Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple

Pettumma · Kodungallur · Kerala · India

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About Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple

Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple, also known as Sree Kurumba Bhagavathy Temple, is an ancient Hindu temple in Kodungallur, Thrissur District, Kerala. Dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali, it is one of the oldest functioning temples in India and serves as the head of 64 Bhadrakali kavus in Malabar. The temple is renowned for its fierce deity form and hosts the famous Bharani festival.

Visitors guide

Visitors can explore a traditional Kerala-style temple complex situated on 10 acres of land. The temple features unique architecture with secret paths and chambers. Devotees witness rituals dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali in her fierce form. The premises include both a Shiva temple and a Bhagavathy temple. Visitors experience a deeply spiritual atmosphere with established traditions and daily poojas.

Key highlights

01
Ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali in her fierce form
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Head of 64 Bhadrakali kavus in Malabar region
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Famous Bharani festival held annually in March-April
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Traditional Kerala architectural style with unique features
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Historical significance linked to Chera dynasty and Kannaki legend
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One of the oldest functioning temples in India

History of Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple

The temple dates back to ancient times, believed to be established during the Chera period approximately 1,800 years ago. Legend states that Chera King Senguttuvan built a shrine for Kannaki. The temple was managed by the Kodungallur Kovilakam royal family until the Cochin Devaswom Board took over administration in 1950. Adi Shankaracharya is believed to have consecrated five chakras at the temple.

Culture & Context

The temple is one of the most powerful Shakti peethas in Kerala and holds immense religious significance. It is renowned for the Bharani festival, one of Kerala's most intense temple festivals. The temple represents an important center of Shakta worship and is associated with the legend of Kannaki from Tamil literature. It served as an important cultural center during the Sangam period.

Route

By air

Keep exploring nearby

Discover more nearby attractions and build a fuller day around this stop.

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Cheraman Juma Masjid

The Cheraman Juma Masjid in Kodungallur is widely regarded as the first mosque built in India and the oldest on the Indian subcontinent still in use. Established in 629 CE by Malik Bin Dinar during the Chera dynasty period, it represents a unique blend of Kerala-Islamic and Vastu shastra architectural styles. The mosque features an ancient oil lamp believed to have been burning since its origin and welcomes visitors of all faiths.

Kodungallur, KeralaMosque

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Kottappuram Fort

Kottappuram Fort, also known as Cranganore Fort, is a 16th-century Portuguese fort located at the mouth of the Periyar River in Kodungallur, Kerala. Built in 1523 CE, it served as a strategic defensive structure controlling maritime trade routes along the Malabar Coast. The fort was later captured by the Dutch in 1663 and subsequently purchased by the Travancore Kingdom. Today, its ruins are being restored as part of the Muziris Heritage Project, offering visitors historical insights and scenic river views.

Kodungallur, KeralaFort

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Marthoma Pontifical Shrine

The Marthoma Pontifical Shrine in Azhikode is a major Christian pilgrimage center located on the banks of the Periyar River, approximately 6 kilometers from Kodungallur. Built in the model of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, it commemorates the landing of St. Thomas the Apostle in India in 52 AD. The shrine houses a holy relic, the bone of St. Thomas's right arm, brought from Ortona, Italy in 1953. It is recognized as the first of seven churches established by St. Thomas in Kerala and forms part of the Muziris Heritage Project.

Kodungallur, KeralaChurch

By train	Nearest railway station is Irinjalakuda, approximately 14-20 km away

By road	Located 1.5 km southeast of Kodungallur bus stand, accessible by road

By public transport	Easily accessible by public transport buses from nearby towns

Nearest airport	Cochin International Airport

Nearest railway station	Irinjalakuda Railway Station

Need to know

01Things to know before you go	The temple is especially crowded on Tuesdays, Fridays, and during Sabarimala season The Bharani festival is held annually in March-April and attracts thousands of devotees Thalappoli festival is celebrated for four days starting from Makara Sankranthi in January
02Rules & restrictions	Entry restricted to Hindus only Men must wear dhoti or mundu without shirt Women should wear saree, half-saree, or traditional attire Footwear must be removed before entering temple premises Animal sacrifice has been banned since 1978

Facilities listed

Reported facilities to help you plan your visit.

Parking
Toilets