Arakathu Devi Temple is located at Idagramam – Karumam near Kaimanam in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala. The temple is one among the 108 Durga temples in Kerala and it is known as Idakkodi in the Durga kshetra namavali.
The sanctum sanctorum is circular – vatta sreekovil. The main deity worshipped in the temple is Goddess Bhagavathi – Vana Durga form. She has four hands and holds shankh, chakra, amrutha kalasam and abhaya mudra. The upa devatas are Sastha, Shiva and Ganapathi are consecrated in separate small rooms adjoining the Chuttambalam. Nagaraja and Nagayakshi are also worshipped in the temple. There is also a spot for the worship of Brahmarakshas.
The murti worshipped in the temple was consecrated by Vilwamangalam Swamiyar.
The roof of the temple is designed in such a way that during monsoon rain drops falls lightly on the black granite murti of Goddess Bhagavathi.
The temple is classic example of typical Kerala temple with Sreekovil, Mukha Mandapam, Chittambalam, Thidapalli, Namaskara Mandapam, Belikallpura etc.
The Devi worshiped here is supposed to be a young virgin of shy and reserved nature. Since the murti is of sattva guna no sacrificial offering is given. Unlike in other Durga temples, there are no pongala, fireworks or red flower offerings as Goddess is of Sattvic nature. The deity favors smooth and soft rhythms produced by musical instruments like nadaswaram, paani and Panchavadyam. The ritual strictly avoids use of provocative instruments like ‘chenda’ that disturbs peace and harmony of the environment.
There are some unique rituals performed at this temple. One such ritual is pidi panam vaaral, a three-handful offering of raw rice, coins and flowers by children guided by their mothers for their health and longevity. The mangalya ganapathi homam is performed here to remove obstacles that come in the way of fixing marriages and leading a happy married life. The dwadasakshari pooja is performed in the Malayalam month of Karkidakam for peace and prosperity in the family.
It is believed that the temple is as old as the world famous Padmanabha Swamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram. Arakathu Devi participates in the Aippasi Arattu procession from the Padmanabha Swamy temple to Shankumugham.