Kodungallur Bhagavati Temple
Kurumba Bhagavati Temple (alternatively Kodungallur Bhagavati Temple)
is a Hindu temple at Kodungallur, Thrissur district. The idol of the goddess Bhadrakali (popularly
known as "Kodungallur Amma")
in the temple is unique as it has eight hands with various attributes.
Kurumba Bhagavati Temple is where
Kannaki, heroine of Ilango Adigal's Tamil classic Silappathikaram attained salvation. During the reign of Later Cheras,
Mahodayapuram (Kodungallur) was the capital of the state and one of the most
important parts of the region.
It is said that sixth avatar of Vishnu, Sage Parasurama built
this temple for the prosperity of the people. According to the old chronicles,
this Bhagavathi temple was created in the heart of the town many centuries ago
to serve a special purpose.
Legend says that, after the creation of Kerala by Parasurama,
he was harassed by a demon called Daruka. To kill this evil demon, Parasurama prayed
to Lord Shiva for help. As advised
by Shiva, Parasurama constructed the shrine and installed the Shakti Devi as
Bhagavathi/Bhadrakali. The deity in the temple, it is believed, is Parashakthi
herself. According to legends, it was Bhadrakali who killed the evil demon
Daruka.
According to another belief, the Kannagi came to Kodungallur and
prayed to Godess Bhadrakali of Kodungallur. She got absorbed to Bhagavathy
idol.
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 idol of bhagawati is about seven feet high
and made of wood, carved from a jackfruit tree. The idol has eight arms that
carry weapons and symbols. About fifty metres away to the left is a sacred pond
(Pushkarini), where devotees bathe before entering the main shrine. It is
believed that this pond was created by the goddess by striking the ground with
her sword.
Bharani
Festival
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.
Thalappoli
Festival
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 processions headed by richly caparisoned elephants are
taken out to the accompaniment of Pancha Vadyam, Paancari, Paandi, etc.
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