{"id":23029,"date":"2024-08-12T05:22:40","date_gmt":"2024-08-12T05:22:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tripxl.com\/blog\/?p=23029"},"modified":"2025-05-21T12:56:27","modified_gmt":"2025-05-21T12:56:27","slug":"kodungallur-temple","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tripxl.com\/blog\/kodungallur-temple\/","title":{"rendered":"Kodungallur Temple: Visit One Of The Oldest Bhadrakali Temples In Her Fierce Form"},"content":{"rendered":"

Kodungallur Temple, also known as the Kodungallur Devi Temple, is located in Kerala\u2019s Thrissur district. Dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali, the deity that resides in the temple is also named \u201cSri Kurumba,\u201d 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 \u2018ugra\u2019 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.<\/em><\/p>\n

Quick Details About Kodungallur Temple<\/h2>\n

Kodungallur Temple Address:<\/strong> Thekkenada Road, Kodungallur, Kerala 680664
\nPresiding Deity:<\/strong> Goddess Bhadrakali
\nKodungallur Temple Timings:<\/strong> 4 AM – 12 PM and 4 PM – 8 PM
\nHow To Reach:<\/strong> There are auto-rickshaws, public buses and even taxis available within the city to take you to the temple
\nNearest Airport:<\/strong> Cochin International Airport (around 40 km)
\nNearest Railway Station:<\/strong> Irinjalakuda Railway Station (about 20 km)
\nBest Time To Visit:<\/strong> October to April
\nWhere To Stay:<\/strong> Queens Residency, Style Homes Suites, Ambadis Villas, Park Residency, etc.
\nWhere To Eat:<\/strong> Burger Castle Cafe, Drunken Panda, Dessi Cuppa, Aryas Pure Veg Restaurant<\/p>\n

About Kodungallur Temple<\/h2>\n
\"Holding<\/div>\n

Photo: Bijiyjohn269 \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

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 \u2018ugra\u2019 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.
\nLike most of the other sacred temples in Kerala, even this temple features majestic gopurams and \u201cSreekovil,\u201d 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 \u201cMeenam\u201d Malayalam month.<\/p>\n

Suggested Read:<\/strong> Places To Visit In Thrissur<\/a><\/p>\n

Things To Do<\/h2>\n

1. Start With The Darshan And Daily Pujas<\/h3>\n
\"Seeking<\/div>\n

Photo: Sonika Agarawal \/ Unsplash \/ Image For Representation Only
\n<\/a><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

2. Learn About The Temple\u2019s History<\/h3>\n
\"Kodungallur<\/div>\n

Photo: Sonika Agarawal \/ Unsplash \/ Image For Representation Only<\/a><\/p>\n

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\u2019s Muziris Heritage Project, enabling you to learn more about the temple\u2019s history, its existence and details about the temple\u2019s establishment. There are artefacts, murals, and some other documentation that provide an in-depth understanding of the past.<\/p>\n

Suggested Read:<\/strong> Hill Stations Near Thrissur<\/a><\/p>\n

3. Explore The Temple\u2019s Architecture<\/h3>\n
\"Marvel<\/div>\n

Photo: Dinakarr \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

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\u2019s walls. You can admire the intricate woodwork, stone carvings, and overall design that reflects the essence of Kerala’s temple architecture.<\/p>\n

4. Volunteer At The Temple<\/h3>\n
\"<\/div>\n

Photo: Shagil Kannur \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ Image For Representation Only<\/a><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Suggested Read:<\/strong> State Museum And Zoo Thrissur<\/a><\/p>\n

Places To Visit Around<\/h2>\n

1. Cheraman Juma Masjid<\/h3>\n
\"Cheraman<\/div>\n

Photo: KannanVM \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Distance From The Temple: <\/strong> 2 km
\nTimings: <\/strong> 5 AM – 8 PM<\/p>\n

2. Kodungallur Bhagwati Market<\/h3>\n
\"After<\/div>\n

Photo: Raimond Klavins \/ Unsplash \/ Image For Representation Only<\/a><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Timings: <\/strong> 10 AM – 10 PM<\/p>\n

Suggested Read:<\/strong> Thrissur Museum<\/a><\/p>\n

3. Muziris Heritage Site<\/h3>\n
\"Muziris<\/div>\n

Photo: Vinayaraj \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

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\u2019s amazing is that the heritage site consists of multiple buildings and spots that you can witness and explore during your next visit.<\/p>\n

Distance From The Temple:<\/strong> 5 km
\nTimings: <\/strong> 10 AM – 6 PM<\/p>\n

4. Kottappuram Fort<\/h3>\n
\"Kottappuram<\/div>\n

Photo: KannanVM \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

The Kottappuram Fort<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

Distance From The Temple: <\/strong> 3 km
\nTimings: <\/strong> 9 AM – 6 PM<\/p>\n

Suggested Read:<\/strong> Hill Stations In Thrissur<\/a><\/p>\n

5. Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple<\/h3>\n
\"Thiruvanchikulam<\/div>\n

Photo: Ms Sarah Welch \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple is one of the most ancient Shiva temples in the region that\u2019s 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 \u2018Thevaram Paadal Petra Shiva sthalam\u2019 in Kerala.<\/p>\n

Distance From The Temple:<\/strong> 2.5 km
\nTimings:<\/strong> 5 AM – 11 AM and 5 PM – 7:30 PM<\/p>\n

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.<\/em><\/p>\n

Cover Photo: Ms Sarah Welch \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Frequently Asked Questions <\/h2>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t