Varanad devi temple, hosting garudan thookkam on meena bharani festival

Varanad devi temple, goddess bhagavathy in riding on vethala posture located at cherthala

Varanad is small village located about 3 km away from cherthala in alappuzha district. varanad devi temple is one of the ancient temple in the district to worship goddess bhagavathy as main deity is in riding on vethala posture. varanad devi temple is famous for hosting garudan thookkam event. according to hindu legends it says that goddess in the sanctum represents the form after killing the cruel demon darika to save her devotees from the violation of darika and goddess ready to bless her devotees. varanad devi temple is famous for hosting many festivals and offerings, there are thousands of devotees headed to the spot to achieve the blessings of bhagvathy.

Timing

Varanad devi temple having the great nature beauty by the presence of the mangrove, this mangrove is commonly known as nakshathrakavu, according to the astrology each 27 nakshthra has its own tree to representing that nakshthra, so that 27 trees totally represent 27 nakshathra. lord shiva, raktheswari devi and kodum kali are the sub deities in the kshethra. guruthy abhishekam is the main offering at the nada of kodum kali. it normally conduct in the night. devotees pray to raktheswari to obtain the relief from the diseases. ponkala is the main offering at this kshethra by process of making dish with jaggery and rice.

garudan thookam

Kumbha bharani festival is the main event at varanad which usually falls in february or march which lasts for 14 days, garudan thookam is the core part of meena bharani festival which conduct on the last day of festival, many devotees take part in the garudan thookam event. it will easy to reach at the destination, cherthala is the nearest city at a distance 3.5 km and having the KSRTC bus terminal. nearest rail head also at cherthala at a distance of 5 km. nearest possible airport is nedumbasseri at a distance of 65 km.