They say there is a temple in Kerala where people come carrying tears, worries, illness, broken hopes and silent prayers, and leave feeling lighter. That sacred place is the revered Chakkulathukavu Bhagavathy Temple, believed by devotees to be a divine sanctuary of Mother Bhagavathy’s grace.
Located in Neerettupuram on the Thiruvalla–Alappuzha route, this famous temple is not only a place of worship, but a spiritual refuge for people from all walks of life. Here, caste, religion, wealth and status do not matter. Anyone can stand before the Goddess, share their pain, and seek blessings.
The temple is especially known for its powerful Pongala celebration during the Malayalam month of Vrischikam (Karthigai). On the sacred day of Thirukarthika, lakhs of devotees gather to prepare Pongala as an offering to cool the heart of the Goddess. The temple also becomes radiant with grand events such as Karthika Sthambam, Laksha Deepam, and the rare Naripooja, where women are honoured with devotion and respect.
The Divine Discovery of the Goddess
Long ago, a hunter entered the forest to gather firewood. While there, a snake came toward him. In fear, he struck it. But the snake did not die. After some time, he saw it resting near an anthill and tried to strike again.
At that very moment, the anthill split open into two, and water began to gush out forcefully.
The stunned hunter stood frozen as a sage appeared before him. Calmly, the sage told him not to be afraid. Soon the hunter’s family also arrived. The sage said the flowing water would stop only when it turned the colour of milk mixed with honey.
He then revealed a great secret.
Inside that anthill, Divine Mother Parashakti was said to be in Jalashayanam, resting in sacred waters. He instructed them to open the mound, where a divine idol would be found, and worship Her as Vanadurga. Such worship, he said, would bring blessings.
The sage himself opened the mound and revealed the sacred idol. Moments later, he disappeared mysteriously.
That night, the hunter heard a heavenly voice in his dream saying the sage was none other than Narada Muni. The idol found within the anthill is believed to be the very deity worshipped today as Chakkulathukavu Bhagavathy.
The Mother Who Fed Her Devotees
After the discovery, the hunter and his family remained in the forest and served the Goddess daily. They gathered fruits, vegetables and wood, cooked meals, and offered food to Her with love.
One day, they returned late and were heartbroken that they could not prepare food for the Goddess on time.
But when they rushed to the hearth, they were shocked. Different varieties of food had already been lovingly served on leaves. Tears filled their eyes as they realised it was the Mother’s grace.
Then a divine voice was heard:
“My children, eat this food and rest. Even in your own suffering, you never forgot to feed Me. From today, I will be your mother, nurse and companion. Whoever calls Me with devotion, from wherever they are, I shall bless them.”
Even today, devotees believe that when Pongala is offered here, the Goddess Herself joins them in spirit.
Many believe this temple gives strength to those battling addiction, sorrow, family struggles and illness. Special prayers are conducted on the first Friday of every Malayalam month for those seeking freedom from alcohol dependency and other burdens.
The temple also observes sacred vrathams for peace and harmony in society.
The Powerful Karthika Sthambam
During Thirukarthika, a tall pillar made with dried leaves, banana bark, old cloth and sacred materials is erected. Devotees believe the negativity, sins and suffering of the land are symbolically invoked into it.
Before worship begins, the pillar is set ablaze. As it burns to ashes, devotees believe evil is destroyed and goodness rises again.
Naripooja – Honouring Womanhood
One of the most unique traditions here is Naripooja, the worship of women.
Women are seated with honour, decorated beautifully, and worshipped with reverence. The belief is simple yet powerful: where women are respected, divine blessings flow.
It is a reminder that women embody Shakti, strength, compassion and creation.
The Goddess in the form of an anthill
Over time, the sacred Sri Chakra at the site became covered by earth and grew into a large anthill. One day, people witnessed blood flowing from it and were shocked.
After sacred rituals and divination, it was revealed that Mother Bhadrakali was residing there as Bhagavathy.
A shrine was then built, and even today, the Goddess is worshipped in anthill form, rising nearly 15 feet high and touching the temple roof. This rare form makes the temple truly unique.
The Legend of Bhairava Siddhar
Ancient stories say that by Lord Shiva’s command, Parvati Devi came to Earth as Bhadrakali to protect humanity.
Near the Arabian Sea, in a forest of palm trees, She heard the continuous chanting of:
“Om Sakthi Bhadrakali Kali Soolini”
Drawn by the mantra, She arrived at the spot and saw a saint named Bhairava Siddhar deep in penance upon a Sri Chakra.
He had remained motionless for so long that an anthill had grown over him. Moved by his devotion, the Goddess appeared before him.
Overwhelmed with bliss, he prayed:
“Mother, please remain in this Sri Chakra and bless the world forever.”
The Goddess accepted his wish and united with the Sri Chakra, blessing all future generations.
People do not come here only for miracles. They come because this is a place where pain is heard, tears are understood, women are honoured, and faith still feels alive.
At Chakkulathukavu, many believe no prayer goes unheard when it comes from a sincere heart.
Source / Image Credit : Kalki Online , Tamil Samayam , Hindu Devotional Blog , NativePlanet , HinduPost , Myoksha Travels ,
