Chakkulathukavu Temple

Getting there

• By train

  Thiruvalla Railway Station is about 9 km from the temple.

• By road

  KSRTC buses run from Thiruvalla to Alappuzha via Chakkulathukavu every 7 minutes.

Why devotees come here

Chakkulathukavu Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Devi Durga, worshipped here as Bhagavathy. It stands on the banks of the Pampa River in Neerattupuram, near Thiruvalla in Alappuzha district. It is known for the Pongala festival, when large numbers of women make offerings.

Chakkulathukavu Temple is among the most renowned temples in Kerala. The main deity is Devi Durga, worshipped here as Bhagavathy. The temple stands on the banks of the holy Pampa River, between the Pamba and Manimala rivers in Alappuzha, and it draws pilgrims from all over Kerala.

The temple was once little known. It served only as the family temple of a local resident until it was renovated a few decades ago. Since then it has grown into a popular pilgrim centre. The building is noted for intricate woodwork and bright colours, and it reflects Kerala's cultural heritage.

The major festival is Pongala, held in the Malayalam month of Vrischikam, which falls in November or December. Large numbers of women take part. They bring rice, coconut and jaggery in earthen pots, and the offering queue can extend about 20 km. Naree Pooja and Thrikkarthika are also celebrated here, and Panthrandu Noyampu is a fast kept from the first to the twelfth day of Dhanu.

Festivals

• Vrischikam (November or December)Pongala

  The major festival, when women bring rice, coconut and jaggery in earthen pots as their offering.

• First to twelfth day of DhanuPanthrandu Noyampu

  A fast kept over these twelve days.

Tips for your visit

• The Pongala offering queue can extend about 20 km.
• Other festivals here include Naree Pooja and Thrikkarthika.

Questions people ask