Chettikulangara Devi Temple

"One of the biggest temple in south kerala which is so old and powerful and so popular due to the rituals associated with it and managed by the travancore devaswom board. Though we had seen and visited the temple on numerous occasions , this time we managed to accompany the deity visiting the residence of devotees for other rituals.This is truly amazing as the deity and the priests showering blessings to the devotees and collecting grains and other offerings which forms part of the rituals. The temple is famous for various types of poojas , festivals and other offerings which are part of folklore. It was so exciting and we felt so blessed to accompany the deity."

Shafi Vikraman

"Chettikulangara Bhagavathi Temple, located in the Alappuzha district of Kerala, is a divine abode that beautifully blends spirituality, culture, and tradition. Dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathi, this temple is renowned for its vibrant festivals, especially the spectacular Kettukazhcha, where massive decorated structures are paraded in a grand celebration of devotion and community spirit.

The temple exudes a serene yet powerful energy. The sanctum, with its beautifully adorned deity, inspires awe and devotion. The intricate woodwork, traditional architecture, and detailed murals reflect Kerala’s rich temple heritage. Every ritual here is performed with deep reverence, preserving customs that have been followed for centuries.

One of the most fascinating aspects is the strong bond the temple shares with the local community. Devotees from near and far come not just to seek blessings but also to be part of its cultural life. The annual festivals light up the entire region, making it a vibrant experience for both devotees and visitors.

Whether you come during a grand celebration or on a quiet day, the divine presence of Goddess Bhagavathi and the temple’s cultural richness make it an unforgettable experience. Chettikulangara Bhagavathi Temple is not just a place of worship — it’s a living symbol of Kerala’s spiritual and artistic traditions."

Jennifer Fernandes

"The temple has 13 "Karas", or territories. The temple is at the centre of the oldest four Karas (Erezha South, Erezha North, Kaitha South and Kaitha North) and the rest of the Karas (Kannamangalam South, Kannamangalam North, Pela, Kadavoor, Anjilipra, Mattam North, Mattam South, Menampally and Nadakkavu) surround the temple, which is believed to be 1,200 years old.

The Thantric rights of the temple belongs to Plackudy Illom, With its Tharavadu (Base) in Ambalapuzha. Plackudy is one among the ancient Thantric families of Kerala. The Present temple Thanthric charge is for Brahmasri. Plackudy Unnikrishnan Namboothiri.

Recently UNESCO collected details about the temple and its customs (Kuthiyottam, Kumbha Bharani) in order to examine whether the temple is eligible for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

This is the second largest temple in terms of income under the control of Travancore Devaswom Board, second only next to Sabarimala.[1] It is estimated that the temple has earnings worth many crores per year. In 2009 it earned around 1.7 crore Rupees from a single type of offering called "Chanthattam". A major part of the Nellu (whole rice grain) offered to the Bhagavathi is also used to make Appam and Aravana prasadams at Sabarimala. The income from the temple is also helpful to run the daily rituals and Poojas at various temples under the Travancore Devaswom Board.

Kuthiramoottil kanji and Therummoottil kanji, are major offerings at Chettikulangara Devi temple, which received the Geographical Indication (GI) tags. Ten other names associated with the temple have been registered under the trademark and patents regime. These include Chettikulangara Amma, Chettikulangara Kumbha Bharani, Chettikulangara Kettukazhcha, Kuthiyottam, and Chooralmuriyal. The registration under the rules of protection of intellectual property rights has been made in the name of Sree Devi Vilasam Hindu Matha Convention, Chettikulangara, an organisation of 13 karas or regional societies. The organisation has also applied for design patent for kuthira and theru as well as Jeevatha, the deity's palanquin. There are Similar Kettukazhcha at various temples in this Onattukara Area. Kumabha Bharani festival of this temple is being attracted by lakhs of people every year.

From the moment you step into the temple premises, you are welcomed by a tranquil yet powerful ambiance. The wide open spaces, the sacred banyan trees, and the traditional temple architecture all add to a sense of divine presence. There is a distinct energy here — a mix of devotion, tradition, and community spirit that is rarely found elsewhere.

The Kumbha Bharani festival, held in the Malayalam month of Kumbham (Feb–March), is one of the most spectacular events in Kerala. The highlight is the Kettukazhcha, a procession of massive, decorated structures resembling temple cars and mythological figures, created by the Karas. It is a visual feast and a powerful expression of community devotion.
Equally captivating is the Meenam Aswathy festival, where offerings like kanji (rice gruel), muthirappuzhukku (boiled horse gram with coconut), and konjum mangayum (tender mango pieces) are prepared and shared among devotees. These humble, traditional offerings carry deep spiritual meaning and symbolize gratitude and simplicity in devotion.

A visit to Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple is not just a spiritual experience — it’s a cultural immersion. Whether you're drawn by faith or fascinated by Kerala's traditions, this temple will leave a lasting impression on your heart."

Navneet V Nair