Weather: 21 - 34°C
Label: Popular Among Locals
Tags: Temple, Spiritual, Cultural Heritage
Category: Religious Site, Hindu Temple
Timings:
- Morning: 5:00 AM - 11:30 AM
- Evening: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Time Required: 1-2 hours
Entry Fee: Free
Overview of Karikkakom Chamundi Devi Temple
The Karikkakom Chamundi Devi Temple is a timeless spiritual treasure located just outside the bustling city center of Trivandrum. This ancient temple, more than 600 years old, is nestled amidst lush greenery, with towering palms surrounding it on all sides, offering a peaceful and serene atmosphere for devotees and visitors alike.
The temple is dedicated to Goddess Chamundi in her three different forms: Maha Chamundi, Rakhta Chamundi, and Bala Chamundi. This unique worship of multiple forms of the goddess makes it one of the most interesting temples in the region, with a rich cultural and historical legacy.
In its storied past, this temple also held judicial significance, where the local kings used to bring accused individuals to stand before the goddess. The "trial" involved placing 21 coins in the temple's Nada (opening) and swearing to speak the truth, with the belief that the goddess would expose any lies.
One of the most exciting events hosted by the temple is the Karikkakom Pongala festival, a 7-day celebration that attracts thousands of devotees, especially women, who offer prayers and sweet treats in honor of the goddess. The golden chariot procession of Goddess Chamundi is the grand finale of this festival, a mesmerizing sight that adds to the temple's allure.
Karikkakom Chamundi Devi Temple Highlights
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Karikkakom Pongala Festival
This vibrant festival is celebrated in the month of Meenam and sees women devotees cook a special offering, a mixture of rice, jaggery, coconut, and ghee, in earthen pots. The sacred offerings are made during the festival, and the temple hosts a grand procession featuring the goddess on a golden chariot, paraded around the temple. -
Unique Temples within the Temple
The Karikkakom Sree Chamundi Devi Temple houses various shrines, including the Rakhta Chamundi shrine, where justice was historically imparted. The Bala Chamundi shrine honors the goddess in her childhood form and is especially visited by couples seeking blessings for children. -
Guru Mandiram
To the north of the temple lies the Guru Mandiram, believed to be the ancestral home of the sage who first brought the goddess to this temple. It adds another layer of historical significance and spiritual depth to the experience. -
Other Deities Worshiped
In addition to Goddess Chamundi, other deities like Sastha, Ganapati, Yakshiyamma, Bhuvaneshvari, and Yogeshwara are also worshipped here, making the temple a rich tapestry of Hindu spirituality.
How to Reach Karikkakom Chamundi Devi Temple
By Car:
The Karikkakom Chamundi Devi Temple is located just 7 km from the famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple and is easily accessible by private or public transport.
- From Kollam: You can take a straight route from Kazhakootam Junction, or go through the World Market Junction, take a right at Vazhavila, and follow the road to the temple.
- From Neyyattinkara: You can approach via East Fort and Enchakkal Junction, leading you to the temple bypass and then directly to the temple.
- From Chakka Attuvarambu Road: This road also leads directly to the temple.
By Public Transport:
The Karikkakom Bus Stop is located just 64 meters from the temple, making it very convenient for travelers to get here using public transport. The short walk from the bus stop to the temple is only about 1 minute.
