Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple

The Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple, also known as Sree Kurumba Bhagavathy Temple, is a revered Hindu shrine located in Kodungallur, Thrissur district, Kerala, India. Dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali, a fierce form of the Divine Mother, the temple holds immense religious, historical, and cultural significance.

Historical Significance

Believed to be one of the oldest functioning temples in India, the Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple's origins trace back to the Chera dynasty. Legends suggest that the temple was constructed by Cheran Chenguttuvan, a prominent Chera king, to commemorate the martyrdom of Kannaki, the heroine of the Tamil epic Silappathikaram. Kannaki is revered as an incarnation of Goddess Kali, and it's believed that she attained salvation at this very site.

Deity and Iconography

The presiding deity, Goddess Bhadrakali, is enshrined in her fierce ('ugra') form, facing north. The idol, approximately six feet tall and carved from jackfruit wood, features eight arms holding various weapons and symbols, including a sword, trident, bell, and the severed head of the demon Darika .

The temple also houses other deities such as Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Lord Veerabhadra, the Sapthamatrikas (Seven Mother Goddesses), and Vasurimala, a deity associated with protection against smallpox .