Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple is situated at Kodungallur in Thrissur District. Presiding deity badrakali is situated with Saptamaatrukkal, Vasoorimala and Kshethrapalakan. One of the supreme temple which is installed by Parasurama. It is believed that this temple built in the period of Cheran Chenguttavan.This is the most ancient temple in the northern part of Kerala. It was one among the first temple which removed the caste and religion restrictions of people for worshipping temple
The deity of the temple is the image representing Sree Badra Kali, who killed the evil demon Daaruka. The 6 foot high wooden image of Kali is facing north side and there is a cloth hung on the western wall of the sanctum where the worship is offered. The idol has eight arms and holds different kinds of weapons. The crown of the image is similar to the Kathakali type. The idol is covered with golden raiment all over except hands. This deity is believed to be ugra form of Kali.
Secret chamber, which is the Sakthi Kendra of the temple can be found in eastern side of Sreekovil. The Sreekovil and secret chamber have a common wall. The secret chamber is closed full with granite and on the top there is a roof. There is a closed door on the western wall of the chamber along with the sanctum sanctorum of Bhagavathy
You can see sub deities Lord Ganesh, Lord Veerabhadra and the Seven Divine Mothers in this temple. Idol of Mahameru and Adi Shankara are also can be found which is installed by Parasurama. The idol of Shiva is facing to the east without a Nandi. There is a separate shrine for 'Silappathrkaram,' the chaste Kannagi, an avatar of Goddess Durga which is well known in Tamil Nadu
Bharani festival[edit]
Kodungallur Bharani festival in Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple
The Bharani festival at the
Kodungallur Bhagawati temple is one of the grandest in
Kerala. It is a month of festivities from the Bharani asterism in the month of Kumbham to 7 days after the Bharani asterism in the month of Meenam. It normally falls between the months of March and April. The festival usually starts with the ritual called 'Kozhikkallu moodal' which involves the sacrifice of cocks and shedding of their blood, which forms an important feature of this temple. The members of the Kodungallur Bhagavathy temple are allowed to participate in this ritual. It is to appease the goddess Kali and her demons who take delight in blood offerings.
'Kavu Theendal', another important event of the festival, overseen by the King of
Kodungallur where Vellichapads (
oracles) make a run around the temple waving their sabres in the air while the members of their retinue offer reverence over the inner quadrangle. They make cry of abuse at the goddess in bawdy language. Their abuse is said to be accepted by the goddess followed by the purification ceremony the next day. Chandanapoti Charthal is yet another festival of smearing the image with sandal paste.
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Thalappoli festival[edit]
The Thalappoli festival is in the month of
Makaram (January–February). The four day Thalappoli commences from the evening of Makara Sankranthi with religious rituals. Big procession headed by richly caparisoned elephants are taken out to the accompaniment of Pancha Vadyam, Paancari, Paandi, etc.It is the Main Celebration of KUDUMBI Community.
