Kadakkal Devi Temple — Attraction in Kerala

Kadakkal Devi Temple is situated at Kollam District, Kerala, India. Kadakkal city is in the eastern part of Kollam District, Kerala. Kadakkkal is well known for the social revolutionary activities held in the pre-independent period of India. Kadakkal is an agriculture village and it is known for its spice production. Main agricultural cultivation include rubber, coconut, tapioca and pepper.

Kadakkal Devi Temple is one of the foremost Devi temples in Kerala. It is renowned for its unique mythology and belief. It is believed that one who worships and offering rituals to Devi (Kadakkalamma) will be protected from evil and their life will be filled with prosperity and wealth.

Kadakkal Temple has four main temples situated equal distances in three directions from the Temple Pond (Kadakkal Chira): Devi Temple, Siva Temple, Taliyil Temple and Kilimarathukavu Temple.

The uniqueness of the main Devi temple is that there is neither an idol nor a pujari. The temple festival 'Kadakkal Thiruvathira Mahotsavam' is very popular. During the festival thousands of devotees come to Kadakkal to worship 'Devi'. On the first day of the festival, thousands of ladies offer Pongal to Devi at the temple ground. The festival starts with 'Kuthirayeduppu' which is a grand procession followed by 'Kuthiyottam' and pageants. The festival ends with 'Guruzi', a spiritual ritual performed on the last day.

According to Hindu Mythology:

Kadakkal temple has a very unusual mythology related to its existence. It is believed that Kadakal Devi came from Tamil Nadu with her four sisters. Kadakkal Devi situated in Peedika (a small kind of trade shop made of wood) near by Kadakkal and Anchal Devi situated in Kadayattu Kalari near by Anchal, karavalur devi in village of Karavalur, and Kariyara Devi at Kariyara. The four temples are called the same name: Peedikayil Bhagavathy Temples.

Another story is related with Panayappan, a Tamil trader who have been killed by Kadakkal Devi as a revenge for exploiting her family. After that she moved to Kadakkal Peedika; that became the sanctum sanctorum of the present Kadakkal Temple.

The Nettur Kurup, who was the eyewitness of this incident, got the permission from Devi to do offering and Pooja for Devi in the Peedika. Every year Devi's holy birthdate "Thiruvathira" of Kumbha (according to Malayalam Calendar) is celebrating as Thiruvathira Festival. Devotees celebrate it as the regional festival of Kadakkal.

FESTIVALS:

The very important days of Kadakkal Devi Temple is Thiruvathira Nakshathram (star) of the Malayalam month Kumbha. This day celebrating as the holy birth day of the mother goddess "Kadakkalamma". The important events are listed below:

Kadakkal Thiruvathira

Thiruvathira's day in Kumbham celebrates the holy birthday of Kadakkal Devi. Kadakkal Thiruvathira attracts a large number of devotees from far and near. People celebrate it as the festival of Kadakkal. Thiruvathira comes in February or March.

During the festival, thousands of devotees come to Kadakkal to worship Devi. The festival starts with 'Kuthirayeduppu' which is a grand procession followed by 'Kuthiyottam' and pageants.

Pongala

The first day of Thiruvathira, thousands of women offer Pongal to Devi at the temple ground. Pongal starts early morning (around 5.30) on Makayiram (the day before Thiruvathira). Devotees from all over the state come for this particular Pongal festival. Devotees from other districts come and stay near Kadakkal to offer Pongal at early morning. Most of the people stay with relatives or friends. Affordable lodging and accommodation is available near by Kadakkal Temple.

Thiru Mudi Ezhunnellathu

Thiru Mudi Ezhunnellathu happens once every 12 years. It is a grand procession from Kadakkal Temple to kalari Temple (Anchal) carrying holy circlet of Kadakkal Devi (Thirumudi). It is believed that the sister of Kadakkal Devi is situated in kalari Temple.

The last grand processions happened in 2002 and on 2015 March 25. The next procession is expected to happen in 2027.

Guruzi

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DESCRIPTION In India, Kerala is usually known as Land of Gods and this temple is an ancient one. Devotees who come here worship the Kaddakal Devi to be protected from all evils. Many pilgrims even bow their heads at the temple to gain prosperity and for thick wealth in their lives. HISTORY According to Hindu Mythology, Kaddakal Devi once killed the Tamilan trader and punished him vigorously for exploiting his family for his own personal benefits. The place becomes a sanctum sanitarium of the present temple. IMPORTANCE/SIGNIFICANCE The temple is considered to be a very sacred place of devotion. Here peculiar events happen after every 12 years, the festival is also known as Thirumudi Ezhunnah. The procession starts from Kaddakkal Devi Temple to Arrakal Temple. The other festivals as per the Malayalam Calendar are celebrated with great pomp and vigor. FACTS/MYTHOLOGY Everyday 18 poojas are performed starting from Palliyunarthu (waking up the goddess) at 4.30 am to Nata Attapu at 8.25 pm. The most prominent festival celebrated here is Thiruvathira Nakshatram during the Malayam month Kumbha. Before this festival one day prior there is also Pongal festival celebrated. The most important aspect of the temple is that there is no idol or any pujari. In the interiors the beautiful architecture is very pleasing and unique. There are 3 main temples present in the kaddakal temple. There is Siva, Devi and Taliyil Temple. Inside the temple there are three directions. FESTIVALS/EVENTS/GATHERINGS Enormous crowd is seen during the festivals like kaddakal Thiruvathira Mahautsovam, which is considered the most prominent one. This festival is celebrated with grand preparations and continues for 10 days. The charm of the festivals is completely different and many people come here to seek the blessing of the goddess. The festivals like Guruzi are also celebrated here; it starts from midnight and continues till early in the morning. During the festivals the temples here are decorated with lightings. The people visiting here do bow their head in order to give respect and patronage. The people here never miss out even single chants or prayers. Without any cultural barriers or discrimination, people equally participate in different festivals. A ritual called kuthiyottam is worth a see during Thiruvathira festivals. The traditional crafted gigantic pageants are worth see. During parayeduppu festivals devotees offer wheat, coconut and flowers. Each of the festivals does have the significant meaning and it is believed that goddess does fulfill the wishes of the devotees coming here. Special rituals and pooja are performed during special occasions. The temple is unaffected with the modern advancement and does evoke once inner peace. The temple belongs to all of Hindu religion but without any discrimination people are welcomed here.For the devotees around the temple there are various accommodation facilities available. The temple does suffice the needs of serene environments. During festivals and fairs there are various spiritual rituals that are followed. In and around the temple there are various utility centers that do...

Kadakkal Devi Temple is situated at Kollam District, Kerala, India. Kadakkal city is in the eastern part of Kollam District, Kerala. Kadakkal is well known for the social revolutionary activities held in the pre-independent period of India. Kadakkal is an agriculture village and it is known for its spice production. Main agricultural cultivation include rubber, coconut, tapioca and pepper.

Kadakkal Devi Temple is one of the foremost Devi temples in Kerala. It is renowned for its unique mythology and belief. It is believed that one who worships and offering rituals to Devi (Kadakkalamma) will be protected from evil and their life will be filled with prosperity and wealth. Kadakkal Temple has four main temples situated equal distances in three directions from the Temple Pond (Kadakkal Chira): Devi Temple, Siva Temple, Taliyil Temple and Kilimarathukavu Temple. The uniqueness of the main Devi temple is that there is neither an idol nor a pujari. During the temple festival thousands of devotees come to Kadakkal to worship 'Devi'. On the first day of the festival, thousands of women offer Pongal (dish) to the Devi at the temple ground. The festival starts with 'Kuthirayeduppu', which is a grand procession followed by Kuthiyottam and pageants. The festival ends with 'Guruzi', a...