Karikkakom Sri Chamundi Devi Temple , Kerala

Address

Karikkakom Sri Chamundi Devi Temple Karikkakom, Karikkakam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695007 Phone: 0471 250 7671

Deity

Amman: Sri Chamundi Devi

Introduction

• Location:
  • Karikkakom Sri Chamundi Devi Temple is situated in Karikkakom, Thiruvananthapuram, India, about 7 km north of Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
• Age:
  • This ancient temple is over 1000 years old.
• Deity:
  • Enshrines a Panchaloha idol of Goddess Chamundi, known as Karikkakathamma.
  • Worshipped in three different forms: Maha Chamundi, Raktha Chamundi, and Bala Chamundi.
• Historical Significance:
  • The temple served as a venue for imparting justice during the kings’ rule.

Puranic Significance

• Forms of Worship:
  • Chamundi Devi is considered a fierce form of Kali, worshipped in three adjacent sanctums:
    • Maha Chamundi: In a calm state in the main sanctum.
    • Raktha Chamundi: Features a wall painting in a Rowdra Bhava (fierce form) with no idol.
    • Bala Chamundi: Represents the goddess in childhood form.
• Associated Deities:
  • Other deities worshipped include Sastha, Ganapathi, Yakshiyamma, Bhuvaneshvari, Ayiravalli, and Yogeeswaran.
• Justice Ritual:
  • Historical significance as a place for truth-telling: accused would proclaim their innocence in front of Raktha Chamundi, offering coins as a pledge of truth.
  • Believed that the goddess protected the truthful and punished the liars.
• Devotional Practices:
  • Offerings to Raktha Chamundi help remove obstacles and chronic ailments; Bala Chamundi is worshipped by couples seeking children, with offerings like cradles and toys.

Special Features

• Nagar Kavu:
  • A sacred grove outside the temple, rich in medicinal plants and trees.
  • Devotees perform Ayilya Pooja and Nurum palum for Sarpa dosha removal, especially on Ayilyam day.

Festivals

• Annual Festival:
  • Celebrated in the month of Meenam for seven days.
  • Women gather to prepare Pongala (sweet rice dish) in small pots to please the goddess.
  • The idol of the Devi is carried around the temple in a golden chariot on the day before Pongala, attracting thousands of devotees.

Century/Period/Age

1000- Years old

Managed By

Travancore Devaswom Board.

Nearest Bus Station

Karikkakom

Nearest Railway Station

Thiruvananthapuram

Nearest Airport

Thiruvananthapuram

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