Heard of a temple which is associated with Gandhiji?
The Karthyayani Devi Temple in Cherthala is a renowned Hindu temple located in the Alappuzha district of Kerala. The temple is famous for its unique offerings and rich history, and it holds a significant place in the cultural and spiritual landscape of the region. Among the popular offerings (vazhipadu) are Iratti and Thadi, while the Cherthala Pooram is considered the second most famous Pooram festival in Kerala. Another significant offering is the Kalabham, which can be performed on behalf of individual families.
Legends and Beliefs
According to popular belief, the temple’s deity, Karthyayani Devi, was consecrated by the revered Indian saint Vilwamangalam Swamiyar. The legend states that while returning from consecrating the idol of Padmanabha Swamy at the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Swamiyar saw the form of the Devi at Cherthala and decided to consecrate her idol there. The temple’s deity is worshipped as Mangalya Dayini, the giver of prosperity and welfare, especially for unmarried women seeking marital harmony and the removal of obstacles in their lives.
Deities and Sub-Deities
The main deity of the temple is Karthyayani Devi, who is enshrined in a platform below ground level, symbolizing her as Swayambhoo (self-originated). The idol of the Devi is in the form of a Shivalingam and is formless, representing the divine feminine energy. In addition to Karthyayani Devi, the temple also houses several important sub-deities, including Shiva, Vishnu, Ganapathi, Dharmasastha, and serpent deities. Among these, Dharmasastha, locally known as Kavudayon, holds a special place of reverence. Devotees offer special prayers to Kavudayon, particularly in the form of a ritual known as Thadi.
Offerings
The temple offers a variety of traditional rituals and offerings for the devotees. These include:
- Archana (offering prayers)
- Rakta Pushpanjali (offering of red flowers)
- Swayamvara Pushpanjali (offering for marriage)
- Muzhukappu (adorning the deity with sandalwood paste)
For Dharmasastha, the offerings include the Neerajanam and a special ritual called Aalthadi, which is believed to cure physical ailments. Another significant offering is Thalappoli, in which women carry lighted oil lamps on a flower-decorated plate during the temple’s processions.
Festivals
The annual festival at the Karthyayani Devi Temple is marked by the ritual of Aarattu, which is traditionally held twice daily during the festival period. This sets it apart from other temples in Kerala, where Aarattu is usually performed only once a year. The Karthika Star day, which falls during the Malayalam month of Vrichikam, is also celebrated with much fervor and devotion.
Historical Significance: Connection with Gandhiji
The Karthyayani Devi Temple holds historical significance beyond its spiritual role. On January 18, 1937, Mahatma Gandhi delivered a speech at the temple, making it a site of both religious and historical importance.
This temple, with its rich traditions, legendary significance, and connection to both religious and national history, remains a central point of worship and cultural heritage for the people of Cherthala and Kerala as a whole.
