Aravukad Devi Tempie
The temple is eight kIns south from Alappy town, at the eastem side
of N.R at Punnapra. This Temple is dedicated to Devi, She after Killing
the demon Daruka is represented in her mighty form. The idol is designed
out of 'Krishna Sila' and represents the different forms of the 'Devi'
as Saraswathi, Parvathi and Lakshmi in the momning, after Killing
the demon. She is said to have washed her sword in the Temple pond
behind the temple. The Devi of Aravukad temple is said to be the sister
of the Devi of Kannichakulangara and Kodungalloor. In Ancient times
this Temple was in the custody of Brahmins but during the invasion
ofTipu Sultan they left the place in fear, handing over the Temple
to a family residing nearly in Komarathussery. They in turn handed
it over to five branches of S.N.D.P Union. Subsequently these S.N.D.P
branches handed it over to all Hindus of 10 'Karas' south from Neerkunnam
to north upto Kalarkode. The Festival of this Devi Temple starts in
the Malayalam month of "Meenum" from 'Bharani' to 'Pooram'
for ten days. People from various parts of the state come to the temple
to witness the various Festivities and Programmes. "Thiripidutham",
holding of the Lighted torch is a very important offering in which
thousands of devotees are participating.
On the tenth day of the Festival after the "Deeparadhana",
devotees take a dip in the Temple Pond and come before the temple
in wet clothes. The Poojari will give a lighted torch to the devotees
and they go round the Temple in 'Prathikshna'. It is their belief
that all their Prayers will be granted by performing this particular
offering.
The 'Swarna Dhawajam' is another attraction of this famous temple.
The Devi of this temple is said to bless all her devotees and grant
all their prayers and wishes. In this Devi Temple 'Pongala' is performed
as an offering. In the Malayalammonth of Makaram on the "Makayiram"
day the Pongala is celebrated. This is the "Punaprathishta"
day. The chief "Nivedyam" is "Arunazhi Payasam".
Aravukad Devi Temple is always throughed by devotees coming from different
parts of the country seeking the blessing of goddess 'Aravukad Amma'.
Upadevatas - Lord Siva, Saraswathi, Gosala Krishnan, Kodum Kali,
Navgrahas, Subrahmania Swami are the important upadevatas in this
famous temple. Special poojas are performed for the fulfilment of
various desires of the devotees. Lord Siva consecreated on Krishna
SUa is the another speciality of the temple.
Main Offerings - 1. One chief offering is 'Guruthi' 2. For the best
marriage proposal there is the 'Swayamvara' pushpanjali and this is
performed on Mondays. 3. Ganapathi Homam, "Angi Charthal"
for the Devi are other important offerings. 4. The performance of
Ganapathi Homam and Bhagavathy Seva on the Full Moon Day is also very
important. Many people participate in the "Shasti Vritam"
performed for the Upadevata Subramanyan.
Aravukad Sreedevi Temple, Punnapra, Alappuzha - 688 004 Ph : 0477
2287655
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