Poonilaarkavu Bhagavathy Temple, Kodakara

The temple, datable to a very ancient period, has a fascinating legend associated with it. According to the lore, when Lord Parashurama passed through this place, he witnessed a halo. Uncertain whether the halo was related to the concepts of Saiva, Vaishnava, or shakteya, he decided to investigate.

First, he installed a small granite stone at the spot and recited Saiva mantras. However, the position of the halo remained unchanged.
Next, he recited mantras of Maha Vishnu, Lord Ganapati, Lord Subramanya, and Lord Śāsta, but the halo persisted.
Finally, he turned to prayers of the sree Parashakthi, reciting mantras dedicated to the Goddess. It was then that the halo merged with the granite sila (stone) installed by Lord Parasurama.As the sixth (aaru) attempt bore fruit, the elevated place, abundant with flowers, was named “Poonilaarkaav” (Poo-nila-aaru-kaav). The Goddess worshipped here is also known as Poonooliyamma.

For years, Lord Parashurama meditated at this sacred site and close to the eastern gopuram (entrance tower) of the temple lies the Muniyara, the site where Lord Parasurama is said to have performed penance. This temple holds a special place among the 108 Durga temples.

After the idol was consecrated by Lord Parasurama, it fell into neglect for a considerable period. No one worshipped the deity, and the area became overgrown with jungles. However, a significant event occurred that led to the revival of the temple’s importance.

One day, an agricultural woman was sharpening her sickle on a stone near the temple. To her shock, blood started oozing out of the stone. Recognizing this as a divine sign, a praśna (ritual inquiry) was conducted. It was revealed that the stone was the idol originally installed by Lord Parasurama, and a temple needed to be constructed at the site.
Over the centuries, the temple underwent many structural changes and renovations, reflecting the passage of time and the evolving religious practices of devotees.

The deity worshipped in this temple is revered for its immense power, especially in providing solace to those afflicted by mental disorders. One of the unique practices of this temple is the preparation of kashayam (herbal decoction) by Vaidyamathom Cheriya Narayanan Nambootiri. This kashayam is then offered to the Goddess and given to all patients suffering from mental disorders.
Devotees hold a strong belief that by consuming this preparation with unwavering faith in the Goddess’s powers, the patient is bound to find relief from their illness. It is a testament to the faith and devotion of ardent followers that this temple continues to be a beacon of hope for those seeking healing and solace.

The temple has a long history of belonging to Padinjare Kunnatt mana.Due to difficulties in management, the administration was entrusted to a local Kshetra Samrakshana Samiti on 14th April 1985.An eleven-member committee, elected by devotees once every three years, now manages the temple affairs.The day-to-day operations are overseen by the Secretary of the committee.

The temple occupies eight acres of land, with one acre designated for the temple complex.
The structures thereon are sreekovil, namaskara-mandapam, chuttambalam, sub- shrines, nada-pantal, valiya-balikkall, deepastambhas, oottupura, gopuram, compound wall, well and tank.

The square eka-tala sreekovil of nirandhara type has granite adhishthanam and walls and copper sheet roof. The central portion of the roof is open as the concept of the Goddess is as Sree Nana-Durga. The mouldings of the adhishthānam are padukam, jagati, gaļam and pati. The sopanam has two direct steps. The pranaalam has sundu and a curved end. The namaskara-mandapam (side: 3.93 m.) has four pillars. The sub-shrine of Lord Ganapati is at southwest.

The chuttambalam has five entrances, one each at east, west and north and two at south. The titappalli is at southeast. The well is at the northern nälambalam projecting outside. The valiya-balikkall and a deepastambham are within a nața-pantal. The sub-shrine of Lord Shasta is at southwest. Sila-deepastambhas are also installed at all sides. The eastern gopuram is dwi-tala with gables. The muniyara is the eastern side. The temple has also a tank.

There are no carvings and paintings.

The swayambhoo sila idol has a height of 25 cm. without anthropomorphic form. The other two idols are also made of sila, Lord Ganapati and Lord Sästa in sitting poses of height 45 cm. each.

The temple is kept open from 4:30 AM to 10 AM and from 5 to 9 PM. Four poojas are performed daily, usha-pooja at 5 AM., ethirthu-pooja at 8 AM, uccha-pooja at 9:30 AM. and attazha-pooja at 8 p.m.

Pal-payasam, ney-payasam, pushpanjali, koottu-payasam, enna (oil) and ghee are the main vazhipadus. Ney-payasam is more important and popular. As stated earlier the kashayam given from the temple is believed to be cure for mental disorders.

Tri Karthika is celebrated with special poojas

Sree Durga Bhagavati of the temple is an important participant of Aarattupuzha Pooram from the time of its origin, which dates back to sixth century. The para-purappad associated with this festival starts from Karthika asterisk of Meenam. On the first day the visit is to Padinjare Kunnath mana and then there is the return. On the second day is the visit to Vellapati Chemmankad Devi temple for irakki-pooja and then to Tattayatt mana to return. On the third day irakki-pooja at Pisharikkal temple is held. Desha-para is held on fourth and fifth days including visits to Anandapuratt mana, Nellayi Kunnatt mana etc. On sixth day is the trip to Peruvanam for the Pooram. On the way irakki-pooja is held at Natuvatt mana and Tekkētatt mana (mana of the Tantri) and then there is return after vilakk at Peruvanam. On the seventh and eighth days paras in desams are held. On ninth day, there is the procession to Aarāttupuzha along with Pisharikkal Bhagavati who is supposed to be the younger sister of Poonilaarkavu Bhagavati. After attending pooram at Aarattupuzha the Goddess returns to Her abode next day morning after visiting Sree Kunnam Trkkovil Siva temple. By around 6:30 PM. on that day there is Koyikkal para. The festival ends with aarttu at the temple tank. Tullal and modern entertainments are staged on festival days.

Lord Parasurama initially consecrated the idol. The present tantri belongs to Thekkedath mana of Kadalassery . The Santikkaran is appointed from Malayala Brahmins. The other staff includes variyar, marar, clerk and aticchu-tali.

Situated 500 m northeast of Kotakara on Vellikulangara road, the temple is connected by a tarred road. Mattattoorpuzha traverses two km east of the temple. Facilities for stay are available at Chalakudi (10 km south).