Karikkakom Chamundi Devi Temple, Trivandrum Overview

Adding to the historical significance and cultural diversity of the little yet vibrant city of Karikkakom is the Karikkakom Sree Chamundi Devi Temple which is over 600 years old. This ancient temple is actually set in dense green environs with the tall lush palms enveloping it from all sides. The Karikkakom Devi is a Hindu temple that enshrines Goddess Chamundi. However, the distinctive peculiarity of this temple is that it worships all the three forms of Goddess Chamundi- Maha Chamundi, Rakhta Chamundi and Bala Chamundi.

What most people don't know about this temple's history is that in the olden days when the monarchy was practiced, the Kings chose this temple as the destination for bringing justice and punishing wrong doers. The accused were brought to stand in front of Rakhta Chamundidevi's sanctum, put 21 coins in the nada and asked to say the truth. It was believed that the goddess would treat those who were honest and punish those who lied, and hence, nobody would dare to lie! The Pongala Festival celebrated at this temple is a gigantic hit among locals and tourists. Millions of women gather at the temple every year for this seven-day celebration at the end of which the enormous idol of the goddess is carried around the temple in a beautiful golden chariot.

1. Karikkakom Pongala

The Karikkakom Pongala festival accounts for a joyous celebration at the Karikkakom Devi Temple and is celebrated in the month of Meenam. The special diet during this seven-day festival is a unique bl (Read More)end of rice, ghee, coconut and jaggery made in small earthen pots and is a real treat for the taste buds. The idol of Goddess Chamundi is seated on a regal golden chariot and circled around the temple while millions of people surround the temple to witness this ritual.

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Karikkakom Sree Chamundi Devi Temple Shrine

The opulent Chamundi Devi Temple is colossal and houses the sanctums of many goddesses. The highlight and the principal deity is a gorgeous Panchahola idol of Goddess Karikkakom who is a reincarnation of Goddess Chamundi. Since Chamundi Devi herself is the ferocious form of Goddess Kali, you will also find Goddess Kali's idol here. To the right of the main shrine is the Rakhta Chamundi shrine where justice was imparted in the olden days. Here, the deity is worshipped as a wall painting and not an idol. Rakhta Chamundi is the fierce and aggressive form of Goddess Chamundi and legend says that if offerings and prayers are made to this goddess, she will grant your most ardent wish, bless you with prosperity and even cure the most chronic diseases!

Further along, there is the shrine of Bala Chamundi, which is the childhood form of the goddess. It is said that couples who have been unable to conceive a child pray to the goddess and present offerings like toys, cradles, etc., the goddess will bless them with a child. People seek the blessings of the goddess to cure stubborn illnesses in children too. To the north of the temple, not too far away, is a small and cosy house called the 'Guru Mandiram'. This house assumes great importance because it is believed to be the ancestral home of the Yogiswaran or sage who first brought the devi to the temple. Other deities worshipped at the temple are Sastha, Ganapati, Yakshiyamma, Bhuvaneshvari, Ayiravalli and Yogeshwara.

How To Reach Karikkakom Chamundi Devi Temple

The Karikkakom Devi Temple is well connected from throughout the city because it lies very close to the city centre. Lying only 7 kms away from the famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple, the temple can be reached easily by public or private transport.

There are many approach routes to the Karikkokam Devi Temple:
If you approach from Kollam, it is a straight road from Kazzhakoottam Junction. If you choose to take the road via the World Market junction, take a right from Vazhavila and the road will lead you straight to the temple. You can also choose to take the M.C. Road. This road will lead you through the Kesavadaspuram via Palayam, Peta, Chakka bypass and then onto the temple road.

Another approach is through Neyyattinkara via East Fort and Enchakkal junction. This will also lead you to the bypass from where you get onto the temple road. Same goes for the Chakka Attuvarambu road. For those who want to use public transport, the Karikkakom Bus Stop is a stone's throw away from the temple at a distance of 64 meters- which is barely a one-minute walk.