Kallil Bhagavathi Temple
Located at Ernakulam, Kerala, Kallil Bhagavathy temple is
one of the famous cave temples in Kerala. It is also of the most ancient Jain
temple in Kerala. The idol which was worshipped here was that of Jain Goddess
Padmavathy Devi. Padmavati devi is worshipped here as Bhagawathi by the local
population. Other than Padmavati Devi, there are rock-carved images of the 23rd
Tirthankara, Parshvanatha, Vardhaman Mahavira (24th Tirthankara) are present in
the temple.
Location Kerala, Ernakulam, Thiruvananthapuram
Legend
According to the legends, once people who were gathering
logs, food in the dense forest saw a divinely beautiful lady playing with huge
stones. They were curious to know as to who that beautiful lady was. When they
came near the lady, the lady hid herself in the cave forming a cover with the
stones she was playing with. The lady was none other than Kallil Bhagavathi.
The stone that went up became the roof and the one stone that
fell down became the seat of the Goddess.
Architecture
Kallil Bhagavathi Temple is originally a 9th century old
Jain Temple spread over 28 acre of land. There is a huge rock in the temple
area and to reach the main temple one have to climb 120 steps. The rock-cut
cave portion has three rooms, the first room being the main shrine facing east
with Lord Siva and Goddess Durga, the second room on the southern side is used
as a store and the third room on the northern side houses idol of Naga.
Culture
The northern areas of erstwhile Kochi dynasty is known for
very old temples, indicating the deep rooted Vedic culture.
Darsan Info
Kallil Bhagavathi Temple is open from 6 AM to 11 AM
The idol being worshipped as Goddess Durga used to be that
of Sree Padmavati during the Jain period and the idol of Vardhamana Mahavira is
being worshipped now as Lord Siva. Idols of Lord Vishnu, Ganapati and Ayyappa
were installed in the same cave later on. The fascinating feature about the
temple is the mystery on how the boulder of size 50ft x 25 t x 15 ft stays atop
the temple without any damage for so long. Idol of Lord Brhama can be seen
carved at the huge rock . The three trinity i.e Brhama, Shiva and Vishnu are
also worshiped here.
Darsan Dresscode
At Kallil Bhagavathi Temple , Kerala traditional attire is
preferred.
Famous Festival
April/May :Kalashavaarshika Maholsavam
July/August : Ramayana Masam
August/September : Navaraathri Maholsavam
September/October : Aayilyam Pooja
Kaarthika star of malayalam month is very important day at
Kallil Bhagavathi temple. Yearly Festival - Thrikkaarthika Maholsavam.
Ulsavabali is on the 6th day, Valiyavilakku on the seventh day. Idithozhal is
an important ceremony that helds at 12 pm on the day of "Karthika".
Temple Rituals
Daily rituals of Kallil Bhagavathi Temple are completed
before noon and the temple closes after the ucha (afternoon) pooja. Evening
poojas are done only during the festival days.
Additional Info
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Eateries near Kallil Bhagavathi Temple
Annapoorna Hotel MC Road, Kaduval Junction, Kanjirakad,
Perumbavoor, Kerala 683542 Phone:099619 91338
Saravana Bhavan Main Central Road, Perumbavoor, Kerala 683542
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