Thekkumthala Devi Temple Kottayam
One of the major Bhadrakali temples in the Kottayam district is the Thekkumthala Devi Temple. The deity here is consecrated in the Shila-Kannadi (stone mirror) form. Thekkumthala Bhagavathi Temple is located near Mundankunnu, on the Pala–Kodungoor route. Although the temple festival is held in Makaram, the Meenabharani day is the most important celebration here.
Thekkumthala was part of the Vemboli Nadu
According to legend, during the reign of the Kulasekhara kings, Thekkumthala was part of the Vemboli Nadu, one of the 13 regions. The ruler of this region is believed to have invited the goddess from Kodungallur and consecrated her here for prosperity and abundance. Read about Kodungallur Bharani here.
There is yet another popular belief connecting the Thekkumthala Devi Temple. Years back, the Panikkars and Kuruppanmar were brought from Kadathanad to defend the land from invaders. They received divine blessings from the goddess at exactly this spot. Later, they established a Kalari (school which teaches martial arts) and made Thekkumthala Bhagavathi their presiding deity. The temple was later renovated and rebuilt by the Thekkumkoor Raja.
Sub-deities of Thekkumthala Devi Temple are Kondamarukkil Bhagavathi, Ennaikkappalli Bhagavathi, Gandharvan, Kaalayakshi, Baalayakshi, Kshetrapala Swami, Vanadurga, and Nagam.
Special celebrations at Thekkumthala Devi Temple
Ayilyam star in the month of Thulam is auspicious for the temple. Ayilyam Pooja is held, where special rituals are performed to please the serpent deities. Noorum Palum Oottu is a special offering given by devotees to serpents to seek protection and blessings.
Vinayaka Chaturthi is also observed here. Ashta Dravya Ganapathi Homam, a special ritual using eight sacred substances to invoke Lord Ganesha’s blessings, is conducted on the auspicious occasion of Vinayaka Chathurthi.
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