Chettikulangara Devi Temple

Chettikulangara Devi Temple (celebrated across Kerala as one of the most powerful, ancient, and culturally spectacular Sree Bhadrakali Mahakshetrams in South India, world famous for its monumental UNESCO recognized Kettukazhcha chariot pageants and sacred Kuthiyottam rituals), situated near Mavelikkara just 45 km south of Alleppey in Kerala, is one of the state's most revered, historically rich, and visually grand Shakti pilgrimage shrines.

Believed to have been consecrated over 1,200 years ago by local chieftains under the divine guidance of sage Parashurama and Kodungallur Bhagavathy's spiritual presence, this sprawling 13 karas (territorial unit) mother temple enshrines Goddess Bhadrakali worshipped in three distinct divine manifestations throughout the day: as Goddess Saraswati at dawn, Goddess Lakshmi at noon, and Supreme Goddess Durga/Kali at dusk.

It's the home of the world famous Chettikulangara Bharani festival (celebrated annually in Kumbham, February March), where thirteen regional Karas build and drag monumental multi storey decorated temple chariots (six towering Kuthires over 70 to 75 feet tall, five ornate Therus, and massive sculpted icons of Bhima and Hanuman) to the temple paddy fields in an astonishing display of folk engineering and community devotion, the unique ritual art of Kuthiyottam (devotional dance songs and stylized martial offerings performed by young boys), the sacred 1001 lamp stone deepasthambham blazing with coconut oil during evening Deeparadhana, massive traditional temple ponds (Ambalakulam), and an electric spiritual atmosphere where rhythmic temple percussion (Chenda Melam), temple elephant processions, and the divine chant of 'Amme Narayana' resonate across Onattukara.

It represents a rich Shakta tradition, Onattukara folk heritage, and community temple festival sanctuary where 13 Kara agrarian solidarity, Kettukazhcha chariot engineering, Kuthiyottam classical songs, and Bhadrakali blessings unite in Mavelikkara taluk.

Located in Chettikulangara village near Mavelikkara along the Kayamkulam Thiruvalla highway, it sits just 5 km from Mavelikkara Railway Station (MVLK), 6 km from Kayamkulam Junction (KYJ), 45 km south of Alappuzha town, and 115 km from Cochin International Airport (COK), easily accessible by regular KSRTC buses, local autos, and private cabs.

The 1,200 Year-Old Bhadrakali Mahakshetram & Tri Bhava Deity

The presiding deity Goddess Bhadrakali is worshipped in three forms daily, Saraswati in the morning, Lakshmi in the afternoon, and Durga in the evening.

Administered by the Travancore Devaswom Board, it is the second highest income generating temple in Kerala after Sabarimala.

Truth is, witnessing the massive bronze deepasthambham illuminated with over a thousand oil flames at dusk is an impressive spiritual experience.

Chettikulangara Bharani & The Mammoth Kettukazhcha

UNESCO Heritage: Kettukazhcha is recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage, featuring towering 75 foot bamboo and-fabric chariot towers.

13 Karas Unity: Thirteen local villages construct and pull their mammoth chariots and giant folk effigies into the temple field on Kumbha Bharani day.

Kuthiyottam Devotional Dance & Ancient Ritual Offerings

Kuthiyottam Songs: Young boys trained in traditional folk music and steps perform Kuthiyottam in decorated canopies across village homes before the festival.

Chanthattam & Pongala: Devotees offer Chanthattam (special fragrant herbal unguent ablution) and make sweet rice Pongala offerings in earthen pots.

After taking darshan at Chettikulangara Devi Temple, explore the royal palace of Krishnapuram near Kayamkulam, visit Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna Temple, or cruise the backwaters of Alleppey.