ABOUT

Sree Kurumba Bhagavati Temple (alternatively Kodungallur Devi Temple) is a Hindu temple at Kodungallur, Thrissur district, Kerala state, India. It is dedicated to the goddess Bhadrakali, a form of Kali worshipped in Kerala. The goddess is known also by the names "Sri Kurumba" and "Kodungallur Amma" (The Mother of Kodungallur). It is believed that this temple built in the period of Cheran Chenguttavan. The temple has been associated with animal sacrifices. The murti of the temple represents the goddess in her fierce ('ugra') form, featuring eight hands with various attributes. One is holding the head of the demon king Daruka, another a sickle-shaped sword, next an anklet, another a bell, among others . During the reign of Later Cheras, Mahodayapuram (Kodungallur) was the capital of the Chera empire and one of the most important parts of the region. The temple is in the centre of Kerala and is called 'Malayala Bhagavathi' by Tamil speakers. The Temple was built in a remote past and its worship incorporates ancient Dravidian customs which are rarely observed in contemporary Kerala temples. It is said that sixth avatar of Vishnu, Parasurama built this temple for the prosperity of the people. According to the old chronicles, this Bhagavathi temple was created in the heart of the town many centuries ago to serve a special purpose. Legend says that, after the creation of Kerala by Parasurama, he was harassed by a demon called Daruka. To kill this demon, Parasurama prayed to Lord Shiva for help. Shiva advised him to worship Shakti to gain victory over the demon, and Parasurama constructed a shrine to Bhadrakali. The deity in the temple, it is believed, is Parashakti (the ultimate Shakti) herself. According to the legends, it was Bhadrakali who eventually killed Daruka. Kodungallur bharani is main festival here, which is on malayalam month of Kumbha (February - March). It attracts thousands of devotees to temple premises.