Karthyayani Devi Temple, Cherthala

The Karthyayani Devi Temple in Cherthala is a well-known Hindu temple whose goddess is believed to have been consecrated by the saint Vilwamangalam Swamiyar on his way back from installing the deity at the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The main image, in the form of a formless Shivalinga, sits on a platform below ground level and is regarded as swayambhu, self-formed. As Mangalya Dayini, the goddess is prayed to for prosperity and the removal of obstacles to young women's marriages.

Among the sub-deities, Dharmasastha, known here as Kavudayon, holds special importance and receives an offering called Aalthadi from devotees hoping for relief from illness. Other offerings include Iratti, Kalabham, Swayamvara Pushpanjali and Thalappoli, when women carry lit lamps in the goddess's procession. While most Kerala temples hold Aarattu once a year, here it takes place twice a day during the annual festival, and the Cherthala pooram is a major event.