Pulpalli Sita devi , lava, kusha temple , Wayanad
Compiled by
P.R.Ramachander
The Sree Seetha Devi Lava Kusa Temple at Pulpally in Wayanad
district has a unique position among the temples of Kerala, and it is
also among the rarest temples in India, for it is one of the only known temples
to have installed deities of Lava and Kusha, children of Sree Rama and Seetha
Devi, with active worship continuing. The legend of Sita, and her
children Lava and Kusa is closely linked to this temple. It
is believed that even the name Pulpally is connected to the bed of grass
(Dharbha) on which Lava is believed to have played as a child.
The temple pond is one of the largest in Wayanad. The
etymological meaning of "Seetha" denotes soil or earth. This place
and the surrounding areas are believed to be the key places in the Hindu epic
Ramayana. It is believed that when Seetha was abandoned by Rama, she reached
Pulpally and was given shelter by the great Sage Valmiki. The place in Pulpally
where Sita gave birth to Lava and Kusa, is called Valmiki Ashramam.
Chedattinkavu or the Sree Chedattinkaavilamma Seethadevi Temple, is the
original temple or 'moolasthanam' of Pulpally Temple. These two sites are also
open for the public to visit. The Valmiki Ashramam, is to this day maintained
in its original ashramam like appearance.
According to the legend Lava and Kusa the two sons of Seetha
Devi stopped and caught the horse sent by Rama as part of the Ashwamedha. When
Rama came to free the horse, he saw Seetha and immediately she disappeared in
the earth, her mother.
While going down, her hair was caught by Rama and thus the
name Chedattinkavu or Jadayattakavu to the spot. Chedattilamma (Seetha Devi) is
the presiding deity of this temple along with Sapthamathrukkal. This temple is
only 1km away from the present Sita Temple. Nei (ghee) vilakku is a main
offering here.
The Seetha Devi temple of Pulpally was constructed by Sri
Pazhassi Raja in the 18th century. He managed the temple for many years. The
meetings and discussions with his army chieftains were held in the courtyard of
this temple. Later the management of this temple came in the hands of the
Kuppathode family and the renowned Nair family in Wayanad. At that time most of
the important temples in Wayanad were managed by different Nair families. The
moopil nair (the chief) of Kuppathod family stayed at Nellaratt edom the
headquarters of the family. Even now, a member of this family is designated as
the trustee for the management of the temple.
During the military assault, Tipu sultan of Mysore planned
to destroy this temple. But it is believed that he had to retreat because of
the darkness created at noon by the supreme power of Goddess Seetha.
Another remarkable thing about this temple is that leeches,
that are very common in most parts of Wayanad are not found in the area
surrounding this temple. According to the legend, goddess Seetha cursed the
leeches that bit Lava and Kusa and banished them from Pulpally. Another
significant thing about this place is that a large number of termite mounds
(valmeekam) can be seen at different spots. This is associated with the sage
Valmiki, who authored the Ramayana. The temple festival, celebrated in the
first week of January, also considered to be the regional festival, is attended
by a large number of people belonging to different castes and creed.
Best time to visit Seetha Devi Temple
The temple festival takes place in January and is the best time to visit the
shrine. January-February is also the best seasons to visit since the
temperatures are mild. Summers from March-June can be scorching, whereas,
Kerala experiences heavy rainfall during its monsoon season from July-Septemb
Getting there:
Nearest Airport: Calicut International Airport, about 111 km
Nearest Railway Station: Kozhikode Railway Station, about 102 km
Nearest Bus Station: Pulpally Bus Station, about 280 m
