivalsThe temple hosts several festivals, including Chettikulangara Kumbha Bharani, Meena Bharani, and Karthika Pongala. The Kumbha Bharani festival, celebrated in February or March, is the most significant. It features Kuthiyottam and Kettukazhcha, where devotees present large, decorated structures to the deity.Parayeduppu marks the beginning of the festival season, starting on the Makayriam star of the Malayalam month Makaram. Ethirelpu Ulsavam is the annual temple festival celebrated for 13 days, with each day organized by residents of different Karas. Aswathy Ulsavam, held in the month of Meenom, is a unique festival symbolizing the deity's journey to visit her mother at Kodungallur.
Religious Practices

Religious PracticesKuthiyottam is a significant ritual dance performed as an offering to the deity. Young boys between 8 and 14 years are trained in this dance, which is performed with folk music and other instruments. The ritual starts a week before Bharani day and culminates in a procession to the temple, where the boys perform the dance before the deity.

FAQ's

Where is the Chettikulangara Sree Bhagavathi temple located?

The Chettikulangara Sree Bhagavathi temple is located in Mavelikkara, Kerala, India. Specifically, it is situated in the Alappuzha district.

Which God is Bhadrakali?

Bhadrakali is a major Hindu deity.

What is the best time to visit Chettikulangara Sree Bhagavathi temple?

The best time to visit is between November and March when the weather is pleasant. Avoid the monsoon season (June to September) due to heavy rainfall.

How to reach Chettikulangara Sree Bhagavathi temple from near City or Town?

Nearest railway stations: Mavelikkara Railway Station and Kayamkulam Junction. From these stations, buses or taxis are available to Chettikulangara. Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport (COK). From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Mavelikkara via connecting cities.