Located in Thiruvananthapuram, Karikkakom Sree Chamundi Devi Temple or Karikkakom Devi Templeis an ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Chamundi. In this temple, Chamundi Devi is worshiped in three different forms: Maha Chamundi, Raktha Chamundi, and Bala Chamundi. The temple is more than 600 years old. Karikkakom Pongala festival is second most famous pongala next to Attukal Devi Pongala.

Location Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Thiruvananthapuram

Legend

According to the legends, during the reign of the Maharajas, the Karikkakom Devi Temple was utilized as a venue for imparting justice and truth. Accused culprits were brought to the temple and were allowed to proclaim their innocence in front of Raktha Chamundeswari's sanctum. The culprits had to put 21 panam or coins in the nada and promise to tell the truth. It is believed that the Devi will protect them if they were truthful and punish them if they

were not. Therefore, nobody dared to tell a lie in front of the deity.

Architecture

Karikkakom Sree Chamundi Devi Temple is built in Dravidian style of architecture. The temple is situated on the midst of evergreen scenery surrounded on all sides by coconut palms and other lush green plants. The main Sreekovil enshrines Goddess Chamundeswari. The temple also has separate shrines for Goddess Raktha Chamundi, Goddess Bala Chamundi, Sree Dharmashasta, Lord Maha Ganapathy, Bhuvaneswari, Ayiravalli (Mountain Goddess), Nagaraja, Yakshi, and Yogiswaran (Yogeeswaran). However, there is no idol in the Raktha Chamundi Nada (shrine) - a wall painting of Devi in Rowdra Bhava (ferocious state) can be seen on the wall of the Nada.

Devotees regardless of caste, creed and race are allowed to enter the temple.

Culture

Thiruvananthapuram has always been the administrative capital, earlier it was for Travancore dynasty, later for the Kerala State. So it also is home for some of the oldest temples and is the seat for the culture.

Darsan Info

Karikkakom Devi Temple is open on all days. The temple opens daily at 5 AM to 11:30 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM.

Darsan Dresscode

At Karikkakom Devi Temple, Kerala traditional wear is advised, with dhoti or mundu for men and saree or traditional Indian wear for women.

Famous Festival

March - Pongala

April - Pongala

Pongala is a main festival celebrated at Karikkakom Devi Temple. The Makam nakshatra in the Malayalam month of Meenam is regarded as the star of Goddess Chamundi Devi. Devotees from all over Trivandrum district and the nearby districts visit the temple to offer Pongala (Rice Pudding cooked in traditional earthen pots) to the Goddess.

Temple Rituals

Chamundi Devi herself is considered a fierce form of Kali, but the same Chamundi Devi is worshipped at Karikkakom Devi Temple in three different forms in three different adjacent sanctums situated adjacently. An idol of the Devi is located in the extreme left main sanctum. There is no vigraha (idol) in Rakta Chamundi nada but only a wall painting of the Devi in a Rowdra Bhava. Bala Chamundi Devi, as the name suggests, is in childhood form.

Special Rituals

The Chamundi Devi form in the main sanctum of Karikkakom Devi Temple is considered as in a calm state, whereas Raktha Chamundi is considered as fierce, but helps devotees to fulfill their wishes. It is believed that if offerings and prayers are given to Raktha Chamundi Devi, she will remove obstacles and problems caused by enemies, cure chronic ailments, and so on. Bala Chamundi Devi, as the name suggests, is in childhood form. Couples without a child worship her and present articles like cradles and toys to be blessed with a child. Offerings given to the Devi also help cure ailments in children.

Additional Info

  

Eateries near Karikkakom Devi Temple

Sagara Restaurant

GPO Junction | Vazhuthacaud, Trivandrum 695001, India

Phone: 0471 2333434

Hotel New Aaryas Restaurant

Bypass, Venpalavattom, Trivandrum 695029, India

Phone: 0471-3219991

 

  Supermarket : Available