Located in the village of Koduman, Pathanamthitta, Kerala, Palliyara Sree Bhagavathy Temple also known as Koduman Chilanthi Ambalam is a famous temple dedicated to Goddess Palliara Devi. The temple is famous for the treatment of spider poisoning and related insect bites. The water of the Chilanthikinar (well) in the premises of this temple is believed to cure skin diseases.

Location Kerala, Alapuzzha, Thiruvananthapuram

Legend

According to the legends, King Ravindran Vikraman, the erstwhile king of Chenneerkara Swaroopam, a small sovereign state in erstwhile Kerala was also a renowned Ayurvedic physician and filled his palace with traditional herbs and medicines. He had three daughters, but no male heir. As he had no descendant to don his mantle and carry forward his healing skills, the king buried his precious collection of herbs all around his palace before he died. Tragedy struck after that- his eldest daughter died of small pox and the second had an untimely death. His youngest daughter began thapas (rigorous meditation) in the  palliyara (royal chamber). As per the Legend, the princess always had a spider on her body. She attained samadi and thus ended King Ravindran Vikraman's bloodline. Later, a copper plate found in the palace nominated a member of the Mannadi Vakkapanjippuzha Mutt as the King's successor. However, nobody dared to enter the Palliara. Finally, one day, after several years, the palliara opened on its own and inside, where the Princess sat in Samadhi, was the image of a beautiful goddess in the form of a spider. The sweet scent of medicinal herbs wafted in from the well in the palace grounds and those who drank the water or washed their faces with it were cured of ailments. The Palliyara came to be known as the Kodumon Chilanthi Kshethram.

Architecture

The Kodumon Chilanthiy Ambalam is built in Pallava style of architecture.

Culture

Chengannur has a got a rich cultural history, with a long lineage of traditional artists and artisans being born there. Also, the region is home to some of the oldest temples in the State. A legend related to the temple is associated with King Shakhibhadran of Chenneerkara Swaroopam, a small sovereign state, who is the author of the first Sanskrit play from these regions titled 'Ashcharya Choodamani'. The construction of the nearby Vaikindapuram Temple is attributed to King Shakthibhadran.

Darsan Info

It is believed to be only one of its kind in India, where a temple is installed for those ailing and suffering from spider poison or toxins.  The temple continues to attract thousands of devotees from far and near for the purpose of divine healing.

Darsan Dresscode

Traditional Kerala dress is advised for Darshan at Kodumon Chilanthiy Ambalam.

Famous Festival

Jan \ Feb :- Chandra Pongala

Nov\Dec :- Temple Annual Festival

Temple Rituals

Devotees afflicted by spider bites come to Kodumon Chilanthi Kshethram for a cure. They perform special poojas and give offerings to the deity. It is also believed that the water in the well near the temple has miraculous curative powers to heal skin diseases.

Special Rituals

The Chandra Pongala, offering of sweet rice cooked in pots by women on the temple premises, is celebrated at Kodumon Chilanthi Kshethram on the full moon day in Makaram (January-February).

Additional Info

 

Eateries near Kodumon Chilanthiy Ambalam: -

Aryaas Vegetarian Restaurant

Supermarket : Available