Cholakkara Durga Bhagavati temple

Revival of Cholakkara Bhagavathi temple in Malappuram that were destroyed during 1921 riots.

Background:

During the 1921 Moplah Riots, the rioters destroyed the temple and forced the caretaker family to leave. When they refused, the daughter was violated. With no hope, the family left the temple and all their property. The idol of the Goddess was then dismembered using sharp weapons. The Goddess was discovered with head, hands and legs cut off.

The revival of the temple is happening a century after the cruel incidents.

90 years after

In 2012, a few villagers decided to restore the Cholakkara temple from the ruins. They formed a committee , cleared the temple and tried to restore the temple.

The efforts fizzled out with the neighbours who don’t believe in idol worship blocked the restoration of the temple physically, laid claims over the temple land and filed a case in civil court for injunction order against temple restoration.

Hundred years after riots

The temple was documented by UgraNarasimha Charitable Trust as part of the #ReclaimTemples project. The UgraNarasimha trust decided to spearhead the revival of this ancient temple.

The process started in March 2022.

Legal Cases

There are two legal cases, one is a civil case against temple restoration and other is a criminal case. Legal cases were dealt with appropriately so that the temple restoration can continue.

Restart of worshipThe worship at the temple was restarted on 7 Mar 2022. Certain kriyas were done to awaken the Deity and increase the Divinity at the location.

Restart of worship

7 March, 2022

The worship at the temple restarted and certain kriyas were done to awaken the Deity and increase the Divinity at the location. Rest of the process will also happen as per Shastras and following the ways of Dharma.

Construction of Balalaya

Since the entire temple is in ruins, the first step is to shift the Goddess to a temporary Garbagriha called Balalaya where She can be worshipped till the restoration of the temple is over.

So the first process was to construct a temporary Garbagriha. This was difficult as the people around the temple is very hostile and has tried to block access to this ancient temple. The only path available is a foot pathway where we cant use bikes or cars for transportation.

So the temporary Garbagriha was made using light but strong materials that can safeguard the Deity from the vagaries of nature. Also a storage shed/ temporary office space was built.

Attempts were made to block the construction of even the temporary structures, but work was completed.

Balalaya Pratishta

16 April, 2023

Finally the Goddess was shifted to temporary Garbagriha, in the presence of devotees and priests. During the ceremonies the Priests have experienced an extremely benevolent form of Goddess Durga who is very favourably disposed towards all her devotees.

Next step is to dismantle the Garbagriha and restore it after strengthening the foundations. Before dismantling we are planning to bring the stones and all construction materials to the temple site.

Bhagavati Sewa

1 October, 2023

Before the Garbagriha was dismantled for restoration, Bhagavathi Sewa was held at the temple.

Dismantling of the Garbagriha

The Garbagriha had to be dismantled as the entire foundation was affected and alignment changed. This was completed on October 2023.

Shilanyas

19 November, 2023

Shilanyas rituals was performed in the morning hours by Temple Priest Sanoop Namboothiri. UgraNarasimha Charitable Trust Managing Trustee Muraleedharan T, and Neelakandan Moosath of the family who had to abandon temple a century before, performed the Shilanyas.

Foundation Work

20 November, 2023

The foundation work of the temple started the next day after the Shilanyas.

25 December, 2023

The foundation work of Cholakkara Durga Temple in Malappuram was completed and the granite stone work was started for the base of Garbhagriha.

The old stones will be polished and reused, and the broken ones will be replaced.

1 February, 2024

The stone work for the temple has been going full fledgedly. These stones will help in making the temple strong by its roots which will go on to stand still for the future generations to see.

9 February, 2024

Stone Work speeds up as the artisans take charge in making complete use of the resources available.

Many old stones show cracks, making it unstable. There are signs of hammering, as the temple was destroyed during the 1921 Moplah riots. Has to be replaced by new stones.

22 February, 2024

Stone work progresses further as carving is almost completed and is being set in the temple.

4 March, 2024

The stones in the temple begin to take shape of the structure, and work progresses further.

18 March, 2024

With the support and devotion of our bhakts we are working on the project with great efforts to restore it at the earliest. Some updated shots.

29 April, 2024

For almost a century as ruins, the Cholakkara Bhagvati Temple’s condition has deteriorated over time, with our efforts we are trying to rebuild it completely.

The deepening and cleaning of the well has started and it will ensure effective use of it for temple purposes.

7 June, 2024

The temple begins to take structure but to proceed further we need more resources and aid from the firm believers.

14 June, 2024

The first two granite layers which were broken during riots were brought to the temple premises. Since the temple is under blockade due to encroachment on all sides, all heavy stones had to be brought through a difficult route.

Efforts are also underway by the usual people to somehow block the revival of the ancient temple. With the blessings of the Great Goddess, we will complete the revival.

Join us and be our part in the pursuit of justice and revival of this sacred temple.

The restoration of the temple is progressing day by day, it is the result of the constant effort of our team and the valuable donations of our supporters.
Such worsening conditions of the temple requires much more renovation along with new structures built, it is not only the need to revive the temples but also it naturally becomes our responsibility to take care of our old rooted culture.

It is our roots and culture which is our identity, and what defines us. If not we take this initiative then who will.

We request all the bhakts reading this to do the best of their ability in helping us making this movement a success.