Sree Chinakkathoor Bhagavathy Temple

Palappuram, Ottappalam, Dist. Palakkad.

Chinakkathoor Bhagavathy Temple is a famous and ancient Shakti temple located at Palappuram, near Ottapalam in Palakkad district, Kerala. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali, who is worshipped in two different forms as Jagadeeswari and Adi Parashakti. It is well known for its rare south-facing sanctum, three flagpoles and spacious temple grounds. The temple complex consists of two shrines, known as Thazhathekavu and Melekavu and is managed by the Malabar Devaswom Board. The annual Pooram festival, celebrated during the Malayalam month of Kumbham, is one of the most famous temple festivals in Kerala and attracts devotees from many nearby regions.

There are no clear historical records about the early origins of Chinakkathoor Bhagavathy Temple. As the temple is associated with the ancient kavu (sacred grove) tradition, researchers believe that it may have originally been a sacred grove worshipped by the Dravidians and was later developed into a temple. The two shrines within the temple complex, known as Thazhathekavu and Melekavu, are believed to reflect different worship traditions. Historical records also state that animal sacrifice was practised at the Melekavu shrine until 1949, after which the practice was discontinued.

During the 18th century, this region was under the rule of the Zamorin of Kozhikode. Historical records suggest that it was during this period that the Chinakkathoor Pooram began to be celebrated on a much larger scale. In the early days, the temple festival and its administration were led by the Kulappulli Mooppil Swaroopam, the local Nair chieftain of Palappuram. At that time, the Kummatti festival was the main celebration. After 1905, when Erannur Mana assumed the position of community head, the temple came under the administration of the Ooralans (traditional trustees). In 1988, the temple administration was taken over by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (H.R. & C.E.) Department. In 2008, it was brought under the Malabar Devaswom Board. Today, the temple is a Grade B Devaswom under the Malabar Devaswom Board.

According to the most popular legend associated with the temple, Lord Rama and Lakshmana arrived at Thiruvilwamala while searching for Sita Devi, accompanied by Goddess Bhagavathy and Lord Ayyappa. Lord Rama asked them to find a suitable place to rest, but when they did not return, he went in search of them and found them resting on the hill. It is believed that, in anger, Lord Rama kicked Lord Ayyappa towards the south and struck Goddess Bhagavathy. Crying out “Ayyayyo” in pain, the Goddess crossed the Bharathapuzha River and reached Chainakkathodu at Palappuram, where she sought refuge with a washerman. The legend says that when the washerman placed his staff on the ground, blood flowed from the spot, revealing the presence of the Goddess. This place later became known as Melekavu. Later, to calm the fierce form of the Goddess, another shrine was built nearby, where she was consecrated in her peaceful form. This shrine came to be known as Thazhathekavu.

It is believed that the temple and the surrounding area came to be known as Chinakkathoor from the name of the stream, Chainakkathodu, where the Goddess sought refuge. In memory of the Goddess crying out “Ayyayyo” in pain, devotees still shout “Ayyayyo” together during the ritual of fixing the heads on the ceremonial horses before the horse procession at the Chinakkathoor Pooram. Historical records also suggest that during the 18th century, when the region was under the rule of the Zamorin of Kozhikode, the Chinakkathoor Pooram began to be celebrated on a much larger scale as a festival that brought together the people of the Valluvanad region and the surrounding villages.

Chinakkathoor Bhagavathy Temple is situated on the eastern border of Palappuram village, along the Palakkad–Ponnani Road. A Koothumadam stands directly in front of the temple, while a large temple pond is located on the northern side. The temple is one of the few temples with three flagpoles, two of which are situated outside the outer wall. The Sree Moolasthanam, near the western flagpole, is believed to be the spot where the Goddess first manifested. On the eastern side of the temple complex is the Melekavu shrine and beside it stands the rare west-facing shrine of Vidya Ganapathy.

The temple complex contains two square sanctums known as Thazhathekavu and Melekavu. On entering Thazhathekavu, visitors can see a copper-roofed Nalambalam surrounding the sanctum. Within the Nalambalam are a Thidappally in the south-eastern corner, a well in the north-eastern corner and an inner Balivattam around the sanctum. The presiding deity here is the self-manifested Chinakkathooramma, worshipped in a peaceful form and facing south. In the Melekavu shrine, Chinakkathooramma is worshipped as a four-armed Bhadrakali in her fierce form after the slaying of Darika. A separate shrine on the eastern side of the temple complex is dedicated to Vidya Ganapathy, who faces west. The Ganapathy shrine also has its own Thidappally. The sanctums are built in a simple Kerala temple style without mural paintings or wooden carvings. Another notable feature of the temple is its three ornamental flagpoles.

The most important annual festival of the temple is the famous Chinakkathoor Pooram, celebrated on the Makam star in the Malayalam month of Kumbham. The celebrations begin with a 17-day Tholpavakoothu (shadow puppet performance). On the main festival day, the temple hosts a grand elephant procession with more than 27 elephants, 16 ceremonial horse effigies, 8 bull effigies, Kuthirakkali, Therinmelkoothu, Poothanum Thirayum, Panchavadyam and Pandimelam. Other important annual observances at the temple include the Prathishta Dinam (consecration anniversary), Aanayoottu in the Malayalam month of Karkidakam, the Navaratri festival in Kanni, Niramala and Chuttuvilakku in Vrischikam and the special poojas held during the Mandala season.

The main offerings at the temple include Guruthi Tharpanam, performed to seek the blessings of the Goddess and to remove the effects of enemies and the evil eye; Chuttuvilakku and Niramala, offered for a happy marriage and family prosperity; Swayamvara Manthrarchana for the removal of obstacles to marriage; Bhagya Sooktha Pushpanjali for prosperity; and Lalitha Sahasranama Pushpanjali and Raktha Pushpanjali to seek the grace of the Goddess. Devotees also offer Koottu Payasam, Panam Payasam, Kadumadhura Payasam and Pattu Charthal as important offerings. The main offerings to Vidya Ganapathy include Ganapathy Homam for the removal of obstacles, Appam Moodal for educational progress and success in examinations and coconut offering for success in important undertakings. During the Kumbham Pooram festival, devotees also sponsor Tholpavakoothu performances at the temple’s Koothumadam as an offering, seeking relief from hardships and the fulfilment of their wishes.

The temple opens daily at 5:00 a.m. with Nirmalya Darshan. This is followed by Usha Pooja at 5:30 a.m. and Ucha Pooja at 8:30 a.m. After the offering of Nivedyam, the temple closes at 10:30 a.m. The temple reopens at 5:00 p.m., followed by Deeparadhana at 6:30 p.m. and Athazha Pooja at 7:30 p.m. The temple closes for the day at 8:00 p.m. During special occasions such as the Mandala season, Kumbham Pooram, Navaratri and the observances in the Malayalam month of Karkidakam, the pooja timings may vary. On special days, the famous Guruthi Tharpanam is also performed at Melekavu after Deeparadhana.

Key highlight :-

• Located about 5 km from Ottappalam, 18 km from Shoranur and 29 km from Palakkad.
• Ottappalam Railway Station is the nearest railway station, located about 5 km from the temple.
• KSRTC and private buses are available to the temple from Palakkad and Guruvayur.
• Private vehicles can be parked in the temple’s parking area.
• Accommodation and food facilities are available in the nearby towns.
• Contact number 18004254747