Ponnakudam Bhagavathy Temple, one of the oldest temples in the Kalamassery Municipality, is located at Thevakkal in Kanayannur taluk of Ernakulam district, Kerala. This traditional Hindu temple, dedicated to Goddess Sree Vana Durga, lies about 1 km from Kangarappady and 2 km from Kalamassery Government Medical College. The temple is situated amidst a dense forest, enhancing its mystical and serene atmosphere. Believed to be one of the 108 Durga temples established by the legendary sage Parasurama, Ponnakudam Bhagavathy Temple is thought to be over 1200 years old, although concrete historical evidence is lacking. The temple spans over 8 acres of forested land, adding to its allure. The more continuous practice of worship at this temple is reputed to cure life-threatening diseases, drawing devotees seeking divine intervention and blessings. The primary deity, Ponnakudathamma, is worshipped for granting prosperity and protection. Devotees believe that she protects them from enemies, alleviates Sarpa Dosha, facilitates marriages for unmarried women, helps the unemployed find jobs, and bestows wealth and relief from diseases. It is also believed that the prasadam from this temple can provide immunity against smallpox and other contagious diseases. These beliefs attract devotees from far and wide, reinforcing the temple’s spiritual significance. The temple’s sacred grove, known as Ponnakkudam Kavu, spans eight and a half acres and is a biodiversity-rich area managed by the Sree Ponnakudom Bhagavathy Devaswom Trust. This grove, owned by the Ponnakudam family, is an ecological haven featuring a diverse array of flora and fauna. It is a paradise for nature enthusiasts, bird watchers, and environmentalists, hosting over 100 species of birds, both resident and migratory. The grove contains 4,600 different species of plants and trees, including 19 endangered species listed in the IUCN Red Data Book, such as Ateria indica, Holigarna arnotiana, and Szygium travancoricum. One unique feature of the temple compound is the Nakshatravanam, a garden comprising 27 trees associated with the 27 birth stars according to Indian astrology. Each tree is believed to have medicinal, social, or aesthetic value, and it is thought that planting a tree corresponding to one's birth star can bring prosperity and happiness. The main temple, located within the sacred grove, exudes a sense of ancient aristocracy. Adjacent to the temple is an old aristocratic ettukettu, a traditional Kerala architectural structure featuring two inner spaces, unlike the naalukettu, which has one inner space called nadumuttam. This ettukettu is part of the tharavad (ancestral home) of the Ponnakudam family. The Ponnakudam Devasom Trust, a family trust, oversees the management of the grove and the temple, ensuring that the spiritual, ecological, and cultural heritage of this sacred site is preserved. The temple and its surroundings serve not only as a place of worship but also as a sanctuary for biodiversity, cultural heritage, and communal harmony.