Ponekavu Bhagavathy Temple,Bharani Utsavam.

About this event

Ponekavu Bhagavathy Sastha Temple at Pulluvazhy near Perumbavoor in Ernakulam district is an old Bhagavathy shrine whose principal deity is worshipped in a form of Bhadrakali. The temple complex also includes shrines dedicated to Vana Durga, Sastha and other associated deities, reflecting the layered devotional traditions of a Kerala kavu. Its principal annual celebration is the Thiru Utsavam, observed on the Bharani star in the Malayalam month of Meenam, which generally falls in March or April. The festival is centred on temple worship and traditional rituals, with the deity honoured through special poojas and offerings. An important ritual associated with the Thiru Utsavam is Chanthaatt, which forms a distinctive part of the temple's annual observance. The festival's timing according to the Bharani nakshatra gives it a close connection with the wider Bhagavathy worship traditions found across Kerala, while the specific customs of Panekavu reflect the local religious heritage of Pulluvazhy. The temple is also associated with a natural stream flowing beside the shrine, traditionally connected with Lord Ayyappa and regarded locally as part of the sacred landscape. Regular worship is conducted at the temple throughout the year, including special poojas on the first Friday and Saturday of each English month. The annual Thiru Utsavam provides an opportunity for devotees to participate in the temple's established ritual practices and seek the blessings of Bhagavathy. Rather than treating the occasion simply as a public cultural programme, the festival is best understood within the devotional setting of the temple and its traditional observances. The Bharani-day celebration brings together worship, ritual, music and community participation in a manner characteristic of Kerala's local Bhagavathy shrines. For visitors interested in the state's temple heritage, Panekavu offers an example of a comparatively localised festival tradition in which the annual ritual calendar remains closely connected to the identity of the shrine and surrounding community. The festival's significance lies particularly in its continuity of worship and its distinctive ritual customs, including Chanthaatt, rather than in large-scale spectacle.

🚆 Railway: Pulluvazhy is the nearest local railway point listed for the temple; Aluva Railway Station is the nearest major railway station, approximately 20 km away.

✈️ Airport: Cochin International Airport — approximately 20–25 km from the temple by road.

🚌 Bus: Pulluvazhy is the nearest bus locality, with road connections to Perumbavoor and surrounding towns. The temple is located on PKV Road in Pulluvazhy.

🏨 Stay: Hotels and lodges are available in Perumbavoor, with additional accommodation options in nearby towns.

✅ Notes: The main Thiru Utsavam is held annually on the Bharani star day of Meenam (March–April). Chanthaatt is an important ritual associated with the festival. Exact annual timings and ritual arrangements should be confirmed with the temple before visiting.