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Devi (Sree Kurumba Bhagavathy / Bhadrakali) temple · Kodungallur, Thrissur, Kerala, India
The Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple, also known as the Sree Kurumba Bhagavathy Temple or Kurumbakavu, is a major Hindu shrine of the Goddess (Kali/Bhadrakali) at Kodungallur in Kerala. Kerala Tourism describes it as renowned as one of the Shaktipeedhams, or powerful seats of the Goddess, in Kerala, and as the mother shrine for a large number of Bhagavathy temples.
Faith & Tradition
Devotees believe the temple's power is concentrated in five chakras consecrated by Adi Shankaracharya, and that its rituals are conducted under the Goddess's own instructions, Kerala Tourism notes. Its festivals are known for unusual customs: during the Bharani festival in March–April, devotees traditionally chant songs some consider abusive and make unconventional offerings, as Times Now has described.
Heritage
Several legends surround the temple's origin, recorded in Kerala Tourism's festival notes: one says Parasurama established four Bhagavathy temples, including this one, while another holds that the Chera king Chenkuttuvan installed an image of Kannaki here — a story historians dispute. The temple belonged to the Kodungallur Kovilakam, the local royal family.
Ritual practice has changed over time. In 2022 The Hindu reported arrests after a rooster sacrifice was conducted during the Bharani festival in violation of the ban on animal sacrifice.
Plan Your Visit
Festival days draw very large crowds. Confirm current arrangements with the temple administration before visiting.
Timings and arrangements change with seasons and festivals. Confirm current details with the temple administration (official website) before travelling. Last reviewed 5 October 2026.
Sacred Calendar
The temple's best-known festival, marked by distinctive traditional customs.
Begins with the firing of 1,001 kathina vedi (barrel crackers) and the lighting of ghee lamps, as the New Indian Express has reported; customs of the Kudumbi and Nair communities and elephant processions feature, per Malayala Manorama.
Location
The temple is about 1.5 km south-east of the Kodungallur bus stand, according to Kerala Tourism, and is part of the historic Muziris heritage area.
Location: Kodungallur, Thrissur, Kerala, India 680664
More in Hindu temples in Kerala · Devi (Sree Kurumba Bhagavathy / Bhadrakali) temples · Temples in Thrissur District
Questions
In Kodungallur, Kerala, about 1.5 km south-east of the Kodungallur bus stand.
The Goddess as Sree Kurumba Bhagavathy, a form of Kali (Bhadrakali).
The temple's famous festival in March–April, known for distinctive traditional customs.
A festival that begins with the firing of 1,001 barrel crackers and the lighting of ghee lamps.
No. Animal sacrifice is banned; The Hindu reported arrests in 2022 for a rooster sacrifice carried out in violation of the ban.
Further reading: Kodungallur Sree Kurumba Bhagavathy Temple on Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Spotted an error? Write to info@hindutone.com — see our editorial policy.
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