ABOUT

Chakkulathu Kavu is a Hindu temple, dedicated to goddess Durga. The temple is located in Neerattupuram, Thalavady panchayat, Alappuzha District, Kerala. Bhagawathi is one of the most popular deities in the area. Pilgrims from all over South India visit and worship the Devi.The temple was less known even to the local residents and lay as a family temple of a local resident. This remained until it was renovated a few decades before. Located on the banks of the holy Pampa River, this temple has attracted pilgrims all over Kerala and became one of the most popular pilgrim centre of the state, thanks to the excellent promotional strategy of the temple management. The annual Pongala festival, Chakkulathukavu Pongala, here, which falls in the Malayalam month of Vrischikam(November/ December), is a grand affair. On this day, thousands of women devotees who assemble on the temple premises and line up beside the roads leading to the temple and prepare 'pongala nivedyam', a sweet dish made of rice porridge, molasses and coconut gratings. The 'pongala nivedyam', prepared in earthen pots, is believed to be a favourite of the goddess. Only women are allowed to participate in this ritual. Panthrandu Noyampu is another festival celebrated at the temple. This is the type of fasting and prayer which qualifies the devotee for eternal blessings of Chakkulathamma. This fasting starts every year from the first day of the Malayalam month of Dhanu till the twelfth