Overview.

Chakkulathukavu Temple, situated in Neerattupuram, is renowned as the sacred dwelling place of Chakkulathamma, the Mother who answers the call of her devotees. The temple holds immense significance, attracting countless pilgrims irrespective of caste, creed, and color. The benevolent gaze of Goddess Chakkulathamma unfolds a thousand lotus flowers of true devotion in the hearts of her devotees. The chanting of her names and mantras dispels ignorance and pride, illuminating the darkness like flames of fire.

The ancient history of the temple is intertwined with the divine story of Sumbha and Nishumbha, as narrated in the Devi Mahatmyam. According to the tale, Sumbha and Nishumbha, two demoniac characters, obtained extraordinary powers through rigorous meditation and conquered the three worlds, subjugating Indra and the other Devas. Helpless and defeated, the Devas sought the guidance of Sage Narada, who advised them that their only salvation lay in appeasing the Goddess.

Moved by the pleas and prayers of the Devas, Goddess Parvathy, who had just arrived on the banks of the river Ganga, manifested another form of herself as Goddess Durga. She appeared to rescue the Devas from the clutches of the asuras and engaged in a fierce battle with Sumbha and Nishumbha. The ensuing fight resulted in the annihilation of the asuras, restoring power and prosperity to the Devas. Sage Narada proclaimed the invincibility of Goddess Durga, recognizing her as the cause and witness of the creation, maintenance, and destruction of the universe.

The Goddess residing in Chakkulathukavu is believed to be an embodiment of this all-pervading Goddess, Durga. Known as Chakkulathamma, she is renowned as the Mother who answers the call of her devotees. Countless pilgrims, regardless of their backgrounds, make their way to the shrine to seek her blessings. The compassionate and loving presence of Chakkulathamma evokes deep devotion in the hearts of the devotees. The chanting of her names and mantras serves as a transformative force, dispelling ignorance and pride, and igniting the flames of devotion within.

The temple's history dates back nearly 3000 years. The area where the temple now stands was once a fearsome forest, with towering trees, hissing serpents, and wild animals roaming freely. Sunlight struggled to penetrate the thick foliage, and afternoons felt like midnight. It was in this forest that a hunter ventured with his wife and children, seeking firewood.

As the hunter collected firewood, he encountered a venomous snake approaching him. Reacting swiftly, he attacked the snake with his axe, but to his surprise, it escaped into the forest unharmed. Aware of the dangers posed by an injured snake, the hunter pursued it. After an exhaustive search, he reached a lake, where he discovered a sand cover called "Chithalputtu." To his astonishment, the snake he had been following was coiled around it. Determined to eliminate the threat, the hunter struck the serpent repeatedly with his axe, but the snake vanished into thin air.

Filled with both horror and wonder, the hunter witnessed the broken shell releasing water, paddy, rice, and a peculiar grass called "Darbha," which is used in rituals. At that moment, a hermit with a radiant aura of spirituality appeared before the hunter. The hermit explained that the shell contained the statue of the Goddess herself and instructed the hunter to respectfully break it.

The hunter and his family bowed before the statue, and as the sun's gentle rays illuminated the next morning, a crowd had gathered near their hut. Devotees presented offerings to the Goddess, and the place transformed into a spiritually exceptional abode. The members of the Pattamana Illam, a Brahmin house, constructed a proper temple and installed the idol in the sanctum sanctorum following all the prescribed rituals and ceremonies.

Pattamana Illam, situated near the temple, remains closely associated with the Goddess, with Damodaran Nambudiri serving as the Chief Priest. During his childhood, Damodaran Nambudiri would request the special sweet preparation of rice and jaggery called "Therali Nyvedyam" from his father. When the Therali was unavailable, his father advised him to pray to the Goddess for it. The innocent child earnestly pleaded with the Goddess for the sweet and fruits, and miraculously, devotees arrived at the temple with baskets of fruits. The boundless love of Chakkulathamma for children became renowned, and parents started visiting the temple with their children. Missing children were often reunited through prayers, and diseases were miraculously cured. The worship of Chakkulathamma was believed to enhance the intellect of children, and she was adored as "The Mother who answers."

The temple's historical significance is also reflected in the names of nearby places. For instance, the water in the temple's historical pond was said to possess the sweetness of jaggery, leading to the name "Chakkarkulam," which gradually became known as Chakkulam. "Neeru" in Malayalam means water, and since water permeated the sand shell that contained the idol, the surrounding area came to be called "Neerattupuram," signifying the place that held the holy water.

In 1981, the temple underwent renovation, and a luminous idol of Vana Durga with eight hands was installed alongside the original idol. Additionally, Lord Shiva, Sastha, Vishnu, Vinayaka, Muruka, Yakshi, Serpent Gods, and Navagrahas were installed as "Upa Devas" or subsidiary deities.

The timeless divinity represented by the concept of the Goddess, a manifestation of Nature itself, serves as the ultimate cause and sustainer of the universe. Just as oil resides within sesame seeds, water within river beds, and fire within friction sticks, this divine essence encompasses everything we perceive and even that which eludes our senses. The Goddess, exemplified by Chakkulathamma, symbolizes the supreme embodiment of this divinity, showering love and motherliness upon any devotee who welcomes her into their heart.

Chakkulathukavu Temple stands as a testament to the profound devotion and miraculous blessings bestowed upon the countless pilgrims who seek solace and divine intervention within its sacred premises.

5:00AM – 1:00PM, 4:30PM – 8:00PM