Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple

Kerala, Trichur, Thiruvananthapuram

Located at Kodungallur, Thrissur, Kurumba Bhagavati Temple (alternatively Kodungallur Bhagavati Temple) is a famous temple dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali. Here, the deity is popularly known as "Kodungallur Amma". The idol of the goddess is unique as it has eight hands with various attributes like, one hand is holding the head of a demon, another a sword, an anklet, another a bell, and so on.

Legend

According to the legends, Sage Parasurama was harassed by a demon called Daruka. Sage Parasurama prayed to Lord Shiva for help. Lord Shiva advised Parasurama to construct a shrine and install the Shakti Devi as Bhagavathi/Bhadrakali. Parasurama installed the Bhadrakali as advised by Shiva. According to the legends, it was Bhadrakali who killed the Daruka.

Architecture

The Kodungallur Bhagavathy temple is situated in the middle of a plot of land about ten acres, surrounded by banyan and peepal trees. The srikovil is facing north. The western chamber of the inner temple is the seat of Sapthamatrukas (Seven Mothers) who also face north. The idols of Ganapathi and Veerabhadra are found in the chamber, one facing east and the other facing west, respectively. The idol of bhagawati is about seven feet high and made of wood, carved from a jackfruit tree. The idol has eight arms that carry weapons and symbols

To the left of the temple is the walled enclosure which has a peculiar 'Samadhi of Vysoori'. perhaps a medieval shrine deity for smallpox, chicken pox, mumps and other contagious diseases. Devotees offer auspicious turmeric powder which gives credence to the influence of the Goddess and the legend. Its widespread fame is evident through its clean and well-kept sanctuaries. About fifty metres away to the left is a sacred pond (Pushkarini), where devotees bathe before entering the main shrine. It is believed that this pond was created by the goddess by striking the ground with her sword.

Darsan Info

The Kodungallur Bhagavathy temple is open fro 4 AM to 12 noon and from 4 PM to 8 PM

Darsan Dresscode

At Kodungallur Bhagavathy temple , Traditional Kerala Dress code is preferred

Famous Festival

January/February : Thalappoli Festival

March/April : Bharani Festival

Culture

Thrissur is referred to as the cultural nerve center of the state of Kerala. Representing the rich cultural heritage and traditional legacy of the state of Kerala, Thrissur houses several literary and cultural societies that impart training in performing arts of the region. Thrissur celebrates numerous religious and social festivals with much pomp and glory.

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Temple Rituals

The Bharani festival at the Kodungallur Bhagavati temple is one of the grandest in Kerala. The festival usually starts with the ritual called 'Kozhikkallu moodal' which involves the sacrifice of cocks and shedding of their blood, which forms an important feature of this temple. The members of the Kodungallur Bhagavathy temple are allowed to participate in this ritual. It is to appease the goddess Kali and her demons who take delight in blood offerings. 'Kavu Theendal', another important event of the festival, overseen by the King of Kodungallur where Vellichapads (oracles) make a run around the temple waving their sabres in the air while the members of their retinue offer reverence over the inner quadrangle. They make cry of abuse at the goddess in bawdy language. Their abuse is said to be accepted by the goddess followed by the purification ceremony the next day. Chandanapoti Charthal is yet another festival of smearing the image with sandal paste.