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Kodungallur Temple, also known as the Kodungallur Devi Temple, is located in Kerala’s Thrissur district. Dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali, the deity that resides in the temple is also named “Sri Kurumba,” or the Mother of Kodungallur. Being one of the 64 Bhadrakali temples in the country, the temple holds a lot of religious significance. In this temple, the Goddess exists in her ‘ugra’ form with eight hands, facing towards the north direction. The next time you are visiting Thrissur in Kerala, ensure that you stop at the Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple to seek blessings from the goddess.
Quick Details About Kodungallur Temple
Kodungallur Temple Address: Thekkenada Road, Kodungallur, Kerala 680664
Presiding Deity: Goddess Bhadrakali
Kodungallur Temple Timings: 4 AM – 12 PM and 4 PM – 8 PM
How To Reach: There are auto-rickshaws, public buses and even taxis available within the city to take you to the temple
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (around 40 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Irinjalakuda Railway Station (about 20 km)
Best Time To Visit: October to April
Where To Stay: Queens Residency, Style Homes Suites, Ambadis Villas, Park Residency, etc.
Where To Eat: Burger Castle Cafe, Drunken Panda, Dessi Cuppa, Aryas Pure Veg Restaurant
About Kodungallur Temple
Photo: Bijiyjohn269 / Wikimedia Commons
The Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple holds a significant place in Kerala’s spiritual and cultural landscape. Historical evidence reports that the temple was constructed by the legendary Chera king, Cheran Chenguttuvan during the Sangam period. In this temple, Goddess Bhadrakali is worshipped in her fierce or ‘ugra’ form that depicts the win of good over evil. Featuring eight hands of the Goddess, each holding a specific attribute. Among them, the most standout one is the one holding the head of the Demon Daruka.
Like most of the other sacred temples in Kerala, even this temple features majestic gopurams and “Sreekovil,” which houses the deity. On the walls, you can find inscriptions and carvings depicting stories from Hindu mythology. Beyond the history and architecture, one of the most standout points of this temple lies in the celebration of the Bharani festival, which is celebrated during the “Meenam” Malayalam month.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Thrissur
Things To Do
1. Start With The Darshan And Daily Pujas
Photo: Sonika Agarawal / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The main reason behind your visit to the temple will be to seek blessings from the presiding deity, which is Goddess Bhadrakali, in this case. Due to the central location of the temple, it is usually frequented by tourists and locals alike. You do need to get in a queue and wait for your turn to witness the goddess, offer your prayers and seek blessings from her. You can also spend your time witnessing the daily pujas conducted by the priests and the other devotees visiting the temple.
2. Learn About The Temple’s History
Photo: Sonika Agarawal / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
There is a museum in the complex of the Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple that you can explore. The museum is set up as part of the Kerala Government’s Muziris Heritage Project, enabling you to learn more about the temple’s history, its existence and details about the temple’s establishment. There are artefacts, murals, and some other documentation that provide an in-depth understanding of the past.
Suggested Read: Hill Stations Near Thrissur
3. Explore The Temple’s Architecture
Photo: Dinakarr / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most important attractions of the Kerala temples is their architecture. The architecture does justice to the Kodungallur Temple photos that you have likely seen online. There is a blend of historical and cultural elements that are expressed amazingly on the temple’s walls. You can admire the intricate woodwork, stone carvings, and overall design that reflects the essence of Kerala’s temple architecture.
4. Volunteer At The Temple
Photo: Shagil Kannur / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Although not mandatory, the temple has volunteering options too wherein you can contribute to the temple’s upkeep. You can help with offerings or assist with festival preparations, which can be a truly enriching experience that allows you to connect with the local community. The volunteering opportunities are diverse, so you can go ahead and ask the temple authorities about the same.
Suggested Read: State Museum And Zoo Thrissur
Places To Visit Around
1. Cheraman Juma Masjid
Photo: KannanVM / Wikimedia Commons
Believed to be one of the first mosques built in India (around 629 CE), the Cheraman Juma Masjid is a historical landmark located about 2 kilometres from the temple. Not just among Muslims, the masjid is equally popular among non-Muslims as well. You can visit the mosque to get a glimpse into its architecture, legends and historical significance. The mosque is believed to be named after the Chera king, Cheraman Perumal, who is said to have converted to Islam.
Distance From The Temple: 2 km
Timings: 5 AM – 8 PM
2. Kodungallur Bhagwati Market
Photo: Raimond Klavins / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
For some retail therapy and to explore the culture of the place through its markets, visit Kodungallur Bhagwati Market. It is within walking distance from the temple, so you can pick up souvenirs, religious artefacts, etc. You can also find shops dedicated to selling authentic Kerala spices, which you can indulge in as well. There are shops dedicated to selling local handicrafts and traditional Keralan attires as well.
Timings: 10 AM – 10 PM
Suggested Read: Thrissur Museum
3. Muziris Heritage Site
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
The Muziris Heritage Site is an archaeological and historical area that dates back to the ancient port city of Muziris. It includes various excavation sites, museums, and heritage walks that offer insights into the region’s rich history. The aim behind this project is to conserve a history that is 3000 years old. What’s amazing is that the heritage site consists of multiple buildings and spots that you can witness and explore during your next visit.
Distance From The Temple: 5 km
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
4. Kottappuram Fort
Photo: KannanVM / Wikimedia Commons
The Kottappuram Fort dates back to the 16th century during the time of the Portuguese invasion in the state of Kerala. It is a popular historical site that provides tourists with a glimpse into the rich colonial past of Kerala. Currently, only the ruins of the fort remain. However, despite that, the spot is of extreme popularity and importance among history enthusiasts and adventurers too.
Distance From The Temple: 3 km
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Suggested Read: Hill Stations In Thrissur
5. Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple is one of the most ancient Shiva temples in the region that’s known for its surrounding serenity and calm. The temple complex is spread across an extensive area and besides Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, 33 other sub-deities are worshipped in the temple. Additionally, it is the only ‘Thevaram Paadal Petra Shiva sthalam’ in Kerala.
Distance From The Temple: 2.5 km
Timings: 5 AM – 11 AM and 5 PM – 7:30 PM
The Kodungallur Temple is an embodiment of Kerala’s rich heritage that welcomes tourists and locals alike. The next time you are in Thrissur district in Kerala, a visit to this goddess temple is an absolute must. You can plan the logistics of your next Kerala trip while booking a comprehensive package with TripXL to avail of best deals and the best discounts in the market.
Cover Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
