Pazhaveedu Sree Bhagavathy Temple

Pazhaveedu, Dist. Alappuzha

Pazhaveedu Sree Bhagavathy Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located in Pazhaveedu, Alappuzha, dedicated to Bhadrakali Amma. The temple serves as a key spiritual centre in the region, featuring traditional sub-deities and deep cultural ties to local festivities. A large number of ardent devotees visit the temple seeking her blessings for prosperity, safety and overall well-being. Amma Bhadrakali is worshipped as Pazhaveetil Amma—the fierce yet benevolent Divine Mother who protects devotees from evil while granting courage and prosperity. It is a common sight here to see pilgrims arrive, bathe in the temple pond, purify themselves and then enter the temple. As a symbol of faith and devotion, the temple enhances Pazhaveedu’s cultural legacy and promotes religious harmony. The temple is renowned for its rich history and sacred festivals conducted throughout the year.
Although built in the 1800s, local tradition regards it as one of the ancient shrines in Alappuzha. In 1840, two prominent families—the Muttath Nair family and the Konnissery family—jointly constructed the temple. The late Tantric Gurus, Mr. Gopalakrishna Panicker and Mr. Krishna Panicker, felt a divine presence while walking through this holy land at midnight. The following day, they consulted an astrologer who confirmed the presence of Bhadrakali—the Adi Parashakti. That very day, they invoked the divine presence, requested her to be the protector of the desham (region) and enshrined her in a traditional mana (Pazhaya Veedu). Both families managed the temple until 1975, when administration was handed over to the Nair Service Society (NSS), founded by Mannath Padmanabhan and other prominent community leaders. Today, it is administered by the Kaithavana and Thiruvampady NSS Karayogams.Another belief holds that Bhadrakali Amma—who is believed to have emerged from Lord Shiva’s third eye to defeat the Darika Asura—travelled through this land after Darika Vadham (the slaying of Darika), leaving her divine presence behind. A local Tantric Namboothiri had a vision in a dream where Bhadrakali Devi instructed him to build a shrine at the site of Pazhaya Veedu, which later evolved into the name Pazhaveedu. Devotees believe that sincere prayers offered here bring protection from misfortune, success in life and relief from hardships.

Unlike most Kerala temples, where the Kodimaram — the flagstaff — is one of the first things you see on entering, this shrine has none at all. It’s a small detail, but it sets this temple apart from the very start. The steps leading up to the Nalambalam, the four-sided enclosure that encircles the sanctum, are flanked on either side by the Dwarapalakas, the fierce guardian deities who stand sentinel at the threshold. Within the Nalambalam, the eye is drawn naturally upward to the Deepasthambham, a stately lamp tower whose tiered rows of oil lamps, when lit, cast a warm and flickering glow across the courtyard — a sight that has welcomed devotees here across generations.

From here, a narrow doorway leads into the circumambulatory passage that winds around the Sreekovil, the innermost sanctum. It is here that Pazhaveetil Amma resides, enshrined within a Chathurasra Sreekovil — a square sanctum, its roof clad in copper sheets — facing East towards the rising sun. Within, the goddess appears in her fierce and protective aspect, standing tall with four arms bearing a trident, a sword, a shield and a vessel filled with blood. Though the sacred stone idol measures a modest two feet in height, it commands an unmistakable presence. The sanctum’s interior, small and dimly lit, owes its atmosphere of sanctity precisely to this intimacy of space and light — a setting suited to quiet contemplation rather than spectacle, where traditional oil lamps illuminate Amma’s form and cast soft shadows across the stone walls. Directly before the Sreekovil stands the Namaskara Mandapam, a rectangular hall and hallmark of Kerala’s temple architecture. Raised upon a platform and borne by intricately carved pillars, it is here that the temple priest pauses to offer namaskaram — a final, grounding moment of prayer before the fierce yet compassionate gaze of the goddess.
The sub-deities are enshrined outside the Nalambalam. Subramanya Swamy’s Sreekovil is located to the left and faces East, while Swami Ayyappan and Yakshi Amma are situated to the right and also face East. Lord Nagaraja is enshrined in a traditional Sarpakavu (a sacred grove believed to be the residence of Nagaraja and Naga Devatas). The temple priest performs poojas three times a day for all sub-deities following the main pooja for the main deity.

The temple’s most celebrated festival is the Meena Bharani Mahotsavam, observed during the Malayalam month of Meenam under the Bharani star. The three day celebration features traditional ritual art forms such as Padayani, featuring performers wearing large painted masks and dancing to rhythmic drum beats; Kumbha Kudam, in which decorated pots of holy water are carried as offerings to Amma; Kuthiyottam, featuring young boys dressed in traditional attire who take part in ceremonial processions with music and chants and Garudan Thookkam, in which performers dressed as Garuda, the divine eagle and the mount of Lord Vishnu, are accompanied by traditional Kerala Chenda Melam.

Other important observances include Thiruvathira in Dhanu (Dec/Jan), Thiruvonam in Chingam (Aug/Sep), Pooja Veyppu and Vidyarambham in Kanni (Sep/Oct), Ayilyam Pooja in Thulam (Oct/Nov) and the Mandala Pooja season in Vrischikam (Nov/Dec). The Bhagavata Saptaham and Ramayana Masacharanam are also celebrated in the month of Karkidakam (Jul/Aug). Tuesdays and Fridays are considered especially auspicious for darshan.
The primary offerings (vazhipadu) to Amma are Kadumpayasam, to seek the deity’s protection from enemies and Pongala, a sacred offering prepared by devotees to express their devotion and gratitude. Bhagavathy Seva is a special evening pooja performed after Deeparadhana at around 6:45 pm to seek her divine blessings, protection and grace. Neyvilakku (ghee lamps), Archana and Pushpanjali are also popular daily offerings for overall well-being.
Each day begins gently at the temple as the doors open at 5:00 am to the sound of the Nada Thurakkal, followed shortly by the Nirmaliyam at 5:30 am. As the morning unfolds, devotees gather for the Ucha Pooja at 11:30 am, after which the sanctum quietly closes its doors at noon to rest. The temple reopens once more at 5:00 pm. The gentle glow of the Deeparadhana at 6:45 pm is followed by the Athazha Pooja at 7:30 pm, the day’s final offering, before the temple closes for the night at 8:00 pm.

Key Highlights

• Located 3 km from Alappuzha Bus Stand.
• Located 3.5 km from Alappuzha Railway Station.
• Just 3 Km away from Alappuzha town.
• State transport and local transport buses are available.
• Private vehicles can be parked at the designated parking area.
• Accommodation and food facilities are available in nearby areas.
• Contact Information: 0477 226 0425