Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple – Powerful Devi Shrine
Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple, also known as Sree Kurumba Bhagavati Temple stands in Kodungallur in the Thrissur District of Kerala, India. This ancient historic temple is dedicated to the Goddess Bhadrakali, a manifestation of Mahakali or Durga or Aadi Parashakthi. Recognized as "Sri Kurumba," signifying The Mother of Kodungallur, this temple is the primary among the 64 Bhadrakali temples in Kerala. As one of the oldest functioning temples in India, this Mahakali temple portrays the Goddess in her fierce ('ugra') form facing North, adorned with eight hands carrying various attributes, such as the head of the demon king Daruka, a sickle-shaped sword, an anklet, a bell, and more. Crafted from jackfruit tree wood, the seven-feet-high idol is a powerful representation of Goddess Bhadrakali and is considered one of the most potent Shakti Peetas in Kerala.
Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple - Kerala
According to the priests of the Kodungallur temple, in ancient times, it was a Shiva shrine. Parasurama is said to have installed the idol of Bhadrakali near one of the Shiva idols. Legend has it that Kannaki Amman, the heroine of Ilango Adigal's Tamil story Silappathikaram, achieved salvation at this temple. She came to Kodungallur, prayed to Bhadrakali, and became one with the idol. The temple, surrounded by banyan and peepal trees, features traditional Kerala architecture and offers a visually and spiritually enriching experience.
The renowned Kodungallur Temple hosts the annual Bharani Festival, a unique seven-day event. It kicks off with the 'Kozhikkallu Moodal' ritual, involving cock sacrifice and bloodshed to appease Goddess Kali followed by the ritual of purification known as Kavu Theendal on the next day. The most bizarre ritual is Bharani Pattu, featuring esoteric songs believed to pacify the goddess and prevent harm to the world.
Entry/Darshan Time
5 AM to 12 PM
4 PM to 8 PM
Specialty
Kodungallur Temple is regarded as the head of 64 Bhadrakali temples in Kerala.
Kodungallur Temple is one of the oldest functioning temples in India.
Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple is unique for its annual Bharani Festival, where devotees engage in a rare ritual of verbally abusing the deity. Surprisingly, this unconventional ritual called Bharani Pattu is believed to be a way of pleasing the goddess during the festival.
Another unique feature of Kodungallur Temple is its secret underground chamber, the centre of power of this temple. Constructed from granite, this chamber lacks doors or windows and can only be accessed through a door within the sanctum. The granite chamber remains unexplored, as it is believed that peering inside may have traumatic effects on a person.
Dress Code
There is no strict dress code enforced at Kodungallur Temple. But, it's advisable to dress modestly and respectfully while visiting the temple. Also, it is important to note that men are not allowed to wear shirts when entering the temple premises.
Festivals
Kodungallur Bharani Festival
Best Time to Visit
Throughout the year
How to reach
By Air : Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport, 30.3 Km away from the Kodungallur Temple. From the airport, you can avail of public transport or get a cab/ taxi to reach the temple.
By Train :The nearest railway station is Thrissur Railway Station, just 36.3 Km away from the Kodungallur Temple. From the railway station, one can hire a bus or an auto-rickshaw to reach the temple.
By Road :Kodungallur Temple is easily accessible by road. You can choose private transportation, take a bus, or hire an auto-rickshaw to reach the temple.