Sree Nellikkavu Durga Bhadrakali Temple

Puthenperiyaram, Thodupuzha, Dist. Idukki.

Sree Nellikkavu Durga Bhadrakali Temple, located at Puthenperiyaram near Thodupuzha in Idukki district, is an ancient and historic temple where Durga Devi and Sri Bhadrakali, two forms of Adi Parashakti, are given equal importance. Durga Devi is worshipped in her gentle form, while Bhadrakali is worshipped as the protector of devotees. Located in scenic surroundings, the temple is one of the main places of worship for the local people. The Meenapoora Maholsavam, celebrated on the Pooram star during the Malayalam month of Meenam, is the main festival here.

Before it developed into a larger temple, Sree Nellikkavu Durga Bhadrakali Temple was a Nattukavu, a traditional sacred grove, believed to be centuries old. Considering the period when nature worship was practised here, the site is considered to have a heritage spanning several generations. It was a people’s sacred grove where local farmers and residents came together for worship and maintenance. As the name ‘Nellikkavu’ suggests, historians believe that the temple developed from worship at the foot of a large natural gooseberry tree. In earlier times, the rituals at the sacred grove were conducted under the general supervision of Hindu families and local groups in the area, rather than being the private property of any particular landlord or monastery. At present, the temple is managed by a local Hindu devotees’ committee formed by residents of the area. The committee, elected by the local people, oversees the daily activities, offerings and annual festivals.

It is believed that this area was once a sacred grove surrounded by forests and large trees, where the presence of Adi Parashakti in the forms of Durga and Bhadrakali existed at the foot of a large gooseberry tree, either as a self-manifested presence or in an unseen form. The name ‘Nellikkavu’ is also believed to have originated from this tree. According to another local legend, the divine presence of the Goddess once arrived at this scenic forest, known as Nellikkavu, while travelling and decided to remain there after being drawn to the natural surroundings and the devotion of the local people. While Durga Devi or Bhadrakali is usually the main deity in temples, the distinctive belief here is that Durga in her gentle form and Bhadrakali in her fierce form, associated with the destruction of evil, are worshipped with equal importance as two forms of the same Goddess. Local devotees believe that worshipping both forms of the Goddess with equal devotion brings prosperity to families and helps remove obstacles caused by enemies.

An entrance arch or name board welcoming devotees can be seen at the turn leading from the main road to the temple. From the road, the green surroundings, large trees representing the remains of the old sacred grove and the tiled outer walls of the temple can be seen. The exterior has the simple appearance of a traditional village temple without elaborate features. On entering the temple, there is a small covered area where devotees can stand and offer prayers. A stone-paved path for circumambulation runs around the Sreekovil and a traditional lamp structure for lighting lamps is also present.

The main feature of the temple is its twin Sreekovils (sanctums), built within the same Nalambalam with equal size and importance. Following traditional Kerala architecture, both Sreekovils are square in shape, with granite foundations and sloping tiled roofs supported by wooden structures. The deities in both Sreekovils face east. Sree Durga Devi is worshipped in a gentle form in one Sreekovil. Her four-armed stone image holds a conch and discus, with the other hands in Varada and Abhaya mudras, representing blessings and protection. In the other Sreekovil, Sree Bhadrakali Devi is worshipped in a fierce form as the protector of devotees after the destruction of evil. Her traditional image, made of wood or stone, is depicted holding weapons. Devotees mainly worship Bhadrakali for relief from problems caused by enemies and for protection from fear. Separate steps and temple kitchens are provided for performing rituals and preparing offerings for both Sreekovils.

The idol of Lord Ganesha is placed in the south-western corner or Kannimoola, of the main Sreekovil. Sree Sastha (Ayyappa) is installed on a specially built platform in the south-western part outside the Nalambalam. The Naga deities, including Nagaraja and Nagayakshi, are worshipped at a Nagathara designed to retain the traditional character of the sacred grove. A separate place for the worship of Brahmarakshas is provided in the north-western corner of the temple complex.

The Meenapoora Maholsavam, the main annual festival of the temple, is held on the Pooram star during the Malayalam month of Meenam (March–April). The festival includes special poojas, Ezhunnallathu, traditional music performances, Thalappoli, Kerala art forms and cultural programmes. The Devi Bhagavatha Navaha Yajnyam, conducted for nine consecutive days, is one of the main spiritual observances of the temple and includes Devi Mahatmyam recitation, spiritual talks, special Neyyabhishekam and Annadanam. The nine-day Navaratri celebrations include special archana on Durgashtami and Mahanavami, followed by Vidyarambham on Vijayadashami. Thrikkarthika, observed on the Karthika star during the Malayalam month of Vrischikam, includes the lighting of lamps in and around the temple. During the 41-day Mandala Pooja period, from Vrischikam 1 to Dhanu 11, special daily poojas and bhajans are held, with special lamps and offerings made to Sree Sastha (Ayyappa). During the Malayalam month of Karkidakam, Ramayana Month is observed with Ramayana recitation and Bhagavathi Seva. Various special days dedicated to the Goddess are also observed with special rituals, reflecting the worship of Durga and Bhadrakali as two forms of Adi Parashakti.

For family prosperity, good qualities and relief from marriage-related obstacles, offerings such as Lalitha Sahasranama Archana, Pushpanjali, Bhagya Sukta Pushpanjali, Madhurapayasam, Palpayasam and Pattu Charthal are made to Sree Durga Devi, who is worshipped in her gentle form. Lalitha Sahasranama Archana, in which the thousand names of the Goddess are recited, is one of the main archana offerings. Devotees offer Rakta Pushpanjali, Kadumpayasam (jaggery payasam) and Guruthi Nivedyam to Sree Bhadrakali Devi for relief from problems caused by enemies, fear and illness. Rakta Pushpanjali, performed using red Thechi flowers, is a special offering made for relief from such problems and obstacles. Among the other deities, Lord Ganesha is offered Ganapathi Homam, Karukamala and Modakam for the removal of obstacles, while Sree Sastha (Ayyappa) is offered Elluthiri and Neerajanam for relief from the effects of Shani. Naga deities are offered Noorum Paalum and turmeric powder on Ayilyam days for relief from Sarpa Dosha.

The general darshan timings at the temple are from 05:00 AM to 11:00 AM in the morning and from 05:00 PM to 07:30 PM in the evening. The first darshan after the opening of the sanctum in the morning is Nirmalya Darshan, when devotees can have darshan of the deities after the previous day’s flowers are removed. This is followed by Usha Pooja, conducted after sunrise. At around 10:30 AM, Ucha Pooja is performed before the temple closes for the morning, with special offerings made to Sree Durga Devi and Sree Bhadrakali Devi. In the evening, Deeparadhana is performed after the temple reopens, around sunset. The day’s main poojas conclude with Athazha Pooja before the temple closes at night. The darshan timings may vary on special days such as the Meenapoora Maholsavam, Devi Bhagavatha Navaha Yajnyam and Navaratri, when special poojas and Thalappoli are held.

Key highlight :-

• Located 19 km from Thodupuzha and 23 km from Koothattukulam.
• 30 km from Vaikom road railway station.
• 50 km from Cochin International Airport.
• Local bus facilities are available to the temple.
• Private vehicles can be parked near the temple.
• Accommodation and food facilities are available in the nearby towns.
• Contact number +91 9349168623