The document discusses the Cherpil Bhagavathy Temple in Kerala and provides examples of how the goddess Bhagavathy has blessed and elevated her most devoted families and disciples over centuries. Some key families and individuals mentioned include the Marar family of drummers, clarion players like Bhaskaran and Kummath Raman Nair, the Namboodiripad, Bhattathiripad, and Pazhedath families known for their scholarship, and Achutha Warrier who prepares offerings at the temple. The text asserts that through hard work and Bhagavathy's blessings, her most ardent devotees consistently achieve the highest levels of excellence and fame in their fields of expertise.

1. The Abode of Excellence
(Cherpil Bhagavathy Temple)
Narayanan Chittoor Namboodiripad
Cherpu Bhagavathy Kshetraghosha Sangham

2. Other Books by the Same Author:
The Abode of Wisdom
Aithihya Sampudam
Aithihya Sanchayam
Narayana Navakas
The True Blue Flame
The Sweet Devotion
Rakshassinte Prathikaram
Paradevatha Upasana
Sarvangabhinayam

3. Published by: Cherpu Bhagavathy Kshetraghosha Sangham
Copyright: The Author
First Edition: November 1995
(For free circulation only)

4. The Cherpil Bhagavathy Temple at Padinjattumuri was the greatest of the 108
Durgalayas of Ancient Kerala. Here Parasakthi, the Absolute Kinetic Power
manifests Herself as deified Love. She is a proud Mother, proud of Her
devotees’ Excellence. She is determined to make them great. For centuries,
Her devotees have been the leaders of the cultural, educational and spiritual
fields in Kerala.
Narayanan Chittoor Namboodiripad writes on the extraordinary Chaithanya of
this wonderful temple where miracles are routine events. Prof. Namboodiripad
retired as the Head of the Department of Economics of the KKTM Govt.
College, Pullut. As an essayist he writes on Tantra, Temple Arts, Architecture
and Astrology. His sublime insight makes him the finest writer on esoteric
subjects. He is a great poet too. A large number of British, American and Indian
magazines have published his dulcet poems, scholastic articles, thrilling stories
and legends.

5. The Abode of Excellence
A long, long line of fifty to sixty elephants with golden accoutrements stand in a row and fan
their ears merrily. Hundreds of big torches swaying in the gentle breeze turn the moonlit
paddy fields of Arattupuzha into a supernatural world. A large number of drums, cymbals
pipes and clarions play pulsating music. Fireworks explode and enormous flowers of light
blossom in the sky. Thousands of devotees go round the parade in humble
circumambulation. Lord Rama of Triprayar flanked by Cherpil Bhagavathy on the right and
Urakath Ammathiruvady on the left, seated on mountainous tuskers, move forward
majestically. This is the climax of the two-thousand-year old annual festival of Central
Kerala.
This unbelievably magnificent show, the Arattupuzha Pooram, was the greatest spectacle on
earth. One hundred and eight deities riding large elephants used to come here in colourful
processions. The devotees believe that the deities of all the temples in India from Badrinath
to Kanyakumari come here and seated on Their celestial thrones, enjoy the show. A pilgrim
who takes part in the festivities enjoys the blessings of all these deities! These days only
twenty three deities have their holy parades here; the others have started their own
regional festivals elsewhere; like the Thrissur Pooram, Kuttanellur Pooram and
Manickamangalam Pooram. But the original festival remains the holiest of all.
The Divine Mother Durga of the Bhagavathy temple of Cherpu Padinjattumuri has a leading
role to play. As the Supreme Mother, She leads and directs, while Her Divine Children play.
We raise Her flagpole twenty eight nights before the final Pooram and the others follow.
Then, eleven nights before that spiritual extravaganza, on Aswathy night, She has Her
ceremonial outing with elaborate rituals and dazzling parades. Five nights later, Lord Rama
of Triprayar and Ammathiruvady of Urakam come out of Their sanctums for parades and
later still, the others follow suit.
The Peruvanam Pooram festival precedes the Arattupuzha Pooram; it is on Pooyam night,
three nights before the Pooram. The connoisseurs proclaim that it is superior to the finale at
Arattupuzha. Only four deities present big parades; the last one which starts just before
dawn, the parade of Cherpil Bhagavathy, is without doubt, the best. We have just seven
tuskers, but they are the finest in Kerala. So too are the accoutrements. When Bhagavathy
comes down from the ancient Peruvanam temple towards the east, the smiling sun appears
beyond the distant fields in glad welcome. The golden rays glittering on the golden
trappings is a sight for every devotee to cherish. Nothing can rival the throbbing rhythm of
Panchari Melam. Fans from far off places used to come here and marvel at the virtuosity of
Bhagavathy’s drummers, but then this particular pattern of rhythm was specially fashioned
for Bhagavathy’s parade. Mazhamangalam, the great scholar-poet choreographed it and

6. Bhagavathy’s drummers presented it first at Peruvanam. Now, it is the most popular pattern
in Kerala.
The devotees of Bhagavathy are not surprised at the sublime expertise of the drummers;
the Divine Mother is always so particular that Her devotees should always be the best. A
doting Mother, She loves to make them great. We have thousands of instances to
remember and wonder at; like those of Her famous drummers.
Shankunny Marar, Bhagavathy’s drummer was the best exponent of the instrument, Chenda
and needless to say, he always led big groups of artists. No festival could earn the approval
of the fans unless Shankunny Marar led the drums; even the Maharaja of Cochin invited him
for the festival in the capital. The wise men nodded their heads and said that Marar was
good enough to be Bhagavathy’s drummer.
The golden era of Shankunny Marar came to an end at the beginning of the Twentieth
Century. The fans were sad that Marar had no heir good enough to carry on his tradition.
True, he had a middle aged nephew called Rama Marar but he was eccentric, if not mentally
flawed. The other male members of Marar’s family were all young boys, not yet in their
teens. When Shankunny Marar reached the end of his unmatched artistic endeavour, the
temple authorities had to find a way out. Bhagavathy’s Melam, drum music should be the
best; they were determined about it. Rama Marar could not keep up that excellence since
he rarely took part in Melams and never as the leader. The authorities were reluctant to
invite someone else since the eldest member of Marar’s family had the hereditary right to
lead Bhagavathy’s Melam. Some of the elders approached my grandfather, Chittoor
Narayanan Namboodiripad for guidance.
“What is there to discuss?” My grandfather asked “Is there no male member in Marar’s
family?”
“Yes, but they are all small boys.” The fans complained. “And, there is Raman, of course. But
he is useless.”
“What does it matter? Raman is the senior Marar and he has the hereditary right. Let him
lead.” Grandfather asserted.
“How can he? He is not fully sane even. The Melam will flop.”
My grandfather was angry. “Don’t you have faith in our Bhagavathy?” He asked. “Her
Melam will be the best, I assure you. Let him lead. Mother will ensure his success.”
That was exactly how it happened. The fans had not considered an important factor. Rama
Marar was a great devotee of Bhagavathy. Unknown and rather unskilled he might be, but
he used to spend hours in prayers. Rama Marar, for the first time in his life, led the Melam
at Peruvanam and even the bitterest cynics proclaimed that they had never heard a better
Melam. Overnight, Rama Marar had become a celebrity and the organisers of all important

7. festivals wanted him to lead their Melams. Rama Marar simply refused to go elsewhere and
all those who wanted to hear Panchari at its best had to come to Bhagavathy’s Pooram.
Narayana Marar, Rama Marar’s heir was a good artist, but he played Thavil and not Chenda.
Worse, he was in Tamil Nadu. He did come back when Rama Marar died and once again the
fans marvelled at Bhagavathy’s benevolence; Narayana Marar was as good as his uncle!
Better still, he was an allrounder who could play almost any instrument. He was an excellent
singer too. For decades, he remained the supreme master of his art, leading Melams all over
Kerala.
The transition from Narayana Marar to his nephew Appu Marar was smooth since the
younger one was the undisputed second best even while Narayana Marar was at the zenith
of his fame. Appu Marar certainly kept up the unrivalled excellence for years. Even jealous
masters had to accept his leadership for a simple reason; he alone could successfully lead
the different rhythm patterns like Chempa, Chempata or Dhruvam. His advancing years and
ill health created a problem once again. Aniyan Marar, his brother and the senior member
was undoubtedly an expert – as an Ayurvedic physician! How could one who had not played
the drum for years, lead Bhagavathy’s Melam? Well, we saw what devotion could do.
Aniyan Marar came, prostrated in front of Bhagavathy and started the Melam. For the next
three hours, he was almost in a trance, his tear-filled eyes on Bhagavathy’s idol. We heard
Panchari as it was played by his ancestors. It was divine; nothing less. Appu Marar’s son
Kuttan, who now leads Bhagavathy’s Pooram is nothing short of a legend in his own lifetime.
The story of Bhaskaran, a clarion player illustrates how Bhagavathy raises Her devotees to
the top. He did not have any hereditary right as in the case of Marar, but he was an
employee of the temple, playing on ordinary days. Once I found him standing at the end of
the row during Peruvanam Pooram.
“Why do you stand here?” I asked. “Move to the middle and lead the blowers.”
“How can I? Am I not the junior one here?” He countered.
That was true. We had the top artists of Kerala playing and the best, as usual stood in the
middle. Bhaskaran was in his late teens and could not hope to move inside.
“But you are Bhagavathy’s regular clarion player and you have to lead.” I insisted.
“Those in the middle are great artists. I cannot compete with them.” He was helpless.
“What of it?” Your rightful place is that of the leader. As Bhagavathy’s own artist you are
supposed to be the best.”
“I’ll cut a sorry figure there.”
“No, no. You do your best. If they are good, show that you are better. Prove that you are a
true leader.”

8. He did! At first the famous artists resented him and tried to outplay Bhaskaran. But the boy
was in an inspired mood and within half an hour the fans acclaimed his superiority. And, the
wise among them praised Bhagavathy’s benevolence.
The next year I found him leading the clarion players in the Thrissur Pooram; by that time he
had earned the reputation of being the best in the field.
This story had a tragic sequel. Bhaskaran was no great devotee of Bhagavathy and his
instant success went to his head. He even renounced his job as Bhagavathy’s regular artist.
He died under tragic circumstances a few years later.
Kummath Raman Nair, another clarion player, is a devotee and is still at the top. When he
learned to play the clarion he offered to serve Bhagavathy during the Mandalam festivities.
He did so for a few years without adequate monetary benefits. He did get immediate
reward – an international fame! The young man soon represented India in Paris, Moscow
and elsewhere. He even choreographed a new Melam. Now he is a teacher under the
Travancore Devaswom Board. No wonder Raman Nair does so well; he remains a devotee of
Bhagavathy.
Bhagavathy has a small band of cymbal players to serve Her and they also have an enviable
reputation.
Even a half – hearted devotee of Bhagavathy prospers and marches confidently towards
success and fame. Of course, the proud Mother lavishes real excellence on the really
devoted families. We have the awe-inspiring example of Kirangat Mana. For centuries, the
members of that family have worshipped Bhagavathy as their family deity and for centuries
have remained in the forefront of the intellectual field. Kerala used to have three
Gurukulams, great centres of education comparable to Nalanda and Taxila; at Kirangat,
Koodallur and Kodungalloor. Each had its own branch of super specialisation too. Kirangat
Mana was the seat of Veda and Meemamsa philosophy; fittingly we must add. Traditionally
they directed the Othoottu, the periodic Vedic conference of the Cherpu Bhagavathy
temple. Generation after generation they worshipped Bhagavathy and kept up their
preeminent place. Kirangat Narayanan Namboodiripad, who died a few years back enjoyed
an honoured place in the Vidwat Sadas of the scholar-ruler, Parikshit Maharaja of Cochin.
HH Jagadguru Sankaracharya of Sringeri also respected his knowledge.
Padinjaredath Bhattathiripads have the hereditary rights to act as the Thantri, the chief-
priest of the temple. They too worship Bhagavathy as their family deity. For centuries, they
have remained at the top of their holy profession. Such was their knowledge that they never
had to consult other Thantris; in fact, other scholars came to them to learn. Even now they
are famous; no one can excel Narayanan Bhattathiripad’s spiritual power and the scholars
knew it when they made him the president of the Thantra Vidya Peetham. Anujan
Bhattathiripad had even written an authoritative commentary on Thantra Samuchaya, the

9. supreme textbook of Thantra. Hereditary, their friends say; for, they remember how their
father Krishnan Bhattathiripad delighted in austerities and rituals.
Pazhedath Namboodiris have the right to lead the Veda in Cherpu at the start of the Vedic
Conference. Generation after generation, that house produced Veda scholars of
extraordinary merit. Every one was great, people were sure. The organisers of every Vedic
conference wanted them to lead the divine melody. People fondly recall the story of Raman
Namboodiri who lived at the turn of the century. By the time he reached his early twenties,
he had become the best. The sweetness of his voice, technical mastery and super-human
memory made him the master. Once, when invited to attend an Othuttu in Malabar he took
the oath: he will not make a single mistake while he was away. Not a single false note for
the month. He was true to his word; Bhagavathy’s devotees could not be otherwise.
We, Chittoor Namboodiripads consider ourselves the humble servants of Bhagavathy. Our
Dharma, we believe, is to serve her. My ancestors have done exactly that for two thousand
years. Bhagavathy made sure that they never had to humble themselves before others. The
people including powerful kings bowed to them. They had the right to be the caretaker
administrators of Calicut. When the Zamorin died his officers brought the royal seal to them
and they ruled the land till the next one took over. As the Zamorin’s trusted advisors, they
had the right to administer such ancient temples like those of Guruvayoor, Panniyoor and
Perinchellur. Chittoor Vasudevan Namboodiripad who lived in the sixteenth century could
see Bhagavathy in all her glory and three great poets have written books on that Godman.
My ancestors knew very well that people worship those who worship Bhagavagthy. The ever
indulgent Mother is proud of Her devotees and She wants them to prosper.
Ambalapilly Mana too basks in the blessings of Bhagavathy. They too have, through sheer
merit, a reputation of efficiency.
A striking fact is that Bhagavathy’s devotees earn their fame. No feet of clay! No hollow,
cheap popularity! Bhagavathy gives them the necessary ability and they come up through
hard work. They are all twenty four carat masters.
The experience of Achutha Warrier illustrates how. A selfless devotee, he has the right to
prepare the flowers for the daily offerings and string the garlands. He was a teacher by
profession. The Government School of Cherpu was the worst, to start with. Now, year after
year no student fails and this cent percent record is unique among government schools. The
Government was only too glad to recognise the dedicated work of Warrier and to give him
the State Award. Achutha Warrier, everyone knows, got it through hardwork.
Kaplingad Vasudevan Namboodiri, a devotee, used to help in the preparation of the special
offering of the sweet dish called Chathussatam. Cook Bhagavathy’s offerings? Then he
should be the best cook! Among the Namboodiris, he was the best for half a century. While
the other master chefs have an occasional bad day Kaplingad Namboodiri never had the

10. mortification of a badly prepared feast. And he cooked for thousands of them. Even when
he was old and no longer lead feasts he was sincere in his service to Bhagavathy.
Bhagavathy seems to love working miracles for Her devotees. so much that the locals take it
for granted. The best example is the efficacy of the sweet, Neipayasam, on Thiruvonam
evenings. People offer it to get good spouses for their girls. They are supposed to continue
their offerings till the marriage but almost always Bhagavathy blesses them within three
months. Thousands have had this experience so that no one considers it a miracle. Miracles
are routine events at Cherpu!
Niramala, thousand light offering, is even more effective. The devotees making it invariably
prosper. They get what they want. There is an exception. No one should ever come to the
temple with base desires prompted by jealousy and vengeance in their heart. To seek Her
help to hurt another is dangerous. She is deified Maternal Love!
The festival season is also the particular period of miracles! We had an unbelievable
experience when we celebrated the 1400th Pooram ( The summer festival is more than 2000
years old. At first it was a twenty eight days-long affair. It had to be cut short to nine days.
We celebrated the 1400th year of the shortened version in 1982). The committee of the
devotees organising the festival decided to make it a spiritual extravaganza. Mr.C.Sankara
Menon was the Secretary. We had superb devotees like C.Sankarankutty, TV Sekharankutty,
A. Sasthra Sharman, Sivasankaran and Sasi in the committee. I had the honour of being the
President of the committee. We wanted the best seven elephants for the Peruvanam
Pooram. Kirangat Unni Namboodiripad had an elephant called Vijayan which was the
biggest in the state and we wanted it to carry Bhagavathy’s idol. Unfortunately it became
musth-mad; while in heat, the elephants go berserk and attack the mahouts. Somehow, the
mahouts had chained it to a tree but no one could go near it. They had to throw his food,
the palm leaves, from afar. Specialist doctors said that they might get him ready for parades
within two months, provided they performed a surgical operation immediately. We had to
bring Vijayan within three days.
We knew the danger of trying to use Vijayan in the parade. Yet we decided that we should
bring him. To cure him, we decided that he should perform penance in the temple for nine
days. A strange way to cure the musth of an elephant- to make it circumambulate the
temple!
Sivasankaran, Sasthra Sharman and Sekharankutty volunteered to go to Kunnamkulam
where Vijayan was shackled and make enquiries. They were three teenagers who had just
completed their High School education and of course knew nothing about elephants.
Naively, they asked the mahouts to remove Vijayan’s heavy chains and walk it to
Padinjattumuri.

11. “What? Release Vijayan?” The mahouts exclaimed. “Don’t you know that it has the musth?
It has become a real killer.”
“But we want him for Bhagavathy’s festival”
“Impossible. It can’t be done.”
“At least, you can make a try.”
“Foolish boys! You don’t know what will happen if we go near. Death. Go away. No parade
for the next two months.”
“Don’t fear. Just unchain him and bring him with us. It will not harm you – Bhagavathy will
see to it.”
“Oh! Yeah? We don’t want to commit suicide. Vijayan is in a murderous mood. If you want
him that much, you go and release him yourselves.”
“Alright. We shall. We can do anything for Bhagavathy.” Sivasankaran and friends said in
unison. Boldly they walked upto Vijayan.
They were intelligent boys and fully realised the danger they faced. As the mahouts said, it
was sure suicide. But they had complete faith in Bhagavathy. Two years back, Sivasankaran
had circumambulated the temple for a whole night. They were Bhagavathy’s devotees for
sure.
Wonder of wonders, they brought Vijayan to Padinjattumuri. Their care-free courage
emboldened the mahouts also.
We knew that they would bring Vijayan to Padinjattumuri but we were surprised to see
Sivasankaran holding its tusk. The boys taming an unfamiliar tusker and that too a raging
one, was a miracle. They made the elephant circumambulate the temple thrice and gave
him Prasadam. Two nights later, Vijayan proudly carried Bhagavathy’s idol during
Peruvanam Pooram. A grave risk, we all knew. He could have turned violent. Since our
committee had taken that reckless decision, we decided to stand in a circle around him
during the parade. As the President, I stood a couple of feet in front of his fearsome tusks
for three hours. The sight of Sivasankaran carelessly holding on to a tusk comforted me.
The doctors treating Vijayan examined him the next day. They were flabbergasted to see
him normal, unusually sweet-tempered even. They could not understand how he could
become normal within two days; that too without surgery. We knew. We prostrated at the
Lotus Feet of Bhagavathy.
The Press got wind of the miracle and The Indian Express flashed the news throughout India.
Others followed. They carried photographs of Vijayan performing penance in the temple for

12. nine days, as we had decided. Even the cynics among the reporters agreed that they had
never heard of such miracles.
People know how foolish it is to refuse an elephant for Bhagavathy’s parade. Unfortunately
Mr.V................. Namboodiripad risked Bhagavathy’s displeasure. He had just bought an
elephant from North India. It was, without doubt, the biggest in Kerala and naturally, we
wanted it for our Pooram.
Namboodiripad, an obstinate man refused. “I’ll not send him there this year.” He said, “MY
elephant will not cross the paddy fields of Kanimangalam till next year.”
The road to Cherpu Padinjattumuri from Thrissur had to pass through that paddy field. He
meant to send the elephant to the Thrissur Pooram but was determined not to send it
anywhere near our temple.
Well, the elephant never crossed the paddy fields of Kanimangalam. Within one month it
was killed! It went wild during the Thrissur Pooram and had to be shot down. Often, the
Divine Mother is in a playful mood. She has a wonderful sense of humour!
The Koodalmanickam temple of Irinjalakuda used to send its elephant for Lord Rama’s
parade at Arattupuzha without any remuneration. The mahouts could get some money by
offering its services for other parades, but they never brought it to us. We knew the reason;
Mr.Menon, the manager of that temple did not like us. Once, we were surprised when the
mahouts came to our office. My father Sankaran Namboodiripad was organising
Bhagavathy’s Pooram that year. He questioned the mahouts sharply. They were frank.
Menon had foolishly instructed them not to bring it to us. Any other parade, but not us. He
need not have made that spiteful remark since it had never happened anyway. (The
elephant was rather ugly so that we had no great desire to use it.) As fate would have it, no
parade wanted its services so that both the mahouts and the elephant were hungry.
Helpless, they had come to us for succour. My father was delighted and accepted their
offer. There was an interesting sequel. Mr. Menon insisted that we use that tusker on all the
nine days of the festival the next year. Bhagavathy must have playfully decided to ride that
elephant for Her daily outing for nine days when Menon refused to give it for one night.
Traditionally, the devotees suffering from stomach ailments come to Cherpu temple for
miraculous cure. Even some elephants have benefitted. Mr.D............... Namboodiripad had
fine tusker called Gopalan. When he fell ill with alimentary disorders, no medicine could
cure him. Namboodiripad took a vow that he would send Gopalan for the Aswathy
procession of Bhagavathy which marked the beginning of the summer festival. Naturally,
Gopalan got well. Namboodiripad sent it regularly to Cherpu Padinjattumuri for several
years and when he bought another called Ayyappan, that smaller one became the regular
idol bearer. We smiled happily when Ayyappan became one of the tallest in Kerala. Once,

13. Namboodirpad had sent both his tuskers to the forest and could not send either of them for
our festival. Both of them died before the year was out. Stomach ailments, naturally.
The Divine Mother simply loves to shower Her benediction on Her children, but when
necessary, She punishes the sinners. A few years back, one of the helpers carrying the
torches in front of Her idol* felt Her wrath. He had the idiotic audacity to disrupt Her
procession. The others warned him but he would not listen to reason.
He never carried the torches again. He fell ill and died within a few days. Such instances are
rare, though. Mother is Love and likes to bless.
The temple of Cherpu Padinjattumuri was the supreme centre of Yajurveda for more than
2000 years. Hundreds of Vedic scholars used to take part in the month-long Othuttu, the
Vedic conference here. These masters would start chanting the Veda at dawn and go on till
ten at night, occasionally an hour past midnight even. Eighteen hours of Divine Music! Even
the stones and the wood work must have become energised by it. How can Mother resist
the melody of Devas? She had to manifest Herself in the beautiful idol in all Her glory.
The Othuttu was an unimaginably great spiritual experience. A chance to lead the singing as
a guest was the greatest honour, the scholars believed. By evening tens of thousands of
dancing flames would turn the temple into a paradise. We used up, sometimes, about 200
kilos of coconut oil on a single night for this.
The Chaithanya of a temple increases, the savants say, through Annadaana, feeding the
devotees. We cooked up to 500 kilos of rice for the dinner during the Othuttu. The people
from all around used to come for this gourmets delight, but then, they could get feasts in
the temple almost every day. Alas! The times have changed.
The Mandala period, the 41 days from the first of the month of Vrischika(Scorpio) used to
be the time for sublime experiences. Every day we had Vaaram, Veda singing, as also the
special ritual called Siveli. The first twelve days were very special; we had Iswaraseva. Large
teams of scholars sang Vedas and repeated other Mantras during these dozen days. We fed
the devotees too.
Every month we used to have Dasamikottu, more singing of Yajurveda. No wonder
Bhagavathy is deified Veda.
Utsava, the festival too fans the flames of Chaithanya. No temple could rival Bhagavathy’s
summer festival.
We were lucky that the Chief Priest, Padinjaredath Bhattathiripad worshipped Bhagavathy
as his family deity. They performed the rituals with complete devotion, they still do.
• I think, it would be better if I do not reveal his name.

14. The real secret of the greatness of this temple is the special manifestation that we have
evoked. Goddess Durga who assumes all the powers of all the Gods including the Creator,
the Sustainer and the Destroyer appears here as a proud Mother anxious to bless Her
children.
The Bhagavathy temple is rather large and built meticulously according to the authoritative
texts. Certainly, it is an ancient one. But there are a few bigger and more opulent temples.
Ancient Kerala paid respectful homage to Bhagavathy but these days we have more popular
temples. Yet those earnest devotees who know the Satwick Chaithanya of Bhagavathy are
sure that She is the ultimate refuge. Why does such an exceptional Chaithanya shine here?
No one knows for sure. Legend has it that Parasurama Himself, consecrated 108 Durga
temples in Kerala and the temple of Cherpu is one of them. Maybe, Parasurama excelled
Himself here!
Once a few scholars approached Kakkasseri Bhattathiri, the greatest scholar of them all and
asked him what one should do when in misery. Bhattathiri advised; Pray at the Lotus Feet of
the Divine Mother. Devi Mahatmya proclaims that Mother saves all those unhappy souls
who come to Her. The devotees who come to the Bhagavathy Temple of Cherpu
Padinjattumuri know that it is the absolute truth.
The Chaithanya – Beneficent Spirit
Every temple is a refuge for the pious person; every deity is benevolent. Bhagavathy, the
presiding deity of the ancient temple of Cherpu is something more. She is the Mother and
like a true mother, She is determined to make Her devotees prosper and excel. She is the
deified sweetness of Maternal Love. As Saraswathy, She blesses them with knowledge and
wisdom just as a mother lovingly teaches her children. As Lakshmy, She gives them
prosperity; every mother loves to feed or clothe her beloved. As Parvathy, Bhagavathy gives
them Shakti; a child knows well how comforting it’s mother’s hands are. The devotee can
beg for anything; health, wealth, fame, domestic happiness or knowledge; She grants them
all. A mother is everything for her baby, a teacher, a nurse or a provider. Bhagavathy will
assume any qualities Her devotees want; except that of an angry destroyer.
A special manifestation that the people often invoke here is that of Shanti Durga. The
famous Thantra text Sharada Thilakam describes Her thus: An ocean of Milk and a golden
island growing all kinds of fruit-bearing trees and flowers. Mother Durga sits on a jewel-
encrusted throne in the middle of this island. She is like a golden glow. She wears a golden
dress and jewel studded ornaments. A crescent moon adorns Her head. Her twelve hands
hold weapons representing the different qualities that Her devotees seek. They are the
conch, wheel, sword, shield, bow, arrow, mace, trident, nectar-crock and jewel pot. Two
hands show the sign of refuge and benediction.

15. Kerala has thousands of great temples, some of them very famous. Yet the smiling, tender
Chaithanya of the temple of Padinjattumuri is unique. Bhagavathy is a proud Mother, proud
of Her temple, proud of Her children’s devotion and proud of their Excellence. They do not
have to invoke Her blessings through unbearable austerities and expensive rituals. A tiny
baby does not and need not try to please its mother to make the milk of love flow. Mother’s
Love knows and caresses the devotees. Just visit the temple. Mother wants to bless!
Other Temples
The Kadaampuzha Vishnu Temple situated on the northern side of the Bhagavathy temple is
ancient, at least 2000 years old. The presiding deity here is Vishnu. It used to be a very
prosperous temple and the Sustaining Lord delighted in making His devotees rich. The
passage of time destroyed the beautiful outbuildings, so that the sanctum alone remains
now, yet the Lord is as benevolent as ever. The temple overlooks vast expanses of paddy
fields and the scenery is breathtaking. An artist or architect might shun this small temple but
a true devotee is sure to find a visit here very rewarding indeed.
The Zamorins of Calicut used to be the devotees of Cherpil Bhagavathy. One of them built
the Thaliyilappan temple adjoining the Bhagavathy temple to the south. Here the presiding
deity is Lord Vishnu, the deity of Zamorin’s own Thali temple at Calicut. This temple is also
small but has wonderful Chaithanya. We used to have Thiruvonam Vaaram, Veda singing
and feast, every month here. Childless couples pray here to beget heirs and in the recent
times one of them had so many that he stopped going to the temple! Here Lord Vishnu
manifests Himself in imperial majesty so that the devotees themselves enjoy royal
splendour.
The Location
The ancient Cherpil Bhagavathy temple of Padinjattumuri is situated about thirteen
kilometres south-west of Thrissur aong the Thrissur-Triprayar road. The outstation pilgrims
have to alight at the Thrissur railway station. We have three routes to Triprayar from
Thrissur and the pilgrims have to board the Thrissur-Cherpu-Triprayar bus. They have to get
down at Padinjattumuri. The temple is off the main road so that they have to walk a couple
hundred metres to reach there.
Thrissur-Cherpu-Triprayar bus.
Get down at Padinjattumuri.
Important Offerings (Sevas)
The most important offering here is Chathussatham, made of coconut, jaggery, rice Kadali
Banana fruits and Ghee. It is rather expensive.

16. The temple uses coconut oil for the lamps which is unusual. The devotees offer Niramala;
lighting thousands of wicks all round the temple. The poorer devotees offer small quantities
of coconut oil.
Neippayasam, is another sweet dish which Bhagavathy likes particularly. Mala, garland of
flowers, is another important Seva here.
Bhagavathy really loves Veda. The devotees can offer Murajapam where a scholar recites
Veda.
A special Seva is to offer Neippayasam on three successive Thiruvonams. This is to beget
bridegrooms.
Bhoomi Pooja helps take care of the devotees problems regarding their housing needs and
real estate.
Thrikala Pooja: The devotees offer the three Poojas of a day. Or they can offer
Udayasthamana Pooja, 18 Poojas in a day. Bhagavathy fulfils all their wishes.
An extremely beneficent Seva is the Navapradakshina, going round the temple nine times in
circumambulation on Fridays.
Important Days
Aswathy in the Malayalam month of Meenam marks the beginning of the summer festival.
We offer Chathussatham in the evening and take Bhagavathy’s idol in a colourful procession
around the temple. To offer money as Aswathyppanam is excellent to beget children.
Makeeram marks the formal start of the festival parades. Bhagavathy goes out of the
temple for Arattu. She has processions on all days upto Atham.
Pooyam: The superb festival and procession in Peruvanam
Pooram: The climax of the festival at Arattupuzha.
Uthram: The holiest event in the temple. The temple employee called Brahmani Amma sings
in praise of Bhagavathy. This is the best time to pray at Her feet.
Atham: An elephant pulls down the flagstaff marking the end of the summer festival.
Anizham in Mithuna is Bhagavathy’s reconsecration day, the birthday!
The devotees bring their cows to the temple on the first day of Chingam and take them
round in Pradakshina.
The Navarathry festival, a very colourful one is very holy, the devotees flock here during that
period.

17. The Thiruvonam Pattu in the month of Thulam also is of great significance. The devotees
pray here during the function for prosperous marriage.
The Mandala, the 41 days beginning from the first day of Vrischika used to be the period of
Veda chanting and rituals. Changing times have stopped them but the period remains
auspicious.
The End