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
