Kodungallur Temple: The Sri Kurumba Bhagavathi Temple, also known as the Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple, is a well-known Hindu temple that can be found in Kodungallur, a town in Kerala’s Thrissur district. The goddess Bhadrakali, also known as Sri Kurumba Bhagavathi, is the subject of the temple.
The temple has undergone numerous modifications and expansions since it is thought to have been constructed in the seventh century CE. The temple’s architecture blends Dravidian and Keralan elements and has a number of elaborately carved wooden pillars and panels.
The temple is a significant Hindu pilgrimage place and draws many followers from all around India. The most significant festival at the temple is the yearly Bharani festival, which takes place in the month of Kumbham (February–March). The temple comes alive with processions, music, dance, and other cultural events throughout the festival.
Why famous Kodungallur temple
Sri Kurumba Bhagavathi Temple, also known as Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple, is well-known for a number of things. Here are a few examples:
Ancient history: The temple has a long history that dates back to the seventh century CE. It is thought that Cheran Chenguttuvan, a legendary ruler of the Chera dynasty, was responsible for its construction.
Devi worship: The goddess Bhadrakali, also known as Sri Kurumba Bhagavathi, is worshipped in this temple. Hinduism places a high value on deity worship, and Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple is regarded as one of the most significant deity temples in Kerala.
Architecture: The temple’s design is a distinctive fusion of Dravidian and Keralan architectural elements. The beautiful wooden carvings and pillars depict the art and culture of the area.
Festivals: The most significant celebration held at the temple each year is the Bharani festival. The celebration is distinguished by vibrant processions, music, and dance.
Cultural significance: The temple is a significant Hindu pilgrimage place and draws many followers from all over India. It is linked to a number of myths and legends from Hindu culture.
All of these aspects add to the Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple’s popularity, making it a must-visit location for anybody with an interest in Hindu history and culture.
History
Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple, often referred to as Sri Kurumba Bhagavathi Temple, has a long history that stretches back to the seventh century CE. According to mythology, Cheran Chenguttuvan, a ruler of the Chera dynasty, constructed the temple. The goddess Bhadrakali in the guise of “Kodungallur Amma,” was the initial deity of the temple.
The temple experienced numerous alterations and augmentations over the years. The architecture of the temple is a distinctive fusion of Keralan and Dravidian influences. The beautiful wooden carvings and pillars of the temple showcase the local art and culture.
A number of Hindu myths and legends are also connected to the temple. The temple was allegedly constructed by Lord Vishnu’s avatar Parashurama. According to another version, the goddess Bhadrakali and the demon Daruka engaged in a bloody battle at the temple.
How to reach Kodungallur temple
The Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple is situated in the Kodungallur town in Kerala’s Thrissur district. Here are different methods for getting to the temple:
By Air: The Cochin International Airport, located 42 kilometers from Kodungallur, is the closest airport. You can take a bus or a cab from the airport to go to the temple.
Irinjalakuda Railway Station, located about 16 kilometers from Kodungallur, is the closest train hub. You can take a bus or a taxi to go to the temple from the station.
By Road: Major towns and cities in Kerala are easily accessible from Kodungallur via the state’s roads. To get to the temple, take a bus or hail a cab. The national highway between Thrissur and Kochi passes beside the temple.
By Boat: From adjacent towns like Kochi and Alappuzha, you can take a boat to the temple, which is situated on the banks of the Periyar River.
Once you get to Kodungallur, the temple is right in the middle of the city and is simple to get to by foot, via cab, or by bus.
Best time to visit Kodungallur temple
Your choices and the kind of experience you seek will determine the ideal time to visit Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple. The many seasons are described here, along with what to anticipate in each:
Monsoon Season (June–September): If you like the rain and lush foliage, Kerala’s monsoon season, which lasts from June to September, is a terrific time to come. However, during the Bharani festival in August or September, it can get extremely muggy and the temple may be packed.
Winter Season (October–February): The best time to visit the temple is widely seen to be during Kerala’s winter season, which lasts from October to February. There is a chilly breeze and clear skies, making the weather comfortable. Usually in February or March, the Bharani festival takes place at this period, and it’s a wonderful opportunity to see the temple’s lavish celebrations.
Summer Season (March–May): Kerala experiences its summer season from March through May, which can be quite hot and muggy. If you prefer less crowded temples and wish to skip the festival rush, this is a fantastic time to go.
Overall, the winter months of October to February are the ideal time to visit Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple. You may see the lavish Bharani festival celebrations at this time, and the weather is good.
Neared place Kodungallur temple
The Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple is situated in the Kodungallur town in Kerala’s Thrissur district. Here are some sites you can visit that are close by:
Cheraman Juma Masjid: Malik Deenar constructed this mosque in the seventh century, and it is thought to be India’s earliest mosque. It is around 8 kilometers from Kodungallur.
Koodalmanikyam Temple: A well-known temple honoring Lord Bharatha, one of Lord Rama’s four brothers, is located at Koodalmanikyam. About 15 kilometers from Kodungallur, it is situated in Irinjalakuda.
Guruvayur Temple: One of Kerala’s most well-known temples, Guruvayur Temple is devoted to Lord Krishna. From Kodungallur, it is located about 48 kilometers away.
Athirappilly Waterfalls: One of Kerala’s greatest waterfalls, Athirappilly Waterfalls is a well-liked tourist attraction. It is roughly 70 kilometers from Kodungallur.
Cochin/Kochi: Kerala’s Cochin/Kochi is a historic port city and a popular travel destination. A number of attractions are available there, including the well-known Fort Kochi, Chinese Fishing Nets, and the Jewish Synagogue, and it is around 30 kilometers from Kodungallur.
You can travel to some of these well-known local locations while staying in Kodungallur.
Stay option Kodungallur temple
The Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple is situated in the Kodungallur town in Kerala’s Thrissur district. Here are some lodging choices for you to take into account:
KTDC Tamarind Thrissur: A 24-kilometer drive separates the hotel, the KTDC Tamarind Thrissur, from Kodungallur. The hotel offers cozy accommodations as well as services including a restaurant, swimming pool, and conference space.
Joys Palace: A luxurious hotel called Joys Palace is situated in the center of Thrissur, around 24 kilometers from Kodungallur. The hotel features tastefully furnished rooms, a restaurant, a rooftop pool, and other features.
Hotel Niya Regency: Budget Hotel Hotel Niya Regency is situated near Irinjalakuda, around 15 kilometers from Kodungallur. The motel provides basic amenities like a restaurant and decent rooms.
The Nattika Beach Resort: A luxurious beach resort, The Nattika Beach Resort, can be found about 40 kilometers from Kodungallur. The resort features a private beach, a swimming pool, a spa, and well-appointed suites.
Riverview Retreat: A natural resort called Riverview Retreat is roughly 12 kilometers from Kodungallur. The resort provides cozy accommodations, a restaurant, an outdoor pool, and other amenities.
These are a few lodging choices you may want to take into account while visiting Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple.
FAQ
What is the history of the Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple?
Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple has a long and rich history dating back over 2000 years. It is believed to have been built by Parasurama, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu. The temple has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years.
What is the significance of the Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple?
Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple is one of the oldest and most revered temples in Kerala. The presiding deity, Goddess Bhadrakali, is worshipped as the goddess of prosperity, fertility, and protection. The temple is also associated with the famous Bharani festival, which is one of the largest temple festivals in Kerala.
When is the best time to visit Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple?
The best time to visit Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple is during the winter season, from October to February. The weather is pleasant, and you can witness the grand Bharani festival celebrations during this time.
What are the timings and dress code for visiting Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple?
The temple is open from 4:30 am to 12:00 pm and from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The dress code for entering the temple is conservative, with men and women being required to cover their shoulders and legs.
What are some nearby places to visit when in Kodungallur?
Some nearby places to visit when in Kodungallur include Cheraman Juma Masjid, Koodalmanikyam Temple, Guruvayur Temple, Athirappilly Waterfalls, and Cochin/Kochi.