Kodungalloor Bharani is the annual festival at the renowned Sree Kurumba Bhagavathy temple at Kodungalloor in which thousands of devotees participate. Sree Kurumba Bhagavathy temple is one of the most popular temples in Kerala. Most of the people who participate in this festival are from the regions of Northern Kerala. This famous festival which marks the birth of Bhadrakali takes place in the Malayalam month of Meenam. It is considered that this goddess was born from the third eye of Samhara Rudra. Get more details about Kodungalloor Bharani and the popular temples in Kerala
A Much-Awaited Festival In Kerala
The Kodungalloor Bharani is a much-awaited festival for the people in Kerala. It is celebrated in the honor of the rich past of Kodungalloor, which was the capital of Kerala in the ancient times. This festival marks the birth of the Goddess Bhadrakali. She is believed to be born from the third of Lord Rudra. Thousands of devotees from Kerala and the neighboring states visit this temple to participate in it. People gather at the Kodungalloor Bhagavathi Temple which is the venue for this festival. They sing songs with obscene words in honor of the goddess. They also seek redemption for their sins by participating in this festival.
Specialties
Most of the people who participate in this festival are from the regions of Northern Kerala. These areas are collectively known as Kadathanadu. The rituals of this festival are unique which are believed to be originated because of the ancient ties between Kodungalloor and the areas under the rule of Chera kingdom. Kaavu Theendal is the hoisting of festival flag and other specialties of Bharani festival include Kozhikkal Moodal (covering of hen stone) and Palakka Velan, a ceremony performed by fishermen in this region. Bharani Pattu (song) is certainly a great attraction of this festival but it features vulgur and obscene words.
A special ritual called kaavu theendal makes the festival of Kodungalloor Bharani truly spectacular. Hundreds of male and female oracles throng the grounds of the temple for three days. Smeared with holy ash and bedecked in jangling, they stumble through the temple compound striking at the temple walls while chanting with swords and sticks. It is a unique festival surging with energy that lasts for three days. The temple keeper gives blessings to the devotees who lie prostrated before him on the last day.
How To Reach Kodungalloor
Located in the Thrissur district, Kodungalloor Bhagavathy temple is around 39 kilometers away from Thrissur Town. Travelers who wish to visit this temple to enjoy the Bharani festival can fly directly to the Cochin International Airport. They can take train to Thrissur or hire a taxi to reach this temple. If you travel by train, the nearest railway station to this temple is Thrissur. Contact KSU if you are planning a pilgrim trip in Kerala.