Sree Kadampuzha Bhagavathy Temple is a renowned temple located in Kadampuzha, part of Marakkara Panchayat, near Kottakkal in Tirur Taluk, Malappuram District, Kerala.
According to Hindu Shakta traditions, the Supreme Goddess (Adi Para shakti) is worshipped here in the form of Vana Durga, or Parvati in the form of a Kirata (hunter woman). She is also worshipped in her three primary aspects—Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and Mahasaraswati.
Interestingly, there is no idol in the sanctum. Instead, there is a mirror placed above a pit, which represents the deity. This is a Sreechakra installation. The belief here is rooted in Advaita philosophy, suggesting that the reflection of the devotee in the mirror is the Goddess herself. Because the deity is in the Vana Durga form, the sanctum has no roof, symbolizing that the Goddess, being one with nature, directly receives the elements of the natural world.
One of the unique features of the Kadampuzha Temple is the sacred pond, which is considered an important part of the temple’s ritualistic practices. Devotees believe that a bath in the pond purifies the soul and prepares them for their prayers. The temple compound is also enveloped in lush greenery, which adds to its peaceful setting. The temple is designed to enhance the connection between nature and divinity, encouraging devotees to meditate and reflect.
Installation (Pratishtha)
It is widely believed that Adi Shankaracharya installed the deity at this temple. To reduce the fierce energy of Kirata Parvati, Sudarsana and Narasimha mantras were chanted during the consecration. The immense power of the goddess was then focused into the doorway at the center of the sanctum and transformed into a calm and benevolent form.
To ensure the goddess never again manifests in her fierce form, Sudarsana and Narasimha idols were placed facing her, symbolizing their balancing influence.
Main deity :
Adi Para shakti, worshipped in the form of Vana Durga. The sanctum faces west, and because of the forest goddess aspect, there is no roof over the sanctum. The temple also has a Sreechakra installation.
Sub-Deities
Narasimha Moorthy, facing south
Sudarsana Moorthy, facing north
They are believed to help to balance the fierce energy of the goddess.
The spiritual presence of Ganesha and Subrahmanya is also believed to be present. To the north, there are idols of Naga deities, and to the south, Dharma Shasta with Poorna and Pushkala is installed.
Main Offerings
Two rituals performed here are especially famous: ‘Poomoodal’ (offering flowers in abundance over the sanctum) and ‘Muttarukkal’ (breaking of coconuts to remove obstacles). It is believed that sincere performance of these offerings can remove hurdles and help fulfill one’s desires
History
There are no clear historical records to determine the exact origin of the Kadampuzha Temple. However, due to rituals like “Muttarukkal”, it is believed that the temple may have originally been a Jain or Buddhist shrine, which was later converted into a Hindu temple during the time of Adi Shankaracharya.
Legend
To acquire the Pashupatastra, Arjuna meditated deeply on Lord Shiva. However, Shiva decided that Arjuna’s pride must first be subdued for the divine weapon to be truly effective. To test him, Shiva and Parvati disguised themselves as a tribal couple and appeared at the site of Arjuna’s penance.
At the same time, Duryodhana sent the demon Mukasura, disguised as a wild boar, to disturb Arjuna’s penance. Seeing the boar, Shiva shot an arrow at it. Arjuna, unaware of Shiva’s identity, also shot an arrow, and both arrows struck the boar simultaneously, killing it.
A quarrel ensued over who had actually killed the boar, leading to a battle between Shiva and Arjuna. As Arjuna’s arrows tore into Shiva’s body, Parvati, angered, cursed Arjuna, declaring that henceforth his arrows would turn into flowers. Eventually, Arjuna realized the tribal couple were none other than Shiva and Parvati themselves. He fell at their feet and begged for forgiveness. Pleased, they blessed him and granted him the Pashupatastra.
It is believed that the Goddess at Kadampuzha embodies the form of Parvati as the tribal woman from this legend. As a remembrance of the curse that turned Arjuna’s arrows into flowers, Adi Shankaracharya is said to have initiated the “Poomoodal” (covering the sanctum with flowers) ritual after the installation of the deity.
Special Occasions
Thrikkarthika (Main Festival):
The most important festival at the temple, celebrated in the Malayalam month of Vrischikam (November–December) on the Kartika star day. Believed to be the birthday of the Goddess and the day Adi Shankaracharya installed the deity with the Sreechakra. Rituals begin early at 3:30 AM, with special lamps, poojas, and a feast (prasada oottu) attended by thousands of devotees.
Navaratri:
Held in Kanni month (September/October), this nine-day festival honors Durga Devi, with cultural programs and special rituals. Durga Ashtami and Vijayadashami are especially important. Vidyarambham (initiation into learning) is performed here, believed to bring blessings of wisdom and prosperity.
Rigveda Laksharchana:
An annual ritual held in Dahanu month (December/January) involving the chanting of Vedic hymns, believed to support the temple’s spiritual growth. It is conducted under the temple Tantri’s guidance, with associated cultural events.
Important Days
- Tuesdays, Fridays, Pournami (Full Moon), Amavasya (New Moon)
- Navaratri days
- 1st of every Malayalam and English month
Temple Timings
- Morning: 4:30 AM – 12:00 PM
- Evening: 3:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Dress Code
Men: Traditional Dhoti or Paijama
Women :Traditional Sari, Churidar, Kurta Paijama,
Address
W2VV+F8J, Kadampuzha,
Kerala 676553
Phone: 0494 261 5790
Significance and Pilgrimage
Kadampuzha Temple is not only significant to the local community but also to people from all over Kerala and beyond. Devotees from various parts of India visit the temple to seek blessings from the Goddess, particularly for the fulfillment of their vows. One of the most popular rituals performed at the temple is the Vrutham, where devotees observe a fast or vow for a period and visit the temple to offer their prayers once their wish is fulfilled.
The temple is also known for its connection to the Sabarimala pilgrimage, with many devotees visiting Kadampuzha Temple before or after making the arduous journey to Sabarimala. In this regard, Kadampuzha is considered a precursor to the pilgrimage, acting as a place to seek divine blessings and strength for the journey ahead.
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