--> Skip to main content


Cherthala Karthyayani Devi Temple History – Story - Festival Cherthala Pooram

Karthyayani Devi temple is a famous Bhagavathy temple at Cherthala in Alappuzha district, Kerala. The main deity worshipped in the temple is Goddess Karthyayani Devi – the murti of devi worshipped is a swayambhu shila. The darshanam of Cherthala Karthyayani Devi is towards east. Here is a look at the deities worshipped, history, story and festival of Cherthala Pooram.

The sreekovil is located nearly 4 feet down from the ground. The flagpost of the temple is gold plated and Sheeveli is performed here daily.

The Upa Devatas worshipped in the temple are Vishnu, Shivan, Kavudayan, Yakshi, Nagarajavu and Ganapathy. Upa Devata Ayyappan or Dharma Sastha has special importance in the temple.

Cherthala Karthyayani Devi Temple History

The Prathishta in the temple was performed by Vilwamangalam Swamiyar. It is said that Vilwamangalam Swamiyar happened to see seven maidens playing on swings. Six of them disappeared on seeing Swamiyar. One of the maiden ran away and Swamiyar chased her. The maiden tried to hide in Kalikulam, Pallikulam, Cherakulam, Pullamkulam, Kelankulam and Trippurakulam. But Swamiyar was able to locate her in these ponds. Swamiyar was able to get hold of the maiden at Karuppankulam, the seventh pond. Vilwamangalam Swamiyar in anger performed the prathishta of here on the banks of Karuppankulam.

Festival Cherthala Pooram

The annual festival in the temple begins on Makayiram nakshatra in Meenam month with kodiyettam. The festival ends with arattu on Uthram nakshatram. The festival is famous as Cherthala pooram.

Arattu is held twice every day during the annual festival.

In olden days, people used to carry honey in pots and do pradakshinam of the temple on pooram nakshatra in Meenam month.

Thrikarthika in Vrischikam month is another important festival here.

An important offering in the temple is Kalabham.

Karthyayani Devi of Cherthala is famous as Mangalya Dayani – she blesses unmarried women with early marriage. It is believed that all problems associated with marriage will be solved after offering prayers in the shrine.