Kodungalloor Bharani

About Kodungalloor Bharani

Kodungalloor Bhagavathi temple is situated at Kodungalloor, Thrissur District, Kerala.he goddess Bhagavathi is the presiding deity of the ancient temple here.The Sreekovil is quite an artistic feat. The idol of Devi is in the guise which she had assumed when she fought Darika. Thousands of her devotees queuing up in respectful submission cry in unison, ‘Oh, Mother, save us’. and prostrate before her. The Kodungallor Bhagavathi themple is one of the wealthiest temples in Kerala. “Bharani” means the second asterism of the lunar month and considered a very auspicious day of the festival. The significance of this festival is that it is the birthplace of Bhadrakali, who was born from the third eye of Samhara Rudra. In Hindu mythology Samhara Rudra is believed to have killed demon Darika. At the time of the festival a sacrifice is made and it is made through the cocks, considered one of the important features of the festival.The Bharani festival which falls in the month of Meenam (March/April) attracts the largest congregation of Velichappadu (oracles), both men and women. The term Velichappadu in Malayalam means “the revealer of light”. The festival commemorates goddess Bhadrakaali’s victory over the demon Daarika. The huge idol of Bhadrakaali, with eight hands, each holding weapons like swords and wheels evokes reverential fear in the minds of the devotees.

During the festival the devotees bring in stuffs like rice, salt chillies, betel leaf, turmeric and number of cocks. People also consume a large quantity of arrack and toddy.As a supreme symbol of their devotion they make a sacrificial offering of their own blood to the deity. A grand procession (Ezhunnallathu) with nine majestic tuskers is held in the evenings followed by a series of cultural programmes staged in the temple premises. Till recently the administration of the temple was in the hands of the Kodungalloor royal family, but now it is under the Cochin Devasworn Board.

Interesting things to Visit

Bhagawati Temple:

The Bhagawati temple at Kodungallur is known throughout Kerala. The Bharani festival at the Bhagawati temple is one of the biggest in Kerala.

St.Thomas Church:

Jesus Christ’s apostle, St. Thomas is believed to have landed in Kodungalloor (earlier Muziris) in 52 AD. The St. Thomas Church established by him houses ancient relics. St. Thomas is portrayed in the gospels as a courageous and brave personality.

Kottayil Kovilakom:

Kottayil Kovilakom is a small village located at Chennamangalam, near Paravur. The place is located around 40 kilometers from Ernakulam town and is a symbol of religious harmony. The beautiful hillocks of Kottayil Kovilakom are unique as the site of a Hindu temple (Dedicated to Krishna) , a Christian church, a mosque and the remains of a Jewish synagogue, all within 1 km of each other.

Pallippuram Fort:

Pallippuram Fort was built in 1507 AD, by the Portugese. It is considered to be the first fort built in India by the Europeans.It witnessed several battles between the Portugese and the Dutch. The hexagonal-shaped fort has three storeys and is now a protected monument.

Shiva Temple:

The Mahadeva temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is located 3 kilometers from Kodungalloor on the Ernakulam road. The temple porch is very much attractive because it is decorated with carvings depicting people and incidents in the epic Ramayana. The Lord Shiva is worshiped here in the form of ‘Shivalingam’ and his faithful bull ‘Nandi’ also worshiped here.

Cheraman Jama Masjid:

It was Founded in the seventh century, this is the first Juma masjid in India. This was Built in AD 629 , this is the first mosque in India and the second in the world where Juma prayers were started. Other places of interest nearby include Cheramanparambu, the ancient Thiruvanchikulam Temple, the Bhagavathi Temple and the Portuguese fort.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Kodungallur Police Station
Kodungallur, Thrissur
Kerala .

Police Station
SH 22, Irinjalakuda
Thrissur, Kerala.

Police station
Kattoor Town
Thrissur, Kerala.

Koratty Police Station
NH47, Thrissur
Kerala.

Chalakudi Police Station
Chalakudi, Thrissur
Kerala.

Ayyanthole Police Station
Thrissur, Kerala
Tel: 0487 2363608.

Nearest Hospital:

Ayurvedamonline.com
Irinjalakuda,Thrissur
Kerala 680121
Tel:0480 2833859 or 0480 2833738 or 09847259139 (Mobile).

Modern Hospital Kodungallur
P.O. Box No:22,
Kodungallur Post
Thrissur, Kerala 680664
Tel:0480 2802022 or 0480 6451456 or 0480 2808422.

Madonna Hospital
Aluva Road, Angamaly
Ernakulam, Kerala 680572
Tel:0484 2452450.

Janatha Hospital
Market Road, Alwaye Aluva
Ernakulam, Kerala 680101
Tel:0484 2624931.

Electronics Diagnostics
Changampuzha Nagar
Opposite Federal Bank Atm
Kalamassery, Ernakula
Kerala 680104
Tel: 0484 2541951.

Location info

• Address: Kodungalloor, Thrissur District , Kerala, India

• District: Thrissur District

• Nearest City: Chalakudy, Kochi, Sholayar, Kaladi, Irinjalakuda , Kunnamkulam and Kodungallur.

• Best time to visit: March and April.

History of Kodungalloor Bharani

Bhadrakali born of the third eye of Samhara Rudra, killed the demon Darika. It is to commemorate this event that the famous Bharani festival is celebrated in the Kodungalloor Bhagavathi temple in Meenam (March-April) every year. There is a popular belief that it was Parasurama who, under the direction of Bhadrakali, had introduced the celebration of Bharani Utsavam in this temple.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Kerala. 4G is reliable in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and along the coastal belt. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain backwater stretches. Most hotels, houseboats, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Kerala cuisine — fish curry, appam with stew, puttu, and Kerala sadhya — is widely available and famously delicious.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Accommodation is available in the nearest town or city. Options range from homestays to luxury resorts. Kerala’s homestay network is excellent and offers authentic local experiences.

Climate & weather

Kerala has a tropical monsoon climate with warm, humid conditions year-round. The best time to visit is November to February, when temperatures are a pleasant 22°C–30°C with low humidity and clear skies. March–May is hot and humid (up to 36°C). The southwest monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rainfall — the landscape transforms into lush green and this is the best time for Ayurvedic treatments. The northeast monsoon (October–November) brings shorter showers. Hill stations (Munnar, Wayanad) remain cooler year-round.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road — check locally for the closest option.

Best time to visit Kodungalloor Bharani

Kodungalloor Bharani takes place according to the Malayalam calendar. The best time to witness this festival is during its scheduled dates, which vary annually. Most Kerala festivals occur between November and May (the dry season). Check the official dates from Kerala Tourism before planning your visit.

How to reach Kodungalloor Bharani

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK) (approximately 40 km). Nearest Railway Station: Thrissur Railway Station. The destination is well-connected by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and private taxis from major towns.

Timings & opening hours

Festival timings vary by event. Most temple festivals start in the morning with flag-hoisting ceremonies and continue through the evening with processions, cultural programs, and fireworks. Night processions typically start around 8:00 PM–9:00 PM and continue past midnight.

Entry fee & tickets

Most festival events are free to attend and watch. Processions and temple grounds can be accessed without charge. Special seating for fireworks viewing may cost INR 100–500. Some cultural performances during festivals may have ticketed entry.

Duration needed

Major festivals last 8–10 days. Visitors typically spend 2–3 hours per day watching key events. The main procession day requires 4–6 hours.

Safety tips

Very large crowds gather at Kodungalloor Bharani — keep your belongings secure and watch for pickpockets. Arrive early for a good viewing position of processions. Follow the instructions of festival volunteers and police. Keep children close and establish a meeting point in case of separation. Carry water and stay hydrated. Avoid bringing large bags or valuables to crowded festival grounds.

Things to carry

Comfortable shoes for walking and standing (crowds can be very large, seating may not be available), drinking water in a reusable bottle, a hat or cap, sunscreen and umbrella for day events, a light snack, earplugs (processions can be very loud with drums and fireworks), a camera (zoom lens recommended for procession shots), a power bank, and a small bag that can be secured against pickpockets.

Nearby visiting places

Guruvayoor Temple, Athirappilly Waterfall, Vazhachal Waterfall, Punnathur Kotta, Kerala Kalamandalam, Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary, Vilangan Hills

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK) (approximately 40 km). Nearest Railway Station: Thrissur Railway Station. The destination is well-connected by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and private taxis from major towns.

Things to do at Kodungalloor Bharani

Witness the grand procession of caparisoned elephants, listen to traditional percussion ensembles (pancha vadyam, chenda melam), watch traditional performing arts (Kathakali, Theyyam, folk dances), enjoy the spectacular fireworks displays, taste festival-special food, shop at temporary festival markets, interact with local communities participating in the festivities, photograph the colourful events, and experience the unique cultural atmosphere of a Kerala festival.

Frequently asked questions

When does this festival take place? — Most Kerala festivals follow the Malayalam calendar (Kollavarsham). Dates vary annually — check the Kerala Tourism website or local sources for exact dates for your travel period. Is the festival free to attend? — Yes, all processions and public events are free. Special seating areas for fireworks or cultural programmes may have ticketed entry. How crowded is it? — Very crowded during major festivals. Large events like Thrissur Pooram attract hundreds of thousands of people. Arrive early, keep belongings secure, and establish meeting points. What should I wear? — Comfortable clothing suitable for standing in crowds. Modest dress is appreciated. Wear comfortable shoes.