Karthyayani Devi Temple
Karthyayani Devi Temple things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
Posts
For the devotee, the Cherthala Karthyayani Devi temple is somewhat special, probably because it is believed that the Devi is easily propitiated and she is 'Mangalya Dayini'--giving prosperity and plenty to the devotee. Another very popular belief, especially among women, is that prayers to her regarding 'mangalyam' (marriage), and the many possible obstacles to obtaining a suitable groom for the eligible young ladies are removed in a trice once they make a pilgrimage to the sanctum of Karthyayani Devi. Many others, particularly travellers, get attracted to the annual festival Cherthala Pooram, which, after the famous Thrissur Pooram, is perhaps the second biggest in Kerala, when huge crowds gather. The temple is an ancient one, at least as old as the famous Padmanabhaswamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram. Legends connect the temple and its consecration to Sage Vilwamangalam Swamiyar. After consecrating Anantha Padmanbha at Thiruvananthapuram, the sage was returning home. While resting near the present temple location, he noticed a perfect young maiden on a swing beneath a Chambaka tree, and divined that this was Goddess Karthyayani. Try as he might, the Sage could not approach her as she evaded him by diving into a deep pond. This hide and seek between the goddess and Swamiyar continued for six long days, the Godess disappearing into the depths of respectively Kalikulam, Pallikulam, Cherakulam, Pullamkulam, Kelankulam and Trippurakulam. On the seventh day as she dove into the mud-filled Karuppankulam, the Swamiyar caught hold of her tresses and lifted her up, made her sit on its shore, and consecrated her then and there. The Swamiyar's angry response to the mischievous Goddess finds echoes in today's "poorappattu" (songs addressed to the Goddess, with no expletives deleted!) at the time of the annual festival. (This is a tradition in a few other Devi temples also in Kerala, probably the most in/famous one being Kodungalloor Bharani.) This incident, it is said, accounts for the origin of the place name Cherthala, as it can be translated as 'muddy head'. The sanctum of the Goddess is a few feet below ground level and only her head is clearly visible. Sub shrines are there for Ganapathy, Dharma Sastha, Vishnu and Siva. A notable sight here is the free-ranging cockerels in the temple courtyard. Devotees offer them to the Goddess and they have the run of the place, and they dirty the courtyard too. Normally Hindu temples are squeaky clean and this is a sight that does not go down well with many pilgrims. In the olden days, these birds were offered for sacrifice, a common practice in many Devi temples. Now that animal sacrifice has been prohibited, they are let loose in the temple precincts, and often pilgrims feed them grains as an offering. (It may be noted that in many Devi temples, such birds are auctioned off at the end of the day.) Another peculiarity is connected with the popular offerings at the temple called 'Iratti' and 'Thadi'; Iratti is the usual Ghee Payasam, but with double the quantity of jaggery used in its preparation. Thadi is a stranger concoction unique to this temple. Rice flour, jaggery, and coconut are mixed with powdered dry ginger and other spices into a thick paste. This is then placed in a sheath of areca nut frond, and then baked in a hole dug in sand and covered with burning coconut shells. The baked offering has the consistency of wood ('thadi') and is supposed to be an exotica liked by the Goddess. The Karthyayani Devi temple is a shrine the traveller and the pilgrim must add to his/her itinerary for one reason or another. A short detour from the National Highway will take you to the ancient shrine and some out of the ordinary experiences too. * * * * *
Unnikrishnan Panickar. KUnnikrishnan Panickar. K
130
This temple, whose origins are lost in the mists of time, is located in the centre of Cherthala town. One legend has it that the temple was consecrated by Saint Vilwamangalam Swamiyar, when he was returning after consecrating 'Padmanabha Swamy' at Thiruvananthapuram. That would date this temple back to at least 5 millenia. The deity here is well-known as 'Mangalya Devi', as she is believed to remove obstacles for the marriage of young girls.
Suresh MenonSuresh Menon
30
This temple is famous for the main idol, Devi Karthyayani, and is one of the main places of worship in Cherthala. Interestingly, the name Cherthala has something to do with this goddess. Very vast area. Also has Shiva, Ayyappa, Vishnu as deities. Very beautiful. And filled with roosters. Grains to feed these roosters also provided
shrutishruti
10
FAMOUS FOR PADAYANI POORAM
Unnikrishnan PS CherthalaUnnikrishnan PS Cherthala
00
Nearby Attractions Of Karthyayani Devi Temple
St. Mary's Forane Church (Muttathu palli)

St. Mary's Forane Church (Muttathu palli)
4.6
(393)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Karthyayani Devi Temple
Huts Restaurant
Pocket Diner
Indian Coffee House - Cherthala
Padma Cafe
Puthina Restocafe (Casa Blanca)
Four Brothers Bakers
Chai Gaadi
Vinod Cafe
Just Bake Cherthala
Cafe pachila

Huts Restaurant
3.6
(1.6K)Click for details

Pocket Diner
4.2
(479)Click for details

Indian Coffee House - Cherthala
3.6
(449)Click for details

Padma Cafe
4.0
(362)Click for details
Basic Info
Address
Cherthala Rd, Kodathikavala, Cherthala, Kerala 688524, India
Map
Reviews
Overview
4.6
(758 reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
Description
Karthyayani Devi Temple, Cherthala is a famous Hindu temple located at Cherthala. Iratti and Thadi are the famous vazhipadu, Cherthala pooram is the second famous pooram in Kerala. Kalabham, in familywise, can be held on there, kalabham is a famous vazhipadu.
attractions: St. Mary's Forane Church (Muttathu palli), restaurants: Huts Restaurant, Pocket Diner, Indian Coffee House - Cherthala, Padma Cafe, Puthina Restocafe (Casa Blanca), Four Brothers Bakers, Chai Gaadi, Vinod Cafe, Just Bake Cherthala, Cafe pachila

- Please manually select your location for better experience