Kanichukulangara Devi Temple

Kanichukulangara Devi Temple

Kanichukulangara Temple (referred to as Kanichukulangara Bhagvathi Temple) is a famous temple of the Hindu mother goddess Bhagavathi.The temple is located near Cherthala in Alappuzha district of Kerala.Nestled against the verdant background of the natural beauty of Alappuzha this temple lies at the edge of the sea and has a holy pond adjoining it.

Legend

According to mythology the beautiful Goddess of beauty, fertility and prosperity was enjoying a somnolent boat ride when suddenly she was washed ashore in a shipwreck. Ever since then the deity has been installed at the spot. Nearby is a pond where the remnants of the ship can be seen at the edge of the pond. This pond has also been attributed with magical powers. In fact at this temple worship is performed as Arrattu for both, the deity as well as the pond.

It is believed that this temple was consecrated by a Brahmin who happened to recognize Devi who had reached the shore. The souls of the brahmin and the maiden who is said to have fallen in love with Brahmin have been consecrated in small shrines inside the temple. The devi ‘Kalichu’ (played)’kulathil vannu’. Hence the name Kanichukulangara.

This temple is renowned for the sacred ‘Mura oath’ which is taken ceremonially every twelve years.The major festivals of the temple last for twenty one days and is called the Maha festival which is initiated in the ‘Kumbam’ month according to the Malayalam Calendar. The special part of the festivities is the ‘Kumba Kudam’ and ‘Thalpoli. The former entails offerings of oil, ghee, honey, turmeric powder and Kumkum. The ‘thalapoli’ comprises a decorative tray having colourful offerings which are offered at ten at night amidst the chanting of hymns and singing several rustic, ritual songs.