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Navratri is one of the major festivals in India. It is celebrated in each state in a very unique way. From observing fast and preparing sweets to exchanging gifts and dancing to traditional music, the festival takes various forms in very state.
The 9 nights of Navratri are for worshipping Goddess Durga, the Goddess of power If the goddess is Kali in a temple of South India, she can or may be called as Durga in a North Indian temple.
Located in the Palakkad district of Kerala, Emoor Bhagavathy Temple is one such temple that can be visited during this Navratri.
Emoor Bhagavathy Temple is also known as Kallekulangara Bhagavathy Kshethram and Kaipathi Ambalam (temple of the hand) and Hemambika Temple. An interesting fact about this temple is that only the hands of the Goddess is worshipped here. Goddess Durga is worshipped here as Hemambika.
It is believed that the deity here takes three forms through the day - Saraswati in the morning, Lakshmi at noon and Durga in the evening. The rituals performed here vary according to the form being worshipped.
Legend has it that the hands of the Goddess emerged from a pond, which turned to a stone as a devotee tried to feel and touch it. Another popular belief is that the two hands symbolizes a girl who was molested and jumped into the pond seeking for help form Lord Shiva.
Photo Courtesy: Temple Website
Emoor Bhagavathy Temple is one among the famous 4 Ambika Temples in South India that was installed by Lord Parasurama. The other three temples are Balambika in Kanyakumari, Lokambika in Vadakara and Mookambika in Kollur.
Festivals of the Temple
All the major festivals of Kerala like Vishu and Onam are celebrated here with great fervour and gaiety. The nine days of Navratri is also observed here with music and other performances by popular musicians. During Mandala season, kalam ezhuthu paattu (a ritual performed in temples) is performed here to invite prosperity by destroying all evil powers.
Photo Courtesy: Temple Website
How to Reach the Temple
Hemambika Temple is located at Kallekulangara which is around 7km from Palakkad town, on Malampuzha road. To find details on reaching Palakkad, click here.
Visit this temple during this Navratri season and get the blessings of Goddess Durga!
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