Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple is one of the oldest functioning temples in India. The goddess of the temple represents the goddess in her fierce (‘ugra’) form, facing North, featuring eight hands with various attributes.The temple is in in Thrissur district and this is an auspicious temple with rich history that people from all parts of India come to seek the blessings of goddess Bhadrakali.
The temple follows the traditional Kerala temple architectural style and the presiding deity is Bhadrakali, lovingly called “Sree Kurumba” (often explained as “Mother of Kodungallur”).
History and Significance of Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple
Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple in Thrissur district of Kerala is dedicated to Maa Bhadrakali, known to be the reincarnation of Maa Kali. The goddess is also known as the Mother of Kodungallur, Sri Kurumba. Considering its prominence, this temple is regarded as the head of Kerala’s 64 Bhadrakali temples. It is one of the oldest religious spots in the state and has the idol of Maa Bhadrakali with eight hands and facing north. Each hand of hers has different attributes, indicating her strength:
- Sword
- Vattaka (pot)
- Trishul
- Khavanga (weapon embedded with a skull)
- Darika’s head
- Snake
- Bell
- Kheta
Built in the bygone era, this temple still worships through its Shaktyeism customs, which aren’t commonly observed in other temples of Kerala.
According to the priest of Kodungallur Temple, it used to be Shivji’s shrine. The sixth avatar of Dashavatara, Parasurama, installed the murti close to the shrine, and that’s when people started coming to worship Maa Bhadrakali.
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Temple Pooja and Bookings
A Thiyyar from Malabar performed the first pooja at Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple, and since then, 64 tharas meet to conduct the same rituals.
Although people can come at the time of aarti to experience the glory of this place, here are some of the main poojas that take place:
- Nakshatra Pushpaanjali
- Guruthy
- Vazhipadu
Regular aarti timings are as follows:
- Malar Nivedhya: 4:30 am
- Usha Nivedhyam: 6:30 am
- Pantheeradi Pooja: 7:30 am
- Ucha Pooja: 11:30 am
- Athazya Pooja: 7:30 pm
- Guruthy Pooja: 8:30 pm
Festivals Celebrated at the Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple
The Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple holds two annual festivals:
Kodungallur Bharani festival
The festival takes place during Meenam (Malayalam month: March to April), and is deeply rooted in South Indian rituals and traditions. It goes on for a month and begins with the Bharani asterism. A highlight of Bharani is Kaavu Theendal (Kaavu Pookal)—a trance-like ritual involving oracles/velichappads, along with related traditions like Bharanippattu and sandalwood-smearing rites.
The occasion continues for seven days afterwards, and then observes Kozhikkallu moodal. It is a ritual where cocks are sacrificed. Another aspect of the Kodungallur Bharani festival is Kavu Pookal (Theendal), where the temple is enveloped in red robes and ceremonial swords.
During this time, participants perform dance rituals and claim their spiritual intimacy with Maa Bhadrakali. People strike their heads with swords, and there’s a magical aura everywhere. The raw and rustic energy of the temple during the Bharani festival is a pure enigma and attracts thousands of devotees every year.
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Kodungallur Thalappoli
The festival is hosted during Makaram (January to February) and takes place for four days. It begins with rituals on the evening of Makara Sankranthi. Decorated elephants are brought out as companions of Paandi, Pancha Vadyam, and Paancari.
Everyone from Kodungallur and nearby areas visits to experience the joyous occasion. Many people offer prasad in the form of rice flakes, jaggery, and coconut to Maa Bhadrakali. Later on, the prasad is distributed among devotees as a blessing.
How to Reach Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple
Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple in Pettumma is easily accessible via train or flight.
By Flight: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, which is in Kochi.
- Distance: 29.5 km
- Travel Time: 1 hour, depending on the traffic
By Train: The closest railway station to the temple is Irinjalakuda Railway Station in Kalletumkara.
- Distance: 20.9 km
- Travel Time: 40 minutes, depending on the traffic
Another railway station near the temple is Aluva Railway Station in Periyar Nagar.
- Distance: 27.8 km
- Travel Time: 1 hour, depending on the traffic
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Best Time to Visit Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple
The best time for devotees is Tuesdays and Fridays, considered to be an essential day of Maa Bhadrakali. Also, people like to visit during the Sabarimala season, between November and February. Various rituals and events take place during this season.
FAQs
Which is the closest railway station to Kodungallur Temple?
The nearest junction to the temple is Irinjalakuda Railway Station.
What is special about the Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple?
The Kondugallur temple is one of the oldest spiritual sights in India.
Is Kodungallur Temple a Shakti peeth?
Yes, Kodungallur is a powerful Shakti peeth of Maa Bhadrakali.
How old is Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple?
The temple dates back to the 1st century AD and is over 2,000 years old.
Which is the famous festival of Kodungallur?
Bharani is the most special festival celebrated at the Kodungallur temple.
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