Kodungallur Temple

Introduction to the Kodungallur Temple

The Sri Kurumba Bhagavati Temple, otherwise known as Kodungallur Temple, is one of the most powerful Shakti Peethas in Kodungallur, Trichur district, Kerala. The temple's archives show its antiquity. In the Ramayana period, it was Murachipattanam. It is one of the places mentioned by the monkey hordes, which Sugriva sent out to search for Sita. The Kodungallur Temple is dedicated to Kali. This is one of the first temples in Kerala which removed the restrictions of caste, creed, and religion. Underprivileged people in the lower communities could access the temple for 27 days when other temples restricted them forever.

Legend of the Kodungallur Temple

There are several legends related to the establishment of the Kodungallur Temple. According to a famous legend, a demon named Daruka threatened the people of Kerala and the sage Parashurama. So, the sage requested Shiva to help him conquer the demon and save the people. Upon Shiva's instructions, he built a temple with the statue of Kali. Hence, Sage Parashurama consecrated the icon of Bhagavathy. After that, she killed the demon Daruka. Jagadguru Sri Adi Sankaracharya installed Srichakra in this temple. Devotees can worship Srichakra, which is close to the sanctum sanctorum. Another legend explains that the sage Parashurama had a vision of Bhagavathy around 1 km south of the present temple. He worshipped her as Durga by offering liquor and chicken. He then shifted her idol, which he found there, to the current temple site.

The Architecture of Kodungallur Temple

It is believed to have been constructed during the Sangam period of South Indian history. The king of the Chera dynasty, Cheran Chenguttuvan, was said to have built the temple. The Kodungallur Temple has undergone many renovations and additions over the centuries. The current structure goes back to the 16th century.

The Kodungallur Temple lies in the center of 10 acres of land. Once, many Peepal and Banyan trees surrounded it. Devotees can find many secret paths and chambers here.

The presiding deity, Bhagavathy, is a six-ft sculpture carved from a jackfruit tree. Her idol is facing north and is depicted with eight arms. She carries weapons and symbols like a spear, discus, sword, bow, pestle, etc., in each hand and the severed head of the demon Daruka. A Kathakali-like headgear adorns her head. Shimmering golden attire with gemstones decorates her entire body. She blesses her devotees in fierce form as an evil destroyer. Devotees can see a hanging cloth on the sanctum's western wall. They consider it as her symbol and worship it.

In the Kodungallur Temple, devotees sit in the Mandapam and worship Kodungallur Devi. This place is built in the style of Kerala architecture. The Mandapam lies before the Shiva shrine. There is a separate shrine for the chaste Kannagi, the Silappathikaram heroine, and an incarnation of Maa Durga.

Ganesh, Kshetrapala (guardian deity), Mahameru, Adishankara, Vysoori, Veerabhadra, and the Sapthamatrukas (seven mothers) are the other deities in the Kodungallur Temple. Pilgrims can worship Sapthamatrukas in the western chamber of the sanctum sanctorum. They face north in a sitting posture. The idol of Adhishankara faces the east direction. The idols of Kshetrapala stand outside in the courtyard in the northeast direction.

Ganapati and Veerabhadra in the east and west grace devotees from their places. Three stones (kozhikkallu) are installed; one is at the eastern gate, and two stones are at the northern gate. The Samadhi of Vysoori lies at the left of the Kodungallur Temple. Devotees worship her to protect them from smallpox, chicken pox, mumps, and other contagious diseases. They sprinkle turmeric powder and rub it on the walls of her shrine.

The temple's most specific feature is its secret underground chamber, the Sakthi Kendra. This sealed vault has no doors. Its windows are at the east of the Kali image. Priests only can enter this granite chamber through the door from the sanctum sanctorum.

There is a sacred pond (Pushkarini) where devotees bathe before entering the sanctum. It is believed that the deity created this pond by striking the ground with her sword.

Festivals in Kodungallur Temple

Bharani Festival is one of the most important festivals in Kodungallur Temple. On this day, people sacrifice roosters to Maa Kali. The temple celebrates it between March and April. The underprivileged community celebrates the festival to honor Kali for her victory over the demon Daruka. However, the temple stopped celebrating it. Now the slaughtering stones are covered with a red silk cloth.

Thalappoli Festival falls during January–February and is grandly celebrated four days from the evening of Makara Sankranthi with religious rituals. Decorated elephants stand in queue for a procession accompanying Pancha Vadyam, Chenda Melam, and other musical instruments.

Benefits of Worshipping at Kodungallur Temple

The main deity of the Kodungallur Temple, Kali, is a powerful deity who grants her devotees wishes. She blesses them with protection from negative forces.