The Chettikulangara Bhagavathi Temple is a prominent Hindu temple located in Chettikulangara, Mavelikkara, in the Alappuzha district of Kerala, India. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathi, who is worshipped here in the form of Durga or Kali. Chettikulangara Bhagavathi Temple is one of the most famous and important Bhagavathi temples in Kerala and holds immense religious and cultural significance.
Key features of Chettikulangara Bhagavathi Temple:
Architecture: The temple’s architecture follows the traditional Kerala style, with a gabled roof, wooden carvings, and intricate artwork on the walls. The temple’s main sanctum is surrounded by several other smaller shrines dedicated to various deities.
Goddess Bhagavathi: The presiding deity of the temple is Goddess Bhagavathi, who is considered a manifestation of the Divine Mother in her fierce form. The deity is adorned with various ornaments and weapons, symbolizing her power and protective nature.
Annual Festival: The temple hosts an annual festival known as the Chettikulangara Bharani festival, which takes place during the Malayalam month of Kumbham (February-March). The festival is a grand event marked by vibrant processions, cultural performances, and traditional rituals. The highlight of the festival is the Kuthiyottam and Kettukazhcha, where young boys perform ritualistic dances and carry colorful structures (kettu) on their shoulders.
Kuthiyottam: Kuthiyottam is a unique ritual performed as part of the festival, where boys between the ages of 8 and 14 are trained in traditional dance forms and perform elaborate dance sequences as offerings to the goddess.
Kettukazhcha: Kettukazhcha is a procession of towering structures (kettu) decorated with colorful cloth, flowers, and ornaments. These structures, known as kettu, are carried on wooden chariots and are an integral part of the temple festival.
Navratri Celebrations: The Navratri festival, dedicated to Goddess Durga, is celebrated with great fervor at the Chettikulangara Bhagavathi Temple. The temple attracts thousands of devotees during the Navratri period when special rituals and prayers are performed.
The Chettikulangara Bhagavathi Temple is an important religious center in Kerala, drawing devotees from various parts of the state and beyond. The rich cultural heritage, vibrant festivals, and traditional rituals make it a significant place of worship and a popular tourist attraction in the region.
