Puttingal Temple

Puttingal Temple is in the coastal town of Paravur in Kollam district, Kerala. It is said to have been founded after the goddess made her presence felt on an ant hill, and its name comes from puttu, Malayalam for ant hill. The main festival falls on the day of the Bharani star in the month of Meenam, when poojas are accompanied by fireworks and cultural events.

The temple is also remembered for a tragedy. On 10 April 2016 a cracker fell onto a shed in which fireworks were stored, setting off an explosion that killed 114 people and injured over 350. No official permission had been given for the display, and a case was later registered.