Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple, Ancient Hindu temple in Thrissur District, India
Kodungallur Bhagavathy is a house of prayer for Hindu devotees in Thrissur District, India, dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy. The complex displays Kerala construction style with wooden pillars, stone foundations, and several shrines housing different forms of the deity.
The site emerged in the 12th century under the Chera dynasty as a religious center and remained a hub for trade and pilgrimage across centuries in Kerala. Later rulers expanded the compound and added extra shrines and buildings that remain visible today.
The annual Bharani celebration draws people from across Kerala who join processions and take part in rituals where blessed water and ash are distributed as blessings. Visitors experience temple music with drums and chants while priests in white garments lead ceremonies and devotees offer coconuts and flower garlands at the entrance.
The compound opens at half past four in the morning and half past four in the evening, with a midday closure between twelve and half past four, requiring modest clothing or traditional Indian garments. Footwear must be removed before entering shrine areas, and the main entrance sits on the eastern side of the grounds.
Ceremonial swords from several centuries rest in a dedicated chamber and symbolize the martial traditions once used to protect the sacred site. Some of these weapons carry inscriptions in old languages and display intricate carvings on the handles.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
