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| Karikkakom Sree Chamundi Devi Temple en.wikipedia.com |
Located in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram, the Karikkakom Sree Chamundi Devi Temple is a historic spiritual landmark with a legacy spanning over 600 years. Enshrining the goddess Karikkakathamma, an incarnation of Chamundi, the temple is unique for its worship of the deity in three distinct forms: Maha Chamundi, Raktha Chamundi, and Bala Chamundi. Each form represents a different aspect of the divine feminine, housed in adjacent sanctums within the ancient complex.
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| Sree Chamundi Devi Templepilgrimaide.com |
The Three Forms of Chamundi
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| Karikkakom Sree Chamundi Devi Temple keralatourism.org |
The main sanctum houses a magnificent Panchaloha idol of Maha Chamundi. In this form, the Goddess is viewed as a calm and benevolent mother, offering grace and protection to her devotees.
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| Karikkakom Sree Chamundi Devi facebook.com |
To the right lies the Raktha Chamundi shrine, which notably contains no idol, but rather a vivid wall painting of the Goddess in a fierce (Rowdra) state. Historically, this shrine served a unique judicial purpose. During the era of the Maharajahs, accused individuals were brought here to prove their innocence. It was believed that no one could utter a lie after placing 21 coins in the nada and swearing before the fierce deity. Today, devotees visit this shrine to seek the removal of obstacles, protection from enemies, and healing from chronic illnesses.
The third form is Bala Chamundi, representing the Goddess in her childhood. This shrine is a sanctuary for couples seeking the blessing of parenthood. It is a common tradition for devotees to offer miniature cradles and toys here, praying for the health and well-being of their children.
Sacred Spaces and Festivals
Beyond the main walls lies the Nagar Kavu, a sacred grove rich in medicinal plants and ancient trees. It serves as a center for serpent worship, where rituals like Nurum Palum are performed on Ayilyam days to alleviate Sarpa Dosha.
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| Pongala festival newindianexpress.com |
Above image: Karikkakom Sree Chamundi Devi Temple or Karikkakom Devi of Thiruvananthapuram Temple is a 600year old temple dedicated to Goddess Chamundi.The unique feature is in this holy shrine Chamundi Devi is worshiped in three different forms in different Sreekovils: Maha Chamundi, Raktha Chamundi, and Bala Chamundi. Karikkakom Pongala festival is second most famous pongala next to Attukal Devi Pongala in Kerala.......
The temple’s spiritual calendar is highlighted by the Pongala Festival, held during the Malayalam month of Meenam (March–April). It is a seven-day annual event held in March/April)and thousands of women make offering ‘pongala at Karikkakom Sree Chamundi Devi Temple in Thiruvananthapuram during the festival. Tradition has it devotees light the ‘pongala’ hearths after the officiating priest (temple ‘thantri)has lit the ‘pandara aduppu’ in the morning. The ceremonial sword of the Devi is brought to the ‘pandarakalam’ around 2.15 pm in a ritual procession and then the ‘pongala tharpanam’ is performed.Numerous priests will sprinkle holy water on the hearths set up near the temple.The long ceremony concludes with gurusi by bringing the ceremonial sword to the Gurusikkalam after the athazha pooja.
This festival is similar to the world-famous Attukal Pongala, millions of women gather in the temple vicinity to prepare a ritual offering of rice, jaggery, and coconut in earthen pots. This act of devotion culminates in the sanctification of the pots by the temple priests. Another spectacle is the procession of the Goddess in a golden chariot, which draws thousands of pilgrims who gather to witness the deity's journey around the temple grounds.
Administered with deep reverence for Kerala’s tantric traditions, the Karikkakom Devi Temple remains a pillar of faith, blending ancient justice, maternal compassion, and vibrant festive energy.
https://www.keralatourism.org/monsoon-festivals/festival.php?id=50
https://www.pilgrimaide.com/blog/Karikkakom-Sree-Chamundi-Devi-Temple?
https://www.maalaimalar.com/devotional/temples/karikkakom-chamundi-devi-temple-587272
K. N. Jayaraman
