Kizhakke Kadungalloor Sree Bhuvaneswari Mahadevi Temple

Kadungalloor, Dist. Ernakulam

Sri Maa Bhuvaneswari Temple, situated at Kadungalloor near Aluva in Kerala’s Ernakulam district, is one of the region’s ancient and highly revered centres of Devi worship. Dedicated exclusively to Maa Bhuvaneswari, the Supreme Sovereign of the Universe and one of the Dasa Mahavidyas, the temple holds a distinctive place in Kerala’s Shakta tradition. Set within a serene environment, it has long been a place of worship and spiritual devotion for devotees seeking the blessings of the Divine Mother. While Bhadrakali or Durga forms the principal concept of worship in most Devi temples in Kerala, worship at t is conducted entirely in accordance with the Shakta-Tantric tradition.

The veneration of the Goddess at this sacred site is believed to date back at least 800 years. According to oral traditions and references found in Tantric texts, devotion to the Goddess existed here even before temple culture became widespread in Kerala. What began as the personal spiritual practice of an individual gradually developed into an established place of worship and eventually led to the formation of the present temple. Over time, local rulers, landlords and devotees contributed to the development of the shrine, giving it a more defined structure and restoring it in accordance with Tantric traditions.

Centuries ago, a sanyasi devoted to the Goddess is believed to have performed penance at Kodungalloor. After his passing, his disciples continued the tradition of lighting lamps and offering prayers at the place associated with him. A few centuries later, around 500 years ago, the royal lineage of Alangad faced the prospect of dying out. The ruler therefore proclaimed that half his kingdom would be granted to anyone who could help him obtain an heir. Eminent physicians from the Vazhapilly Mana of Malabar came forward to treat him, following which he was blessed with offspring. When the ruler offered them the promised half of his kingdom, the physicians declined and requested instead a small piece of land—land which, in their words, would not turn to dust when trodden upon. In accordance with their request, he granted them, free of land tax, the very site where the earlier worship had taken place. There, the spiritual preceptors recognised the presence of their own family deity and resumed the worship of the Goddess.

The temple is built in the traditional Kerala architectural style. The temple complex consists of a spacious Chuttambalam, enclosed by long, single-storeyed structures with sloping roofs covered in terracotta tiles. The structures stand on granite or laterite bases, with white walls accented by reddish-brown and blue bands. The entrance is through a Padippura-like gateway with a tiled roof and decorative gables featuring sculptural representations of deities. Open verandahs and pillared spaces surround the temple structures, with traditional hanging oil lamps arranged along them. Sculptural representations of various deities can also be seen on the outer walls of certain structures. A Dwajasthambam stands within the temple precinct, while the sanctum and associated shrines are constructed on raised granite platforms. The use of tiled roofs, granite bases, timber roof structures and open pillared spaces reflects the characteristic features of traditional Kerala temple architecture.

Maa Bhuvaneswari is worshipped here as the all-encompassing Divine Mother and the Supreme Shakti who governs all the worlds. The principal deity is installed in the Garbhagriha. Nagaraja and Nagayakshi are regarded as the traditional guardians and presiding deities of the sacred site.

In addition to Goddess Bhuvaneswari, the principal deity, the temple has shrines for Ganapathi, Ayyappa, Subrahmanya, Dhanwanthari, Hanuman, Shiva, Balabhadra, Muthappan, Veerabhadra, Kappiri, Ghantakarna, Swapnayakshi, Vishwayakshi, Vadayakshi, Nagayakshi, Nagaraja and Brahmarakshassu, among other associated deities.

The annual Thiruvutsavam begins with the ceremonial hoisting of the temple flag on Thiruvonam in the Malayalam month of Meenam and concludes with the Arattu ceremony on the day of Rohini. Pongala is observed on Makara Chovva, a Tuesday in the Malayalam month of Makaram. Sarvaishwarya Pooja is conducted on the final day of the month of Karkidakam. The temple also observes a 41-day Mandala season, during which special observances are conducted. Kalamezhuthu and Pattu are performed daily during this period.

Every Tuesday is observed as a special day at the temple. Hundreds of devotees, particularly women, participate in special poojas and collective Archana. It is believed that devotees who visit the temple and offer prayers for 21 consecutive Tuesdays may attain the fulfilment of their wishes. Muzhukkappu is an offering in which the idol of Goddess Bhuvaneswari is completely covered with sandalwood paste. It is offered for the fulfilment of specific wishes. Noorum Paalum is considered an important offering for relief from Naga- and Rahu-related doshas. Graha Pooja is a special ritual performed to propitiate the planetary deities and seek their blessings. It is believed to help alleviate adverse planetary influences and support the fulfilment of one’s wishes. Arunazhi Payasam is a special offering made for prosperity and overall well-being. Panchamritam is offered primarily on Sashti days and Tuesdays, as well as on other occasions, for family prosperity and welfare. Vadamala is one of the favoured offerings to Lord Hanuman and is traditionally offered for physical well-being and strength.

The daily pooja schedule begins with the opening of the temple at 5.00 AM, followed by Abhishekam and Usha Pooja at 5.30 AM. Ucha Pooja is conducted at 10.00 AM, after which the temple closes for the morning. The temple reopens at 5.00 PM, followed by Deeparadhana at 7.00 PM and Athazha Pooja at 8.00 PM, after which the temple closes for the day. On Tuesdays and Fridays, however, the Ucha Pooja is conducted after 12 noon.

Key Highlights:

• Located 4 km from Aluva town.
• About 4 km from Aluva Railway Station.
• Local bus services are available.
• Dedicated parking is available for private vehicles.
• Accommodation and dining facilities are available nearby.