Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple - Goddess Kaali

Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple, also known as Sree Kurumba Bhagavathy temple dedicated to Goddess Kaali located at Kodungallur, this is one of the grandest and ancient temples in Kerala. Situated in the middle of about 10 acres of land, the temple's surroundings are extremely scenic by banyan and peepal trees. According to the legends, it was Bhadrakali, who killed the evil demon Daruka. Legend has it that the temple was once a Buddhist monastery during the Chera period, especially during the rule of one Palliband Perumal. In tantric terms, the divinity is installed in what is called the ‘Rurujit vidhaana’, which is a form of installation where at one end, there is Shiva and at the other end, there is Ganapathy, and all the Sapta Matrus are in between.

Another belief says that the temple was built by Cheran Chenguttuvan. Ilango Adigal, the younger brother of Chenguttuvan, wrote his monumental Tamil work Silappadikaram while living in Kodungallur. He later embraced Buddhism and spent the rest of his life in the Buddhist monastery at Trikkana Mathilakam. Animal sacrifice has been in practice here for the time immemorial. With the intervention of many social reformers, the Kerala Government banned animal sacrifice later. At present, devotees offer red dyed dhotis, rich presents and gold ornaments. The people of Kodungallur themselves believe that this temple was a Shiva shrine and it was lord Parasurama who installed Bhagavathi close to the idol of Shiva.

Adi Shankaracharya installed five 'Sri Chakras' here, which are believed to be the main source of the powers of this deity. There is a special event known as ‘Kavu Theendal' giving permission for all castes to enter the temple for worship. The presiding deity Bhagavathy is a six feet high sculpture from wood, carved out of a jack fruit tree. The idol is depicted with eight arms carrying weapons as well as the severed head of demon Darikasura. Her head is adorned with a crown that resembles the head piece used by actors in Kathakali and her body is entirely covered with golden attire. The Goddess is shown in her fierce form as the destroyer of evils. A cloth hung on the western wall of the sanctum serves as a symbol of the deity and is worshipped by the devotees.