Women’s Sabarimala

Many lakhs of devotees visit the the temple of Lord Ayyappa at Sabarimala in Kerala. Woman between puberty and menopause are not allowed inside the sanctum sanctorum of this famous temple. But there is also temple in Kerala, which is popularly known as Woman’s Sabarimala.

The Chakkulathukavu Temple is in the village of Neerettupuram near Thiruvalla. This temple is dedicated to the Mother Goddess Durga (Bhagavathy). Many women visit this temple everyday. This temple is situated on the border of Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha districts, 12 km westward from the town of Thiruvalla. Rivers Pampa and Manimala flow on either side of the shrine. From Thiruvalla one can reach this temple in 15 minutes by road. Tiruvalla is well connected to the major cities by rail and road. The nearest airport is at Cochin, which is 125 km away.

The history of temple goes back to more than 3000 years. The temple was renovated in 1981. The statue of Vana Durga is installed near the original statue. Small of temples of Lord Vishnu, Shiva, Vinayaka, Muruka, Yakshi, Serpent Gods, and Navagrahas are present in the temple vicinity. The temple is managed by Chakkulathukavu Sree Bhagavathy Temple trust.

The temple is open to women of all castes and creed. Many Hindus, Christians and Muslims visit this temple. Several festivals are observed in the temple like naree pooja, the first Friday, pandrandu noyampu, thirkkarthika, kalamezhuthu and nirapara. The main festival among them is the Thirkkarthika. This festival falls during the month of Vrischikam (November/December) when lakhs of women devotees visit this temple as early as even one week before the function. The temple premises will be overcrowded and the devotees arrange place for offering the Pongal on both sides of the mains streets. The queue usually extends to a length of 20 km. Rice, coconut, and jaggery are bought by women along with round earthen ports for cooking.

The wives of drunkards bring their husbands here. They are directed to swear by touching Goddess’ sword not to drink. Once sworn, he will have no urge to drink anymore. This swearing holds good for the gamblers and drug addicts too. The priests here predict future by looking at betel leaves. For future telling a devotee is asked to bring seven betel leaves plus two arecanuts.