Kadakkal Devi Temple is located at Kollam District in the state of Kerala. The temple is revered by many devotees who visit the temple from far off places. It is believed by the devotees of this temple that by revering the goddess one would get rid all troubles and will be guarded from all evils. It is also thought that the deity brings in wealth and happiness. Kadakkal Temple has three main temples that are situated at equal distances in three directions from the Temple Pond, Kadakkal Chira. These are the Devi Temple, Shiva Temple and Taliyil Temple.
The Kadakkal city is situated in the eastern part of Kollam District. It is an agriculture village and cultivates rubber, coconut, and pepper. The place is also known for many revolutionary activities. One of its important productions is spice. The most unique feature of Kadakkal Devi Temple is that it neither has an idol nor a pujari.
Legend of Kadakkal Devi Temple
The Kadakkal Devi Temple is associated with many legends. As per a legend Kadakal Devi arrived from Tamil Nadu along with her sister. According to another story Panayappan, a tamil trader once exploited the Devi`s family. Hence Kadakkal Devi killed him. Later she settled down in Kadakkal Peedia that later became the sactum sanctorum of the Present Kadakkal Temple. The Nettur Kurup had witnessed the whole incident. He was instructed by the Devi to worship her and perform the regular offerings in the Peedika (a small kind of Trade Shop made of wood).
Festivals of Kadakkal Devi Temple
The Kadakkal Devi Temple celebrates many festivals on a grand scale. During these days the temple is tastefully decorated with lights and flowers. Some of the important festivals celebrated here are:
Kadakkal Thiruvathira
The most important festival of the temple is the Kadakkal Thiruvathira. The Devi`s birth date is believed to be on `Thiruvathira` of Kumbha which is celebrated as Thiruvathira Festival. The festival is celebrated as the regional Festival of Kadakkal. During the festival thousands of devotees visit Kadakkal to worship `Devi`. On the first day several ladies gather together and Pongal to Devi at the temple ground. The festival begins with `Kuthirayeduppu` which is a grand procession followed by `Kuthiyottam` and pageants. The festival ends with `Guruzi`, a spiritual ritual.
Pongal
It is celebrated on the first day of Thiruvathira where thousands of ladies offer Pongal to Devi at the Temple Ground. Pongal begins early morning on Makayiram which is the previous day Thiruvathira. Devotees from all over the state come for this particular Pongal Festival.
Thiru Mudi Ezhunnellathu
Thiru Mudi Ezhunnellathu is celebrated once in a 12 year. This is a grand procession from Kadakkal Temple to Arakkal Temple. The procession carries holy circlet of Kadakkal Devi. It is believed that the sister of Kadakkal Devi is located in Arakkal Temple. The last Grand Procession took place in 2002. The next Procession will be in 2014.
Guruzi
Guruzi is celebrated on the last day of the `Thiruvathira` festival. This is a spiritual ritual that begins at midnight and continues till early morning. The festival attracts many devotees who gather to witness this beautiful festival.
