Kodungalloor Bhagavathi temple

 

Kodungaloor, the ancient capital of Kerala, is 35 kms north-west of Ernakulam is a great pilgrim centre today. kodungallur bhagavathy temple is dedicated to the goddess Bhadrakali. The 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 also found in the chamber, one facing east and the other facing west respectively. The idol of bhagawati is about six feet high and made of wood, carved from a jackfruit tree. The idol has eight arms which carry various weapons and symbols.

Bhagawati Temple is also referred to as the abode of Kannagi. The latter was believed to be an incarnation of Kali and as a result a temple was erected in her memory in Kodungallur. Certain features of the structure of the Kodungallur temple point to the fact that, originally, it was a Shiva shrine and that the image of Kali was installed later. The idol of Shiva faces east and that of Kali north. The practise in the temple is to offer pooja and naivedyam first to Lord Shiva and then to the Devi.

The festivals of significance at Kodungallur are Makara Sankaranti(Thalappoli) and the Bharani Festival. The Bharani festival is a month of festivities from the Bharani asterism in the month of Aquarius to 7 days after the Bharani asterism in the month of Pisces. Thalappoli festival is in the month of Makaram (January–February). The four day Thalappoli commences from the evening of Makara Sankranthi with religious rituals.Makara Sankaranti coinciding with Pongal in Tamilnadu. Makara Sankranti brings with it 4 days of colorful fanfare, with processions twice a day on elephants to the accompaniment of music, fireworks.

How to Reach:

Nearest Railway Stations: Aluva, Ernakulam

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport