Secret of Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple in Kerala

The legend behind the Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple states that although devotees visit the temple, they do not actually see the real deity. Instead, the real deity is concealed within a hidden chamber.

Secret of Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple in Kerala

The primary deity worshipped in the temple is 'Bhadrakali', who is believed to be an incarnation of 'Adiparashakti'. The idol of Bhadrakali, made of Varikaplav, is positioned facing the north. It is depicted as the Vishwarupa, which is revealed after the slaying of the demon Darika, in a fierce and powerful form known as Raudrabhava with Ashtabahus.

 Although the idol has eight hands, the weapons held in those hands are not clearly discernible. The idol stands at a height of six feet, including the pedestal, and is depicted sitting with the right leg folded and the left leg hanging. Additionally, the idol is adorned with a crown on its head. In front of Bhadrakali's idol, there is a small shrine dedicated to Tripura Sundari. However, the true deity of the temple is 'Rudhira Mahakali', the Rudra form, located in the 'secret chamber' facing west. Only a reflection of Rudhira Mahakali is visible on the north side, and it is advised not to directly gaze upon it as it represents the destructive aspect of the deity, known as Samharamurti.

Secret of Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple in Kerala

In the innermost chamber, the entrance to the concealed room that faces the west is always adorned with crimson silk. The sacred images of Rudhira Mahakali, adorned with eight locks and covered with a golden orb, are positioned for worship towards the west. Due to the intense nature of 'Rudhira Mahakali', direct approach is prohibited, hence the idol is veiled with a black cloth. Instead, another wooden image of Bhadrakali and a smaller image of Tripurasundari, along with their respective adornments, have been placed in front of it for the devotees to behold.

The western section of the sacred inner chamber is accessible solely during visits by the temple's ruler, Valiyathampura or Ammathampuratti, or when a descendant of the Kodungallur Kovilakam is brought to prostrate before Rudhira Mahakali (Padinjare Naikkal) as a servant on their first birthday. Once the Lord or Lady has completed their prayers and offered their respects, the bell situated in the western section will be rung five times. Only during this particular occasion will the right side of the western entrance be opened. The door is then closed before the Lord concludes their prayers and rises.

Significance of Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple in Kerala

Sri Kurumba Bhagavathy Temple, located in Kodungallur, Thrissur district, Kerala, is also referred to as 'Lokambika Kshetra'. It holds the distinction of being the first temple in Kerala where 'Adiparashakti' was enshrined in Kalirupa. The Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple is revered as the primary temple among the 64 Kalikshetras in Kerala. The deity worshipped here is Bhadrakali or Mahakali, known as Kodungalluramma, and is renowned throughout Kerala.

Comments

Search Hindu Devotional Topics

Contact Hindu Devotional Blog

Name

Email *

Message *