Chettikulangara Devi Temple - Historic Bhagavathy Shrine in Alappuzha

Believed to be over 1200 years old, the temple's origin is rooted in local legend. It is said that the chieftains of the Chettikulangara region, after being denied participation in a festival at another temple, decided to establish their own shrine. They performed penance to please the Goddess Kodungalluramma, who agreed to be present in their village. The temple was consecrated by Padmapadacharya, a principal disciple of Adi Shankara. Over the centuries, it grew in prominence, becoming one of the wealthiest and most important Devi temples in Kerala, administered by the Travancore Devaswom Board.

Chettikulangara Devi Temple holds immense religious and cultural importance in Central Travancore. It is renowned for the annual Kumbha Bharani festival, a cultural spectacle that attracts thousands of devotees and tourists. The festival's key rituals, 'Kuthiyottam' and 'Kettukazhcha', are unique to this temple and its surrounding villages. The 'Kettukazhcha', where towering, decorated structures are paraded, is a significant cultural event that showcases community participation and artistic skill. The temple acts as a cultural unifier for the 13 'karas' or territories that constitute its domain.