About Puttingal Temple
Opening hours: Morning: 05:00 AM - 10:00 AM; Evening: 05:00 PM - 07:45 PM
Prime Day & Hours: Weekends, morning and evening Aarti
Suggested Duration: 1 - 2 hours
Tickets: Free entry
Nearest Railway Station: Kappil Railway Station, about 5.3 km away
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport, about 180.9 km away
Nearest Bus Stop: Paravur Municipal Bus Stand, about 800 meters away
The Puttingal Temple, located in Paravur, Kollam, is a well-known Hindu shrine dedicated to Goddess Durga, known locally as Puttingal Bhagavathy. This temple is of religious importance and numerous devotees visit here throughout the year, especially during the Meena Bharani Festival. This temple is nationally known now because of an unfortunate fireworks mishap that took place in 2016. The temple has now restored its architecture and continues to host festivals and celebrations. The temple is an example of Kerala’s classic architecture and traditional temple design, making it one of the best places to visit in Kollam. Devotees visit here for peaceful prayers, cultural experiences, and the iconic fireworks show.
The temple stands beautifully aligned with the Kerala-style architecture and its aesthetic appeal. Radiating strong spiritual energy, this temple is one of the major devotional places in Kerala. The Puttingal Temple creates a strong sense of devotion among devotees and is marked as a significant place for devotees or visitors to visit.
Puttingal Temple Highlights
• Witness the spiritual power of the Puttingal Temple, Kollam, by offering prayers to Goddess Bhagavathi.
• Get a chance to attend the grand Meena Bharani Festival, a key cultural and religious event in Kollam.
• Admire the temple’s Kerala-style architecture, featuring tiled roofs, complex wooden carvings, and a sanctum.
• Enjoy the fireworks tradition during which the sky shimmers and creates a sight to behold.
• Immerse yourself in the temple’s spiritual ambience where the devotees perform age-old rituals and pray through methods passed down through generations.
How To Reach Puttingal Temple
By car/taxi: The Puttingal Temple is about 24 km from Kollam city centre, you can reach there in around 45 minutes via Paravur - Chathannoor Rd. Visitors can also take taxis from the city centre to the Puttingal Temple.
Best Time To Visit Puttingal Temple
Peak Season (March to April)
- Weather Insights: Warm and dry days with temperatures ranging between 25°C to 35°C.
- Things to Do: Witness the famous Meena Bharani Festival, enjoy traditional art performances, and experience the iconic fireworks display.
Moderate Season (November to February)
- Weather Insights: Pleasant winter weather with cool mornings and evenings, ranging between 20°C to 30°C.
- Things to Do: Attend daily temple rituals, explore nearby temples in Kollam, and enjoy local street food after darshan.
Low Season (June to September)
- Weather Insights: Heavy monsoon rains with high humidity and slippery conditions, and temperatures ranging from 24°C to 30°C.
Things to Do: Limited temple activities; avoid travel unless necessary. Great for quiet spiritual reflection indoors.
Puttingal Temple Other Essential Information
Know Before You Go
- Dress modestly in traditional or temple-appropriate clothing to show respect to the deity and local customs.
- Do not carry plastic or non-ecofriendly items, as the temple authorities encourage eco-conscious behaviour.
- Check timings for local festivals like Meena Bharani to make sure you do not miss any ritual.
- Be patient during the festival time, and maintain queue etiquette.
- Take permission from the temple authority before taking pictures inside the temple.
Attend the Meena Bharani Festival
Visitors can attend the annual Meena Bharani Festival, where vibrant rituals are performed, an elephant parade is displayed, and devotional music is played. This is the major festival at the temple, having deep spiritual and cultural significance, making it a must-see for visitors and travellers looking to indulge in Kerala’s age-old traditions.
Watch the Fireworks Display
Witness a beautiful fireworks display at the temple, which is now held under strict safety guidelines and precautionary measures. Standing among the crowd and watching the fireworks light up the sky is one of the best experiences this temple has to offer.
Explore the Cultural Harmony of Paravur
Visitors can walk along the streets of Paravur to experience the local culture and heritage of the village. You will come across small tea stalls, welcoming locals, and warm treatment. You can also taste local south indian dishes from the food shacks available in all the markets.
Tourism Board Alliances
Puttingal Temple FAQs
What is the significance of the Puttingal Temple?
The Puttingal temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga, who is locally known as Puttingal Bhagavathy. It is one of Kerala’s well-known shrines and is believed to be spiritually powerful. The temple is believed to be a centre for granting wishes and protecting devotees from evil. It is also known for its grand festivals like Meena Bharani, which celebrates goddess divine energy.
Are non-Hindus allowed inside the Puttingal Temple?
Yes, non-Hindus are allowed to visit the temple and observe the architecture as well as offer prayers to the goddess. However, entry into the sanctum sanctorum might be reserved. Visitors are expected to dress appropriately according to the norms of the religious place and follow the rules and regulations of the temple.
Is there any accommodation available near the temple?
Yes, there are a number of accommodation facilities available near the temple, including budget homestays and hotels. Many devotees also opt to stay at temple guesthouses or in Kollam city, which is around 25 km away and well-connected by road.
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