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Kerala—the land of beaches and backwaters—has no scarcity of temples of various deities, among which those of Goddess Bhadrakali, are prominent. Let us have a look at the most popular Bhadrakali temples in Kerala, each telling a story of age-old traditions and their festive fervour. Goddess Bhadrakali is considered to be the auspicious and fortunate form of Adi Shakti who protects the good. Bhadrakali temples are spread across Kerala, each with its unique rituals, legends, and architectural styles. These temples are not only centres of worship but also reflect the state’s rich history.
Here’s a comprehensive list of the 10 most famous Bhadrakali temples in Kerala that attract thousands of devotees each year.
1. Kadakkad Sree Bhadrakali Temple
Photo: Agnostos Theos / Wikimedia Commons
Kadakkad Sree Bhadrakali Temple is a Hindu temple in Pandalam, Kerala, and is one of the most holy Bhadrakali temples in the state. Bhadrakali goddess is primarily worshipped here, and the temple complex includes an anakottil (platform for elephants during the rite Seva) as well as shrines of other deities such as Brahmarakshas, Yakshi, Nāga. It is an auspicious place to conduct Hindu marriages and they are hosted with pomp and show in its huge feast hall. Holy fire from the temple is taken out to start the fire for cooking Pongala, an important festival of South India.
Best Time To Visit: February to April, during Pongala
Suggested Read: Snake Temples In Kerala
2. Kodungallur Bhadrakali Temple
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
Kodungallur Bhadrakali Temple is known as the first Bhadrakali temple in Kerala. Bhadrakali is enshrined in other temples of Kerala from here. The goddess enshrined in this temple is known as Kodungallur Amma and Srikuruba. Although it is a Devi temple, it has a similar structure to a Shiva temple. It is thought that the Mahameru Chakra created by Parashurama, the Sri Chakra consecrated by Sri Shankaracharya and the deity of Rudhira Mahakali, the supreme idol covered with a black cloth, are all in this sanctum.
Best Time To Visit: Late March to early April, during Kodungallur Bharani
3. Vellayani Devi Temple
Photo: Vishnu Madhusoodanan / Wikimedia Commons
In Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, the Vellayani Devi Temple is situated on the shores of Vellayani Lake. The Vellayani Devi Temple was allegedly constructed in the fourteenth century AD. This temple’s most alluring feature is its gorgeous location on the banks of Vellayani Lake. One of the most significant temples honouring the fiercest goddess of them all, Goddess Bhadrakali, is located here. In South India, Vellayani Devi Temple is well known for holding the longest non-pilgrimage celebration. Every three years, the festival, which spans approximately 65 to 70 days, takes place.
Best Time To Visit: February to April, during the Kaliyoottu Mahotsavam
Suggested Read: Hanuman Temples In Kerala
4. Sarkara Devi Temple
Photo: Binoyjsdk / Wikimedia Commons
Sarkara Devi Temple, a temple dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali, is in Chirayinkeezhu Taluk, Thiruvananthapuram district in Kerala, India. The local folklore says that Vilwamangalam Swamiyar, an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu, offered special prayers with full devotion to the Lord and Goddess Kali and eventually was able to call upon the divine presence of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Kali. This story is also enacted during the major festival of the temple – Kaliyoot – held during the Kumbh months.
Best Time To Visit: Kumbh (February or March), during Kaliyoot
5. Pournami Kavu Bhadrakali Temple
Photo: Richard Mortel / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Located in Venganoor, Trivandrum, Kerala, the Pournami Kavu Bhadrakali Temple is an important temple dedicated to the Goddess Bhadrakali. The war goddess of the Aay Dynasty, Shri Bala Tripura Sundari Devi, is the principal deity of the Pournamikavu temple. Owing to the consecration and adoration of all 51 Akshara devatha idols for the first time in history, the temple is also known as the Akshara Devatha temple. This temple is only open on the day of the full moon, or Pournami, as well as on select holidays like Navaaham, Festival, Vidhyarambham, etc.
Best Time To Visit: Full Moon days
Suggested Read: Shiva Temples In Kerala
6. Pisharikavu Temple
Photo: Vijayanrajapuram / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Pisharikavu Temple is located in Kerala’s Koyilandy, Kozhikode district. The goddess Bhadrakali is the subject of the temple. The breathtakingly serene atmosphere of Pisharikavu Temple is provided by its magnificent ancient architecture. The month of ‘Meenam’ in Malayala is when the Sri Pisharikavu Temple celebrates its annual celebration. Over eight days, the festival is thrown with grandeur. On the seventh and eighth day, a completely decked female elephant carries the sacred Nandhakam sword around the temple in a procession, and the temple also hosts a performance of a traditional Kerala art form.
Best Time To Visit: March to April, during the Pooram festival
7. Punnainallur Mariamman Temple
Photo: Nittavinoda / Wikimedia Commons
Punnainallur Mariamman Temple is located in Palakkad and is one of the most beautiful temples in the city. It is dedicated to the Bhadrakali Goddess. The temple is very noticeable due to the festivals that characterise it and the beautiful idol of the goddess. The silent nature and tranquil atmosphere have made this temple a favourite place for pilgrimage among the devotees, with maximum numbers seeking blessings and spiritual solace. The annual festival, celebrated every April, displays traditional rituals, cultural performances, and festive celebrations that are a must to experience.
Best Time To Visit: April, during the annual festival
Suggested Read: Varahi Devi Temples In Kerala
8. Neendoor Subrahmanya Swami Temple
Photo: Ashok Rajan / Wikimedia Commons
One of the important Hindu temples in Kerala’s Kottayam district is the Neendoor Subrahmanya Swami Temple. The temple, which is devoted to the Goddess Bhadrakali and Lord Subrahmanya (sometimes called Kartikeya or Murugan), is highly regarded for its religious significance, unusual customs, and colourful festivals. Devotees who come to this hallowed location in search of blessings and spiritual comfort have a particular place in their hearts for it. Many followers visit the temple to offer prayers and rituals to Lord Subrahmanya, requesting success in their next endeavours. Ottanarangamala Samarppanam is the name of the ancient special rite performed at this temple.
Best Time To Visit: April to May, during the Arattu festival
9. Thiruvarppu Sree Krishna Temple
Photo: Ranjith Siji / Wikimedia Commons
This temple is dedicated mainly to Lord Krishna. However, Thiruvarppu Temple in Kottayam also enshrines Mahishasura Mardini, and thus, attracts worshippers who come to receive blessings from the powerful goddess. It is famously known for its unique rituals and the grand annual festival, which falls in April or May, wherein large processions comprising famous cultural arts are carried out. The temple is surrounded by greenery and undulating hills that calm the mind and soul of the people who return after offering their prayers in the temple with spiritual peace and blessing.
Best Time To Visit: April to May, during the annual festival
Suggested Read: Vishnu Temples In Kerala
10. Kidangoor Sree Subramanya Swamy Temple
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
A historic Hindu temple, known as Kidangoor Sree Subramanya Swamy Temple, is situated in Kidangoor, Meenachil Taluk, Kottayam district, Kerala. One of Kerala’s most well-known Subramanya temples, it is thought to be at least 1500 years old, making it one of the oldest Bhadrakali temples in Kerala. According to legend, as the water spilled out of the Kamandalu of Sage Gauna and reached the Vishnu shrine at Kidangoor, the idol of Subramanya emerged. Every month on Shashti, thousands of devotees flock to the temple to offer prayers on this auspicious day.
Best Time To Visit: April to May, during the annual festival
The worship of Bhadrakali emphasises the duality of the goddess — both fierce and protective — reflecting the deep-rooted belief in the power of the feminine divine in Kerala’s spiritual traditions. She is one of the most ancient deities, who has been worshipped for generations, bringing peace and prosperity to the followers. So, immerse yourself in the spiritual experience while exploring the most famous Bhadrakali temples in Kerala. Discover exclusive tour packages for a hassle-free experience with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
