Pattupurakkavu Bhagavathi temple

Thonnallur Pattupurakkavu Bhagavathi temple ( _ml. തോന്നല്ലൂര്‍ പാട്ടുപുരക്കാവ് ഭഗവതി ക്ഷേത്രം) is a famous Hindu temple [ [http://www.simplymalayalees.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=124 Simply Malayalees: Pattupurakkavu Devi Temple,Thonnallur,Pandalam ] ] located at Pandalam in Kerala state, South India. The deity in this temple is Bhadrakali. This temple is part of the famous Hindu temples at Pandalam, which include Valiyakoikkal temple, Mahadevar temple and Kaipuzha Sreekrishna Swamy temple.

Location

The temple is located 1 kilometer to the north of Pandalam junction, by the Thiruvananthapuram - Angamaly Main Central Road. Landmarks include Pandalam Post Office, Police Station and Government UP School.

Other deities

Like other Hindu temples, Pattupurakkavu Bhagavathi temple also has shrines of other deities. These deities include Ganapathi, Shiva, Udayan, Brahmarakshas, Yakshi and Anamarutha. Other deities include snake gods and goddesses, eructed in a grove. As part of the ongoing renovation process, a new Navagraha temple will also be built within the complex.

Temple complex and facilities

The temple complex also includes a holy pond and a few banyan trees. The temple has arrangements for Hindu wedding, including feast hall and change rooms. It also has a stage to conduct cultural events. The temple has a Navratri "mandapam" annexe situated near Pandalam central junction. The deity in the annexe temple is Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, music and the arts.

Festivals and major occasions

The annual temple festival is conducted on the Aswathy day in the Malayalam month of Meenam. Special poojas are performed on that day. Traditional temple art forms and cultural programmes are also conducted.

In addition to the festival programmes, the temple also hosts Sapthaham and Navaham frequently. These include renditions and lectures based on Hindu epics and puranas.

Navratri is also of rich significance to this temple. Special poojas, Carnatic concerts and cultural programmes are performed in the Navratri "mandapam" annexe annually during Navratri festival. Apart from Hindus, the organising committee for the Navratri festival includes people from other religions also, including Muslims and Christians. This symbolises the religious and cultural harmony of Pandalam. The Navratri "mandapam" is considered amongst the best places in Kerala to initiate Vidyarambham.

References