History:

Karikkode Bhagavathy Temple is one of the most ancient and revered temples in the state of Kerala. It is located in Karikkode, a small village located in the Palakkad district of Kerala. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathi and is believed to have been established by the sage Parasurama thousands of years ago. According to legends, Parasurama created this temple while meditating in the Malayattoor forest. He was accompanied by Bhadrakali, the powerful incarnation of Goddess Parvati. Parasurama carved a statue of Bhadrakali in a block of stone which has been kept in the sanctum sanctorum of this temple ever since. It is believed to be more than 2000 years old and is known as the ‘Karikkode Vigraha’. The Karikkode Bhagavathy Temple is one of the most important temples of the villages of the Palakkad district. During the annual festival of this temple, devotees from all over the state throng to this temple to seek the blessings of Goddess Bhagavathi. The main deity of this temple is Bhadrakali who is also known as Karikkodikavu Bhagavathy. The temple is believed to have been constructed during the Kerala period and has beautiful sculptures on its walls. Alongside the main stone idol of Bhadrakali, there are several idols of other Gods and Goddesses in the temple such as Lord Ayyappa, Lord Sastha, Lord Ganapathi, Lord Vishnu, Goddess Durga and Lord Krishna. Apart from the main deity, there are many other shrines dedicated to lesser-known gods and goddesses in this temple. The temple is also surrounded by lush green paddy fields and is a few kilometres away from the majestic Amanna Hills. Every year, thousands of devotees visit this temple to seek blessings and peace. It is one of the best temple in Kerala which you must visit.

Facts:

1. Karikkode Bhagavathy Temple is one of the most important temple in South India located in Palakkad, Kerala. 2. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali, a manifestation of Devi Kali. 3. It is believed to be more than 1000 years old and was constructed by the Paliyat Kings. 4. People from all over the state visit this temple during the annual festival that is held here in March/April. 5. The main offerings made to the Goddess at the temple is ‘Thirodhukalppan’, a special ceremony held at midnight. 6. Offerings of coconuts, lemon, and jaggery are made to Goddess Bhagavathy. 7. Different types of pooja, prayers and other rituals are conducted in the temple by priests. 8. Everyday, special poojas are held along with music and dance performances. 9. The temple is also famous for cultural activities, cultural gatherings and competitions. 10. The temple has a unique way of making offerings to Goddess Bhagavathy by tying burning thousands of lamps. Here are some facts about the Kerala temple.These facts will help you understand why it is oldest temple list of the best temples in Kerala

Worship Method:

The Karikkode Bhagavathy Temple in Kerala follows a traditional form of Temple worship. The presiding deity of the temple is Goddess Bhagavathy, also known as Karikkode Bhagavathy or Kannaki. The temple follows the ancient temple rituals as prescribed in the Agama Shaastras. It has a three tier sanctum sanctorum, of which the topmost one is the Garbhagriha or sanctum sanctorum. The innermost chamber of the sanctum houses the image of Goddess Bhagavathy. The daily temple rituals include the Kalandu puja and Thrippuka. Kalandu puja is done when devotees come to offer respect and seek blessings from the Goddess. During the Puja, followed by offerings of flowers, incense and camphor, a lamp is lit and the devotees chant the Devi stotrams or hymns of praise. Thrippuka is offered when the devotees express their sincere devotion and seek divine grace from the Goddess to be blessed with long life. Daily puja rituals such as Usha puja, Uchcha puja, and Sayaratcha puja are also performed in the temple. Usha puja is performed when devotees arrive for darshan and seek blessings from Goddess Bhagavathy. Uchcha puja is performed when sacred verses are chanted in praise of the Goddess and Sayaratcha puja is performed when devotees offer their prayers and supplications for the Goddess. At the end of the day, Aarattu is the most important ritual. It is a ritualistic procession of the deity from the sanctum sanctorum to a nearby river or temple tank for ceremonial bath. Aarattu is celebrated with drums, cymbals, and chanting of hymns in praise of the Devi. Once the deity is taken out in the processional procession, devotees also join in the procession. Finally, the deity is taken back to the sanctum sanctorum where Utsavabali is conducted to mark the conclusion of the day's rituals. This most visited temple in Kerala

Opening Timing:

The Karikkode Bhagavathy Temple in Kerala is open from 5.00am to 8.00pm on all days of the week. top temples in Kerala

How to reach:

The Karikkode Bhagavathy temple is located in , Kerala, India and can be reached by road and train. By Road: The temple can be easily reached via a taxi or bus from Kottayam, which is 116 km away. By Train: The nearest railway station to the temple is Tiruvalla Railway Station, which is only 8 km away. From here you can take a taxi or bus to reach the temple. famous temples in Kerala