Pattazhi

Pattazhi (celebrated across Central Travancore as the sacred home of the historic Pattazhy Sri Devi Temple and one of the most powerful and ancient Bhadrakali Mahakshetrams in South India), situated along the verdant banks of the Kallada River basin in Pathanapuram taluk just 34 km northeast of Kollam city in Kerala, stands as a supreme treasure of early medieval Shakta tantric tradition and folklore.

Dating back over 1,000 years (circa 10th 11th century AD) to the era of the Venad and Desinganadu royal kingdoms and historically administered as an independent semi sovereign principality under the Pattazhy Namboothiri chieftains, this sacred temple enshrines Goddess Bhadrakali in her fierce eight armed warrior form (Rudra Bhadrakali) holding weapons after vanquishing the demon king Darika.

It's the home of the massive two storied copper roofed Sreekovil decorated with classical Kerala timber friezes and brass lamps, the monumental open air temple festival grounds (Anakkottil), the world famous annual Kumbha Thiruvathira Mahotsavam (featuring the colossal wooden effigies of horses / Kuthirakettu and bulls / Kaalakettu towering over 60 feet in height), the ancient folk ritual of Kampu and Pattazhy Pongala, the holy subterranean natural spring, and the surrounding sacred grove (Sarpa Kavu) housing ancient granite serpent stones.

It represents a rich spiritual, artistic, and ethnographic sanctuary where thousand year-old Shakta tantric worship, monumental Kuthirakettu temple engineering, lively village folk pageantry, and lush Kallada river valley greenery unite in Pathanapuram taluk.

Located in Pattazhy village along the Kottarakkara Pathanapuram route, it sits 10 km from Kottarakkara Railway Station (KKZ), 12 km from Pathanapuram, 34 km from Kollam Junction (QLN), and 78 km from Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), easily accessible by regular KSRTC buses, local town services, and private cabs.

The 1,000 Year Shakta Antiquity & Darika Lore

Temple legends recount that after defeating Darika, Goddess Bhadrakali manifested on this sacred hillock, granting protection to the agrarian communities of the Kallada basin.

The fierce deity is pacified through elaborate Tantric poojas, Guruthi rituals performed at midnight, and sweet unpolished rice payasam offerings.

Truth is, standing in the oil lamp lit courtyard during the midnight Guruthi ritual as temple conches echo through the rubber hills is an electrifying experience.

Kumbha Thiruvathira & 60 Foot Kuthirakettu

The Giant Wooden Effigies: During the Kumbham festival (Feb/March), eight local Karas (villages) build towering 60 foot decorated wooden horses (Kuthira) and bulls (Kaala).

Thrilling Procession: Thousands of village youth carry these mammoth multi tiered structures on their shoulders into the temple grounds amidst Chenda Melam percussion.

The Kampu Folk Dance & Pongala Offerings

Kampu Martial Folk Dance: Devotees perform ancient rhythmic stick dances and folk songs celebrating the victory of the Mother Goddess over evil spirits.

Pattazhy Pongala: Tens of thousands of women line the temple roads to cook sweet rice in earthen pots over open wood fires as a sacred offering to the Goddess.

After offering prayers at Pattazhi Devi Temple, visit the colossal sculpture at Jatayu Nature Park, explore the freshwater expanse of Sasthamcotta Lake, or tour the 16th century Pullichira Church in Mayyanad.