Varakkal Sree Durga Deavi Temple
The shrine is located in West Hill within the town. It is one of the 108 Durga temples and the last one founded by Parasurama. The deity is Durga Devi (Bhagawathy).
This temple was once a promotion centre of art and cultural activities of Malabar in the long past.
There are sub-deities – Ganapathy and Dakshinamoorthy. For Ayyappan there is a shrine outside the premises of Durga Devi temple.
The legend says, upon the penance of Parasuraman in Threthayuga (a particular ancient period), Durga Devi appeared and said I will be present in Theertharoopam on the Chothi star day and Vavu (full moon day) to bless the devotees. Following this, Parasuraman erected the temple.
In the initial period of the temple there were proper daily rituals. Afterwards the rituals were given holiday for lack of funds or some other reasons. The people of the region started experiencing impact of negligence to the shrine. Hearing this, the rulers at the time, Perumallors, came on the scene and arranged for daily rituals. Soon the shrine leaped into the position of Mahakshetra (big temple). Later, Zamorins took charge of the temple, renovated and modified the structure to the present state. Even today the temple is managed by Zamorin family.
Mahanivedyam is the most important ritual. Pushpanjali, Padivilakku, Naivilakku, Thrikalapooja, Swayamvara Pushpanjali, Santhana Gopala Pooja, Ganapathy Homam, Thila Homam are the other offerings.
The festival is Navarathri which is celebrated with great fanfare. Vavu Bali (a ritual for the departed souls) is conducatd on the full moon day in the month of Thulam (October/November). Thousands of people who have undergone fast the previous day assemble on Varakkal beach and the priests of the temple administer the ceremonies for each individual who performs the Vavu Bali for his dear and near departed souls. The perception is that the Vavu Bali satisfies the departed souls and they stand guard to the living dear and near ones.
