Cholakkara Bhagavati temple
Revival of Cholakkara Bhagavathi temple in Malappuram that were destroyed during 1921 riots.
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.
Restart of worship
The 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. 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
Finally the Goddess was shifted to temporary Garbagriha on 16 April 2023 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.