Kothakulangara Sree Bhagavathy Temple

Kothakulangara, Angamaly, Dist. Ernakulam.

The Kothakulangara Sree Bhagavathi Temple, located in Angamaly in Ernakulam district, is an ancient and well-known temple dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathi. It is believed to be one of the 108 Durga temples in Kerala consecrated by Parashurama, giving the temple special religious importance. The presiding deity is Goddess Bhagavathi, worshipped in the form of Bhadrakali. The temple has remained an important place of worship for the local community for centuries. It is situated about 1.5 km north of Angamaly town and is recognised for its historical and religious significance.

According to historians, the origins of the Kothakulangara Sree Bhagavathi Temple can be traced to medieval Kerala, between the 9th and 12th centuries AD. The temple is believed to have developed as part of the Shakta tradition during the reign of the Chera kings, who ruled from Mahodayapuram. At that time, it served as one of the centres of the social and agricultural life of the local village community. Historians also believe that the temple was built after the Brahmin settlement period, with the joint support of prominent Namboothiri families and local chieftains. Owing to its extensive land holdings and income, the temple was later recognised as a major temple by the Travancore Devaswom Board. Traditionally, the position of Tantri has been held by the Manappally Mana family. After the end of royal rule, the temple came under the administration of the Travancore Devaswom Board and is now maintained as one of the major temples under the Angamaly Group.

According to local legend, a Namboothiri was travelling with an idol of Goddess Bhagavathi when he stopped at a pond in this area to bathe, leaving the idol on the bank. While he was bathing, the idol is believed to have mysteriously disappeared into the pond. Realising that the Goddess wished to remain there, he later built a temple at that spot. It is also believed that the name “Kothakulangara” is derived from the words Kotha (another name for the Goddess), kulam (pond) and kara (bank). The temple is also regarded as one of the 108 Durga temples in Kerala believed to have been consecrated by Parashurama. Another notable feature is the sacred Bodhi tree within the temple grounds, where seven different tree species have grown together as a single tree. Devotees believe this rare natural phenomenon is a sign of the Goddess’s divine presence and blessings.

The main entrance to the temple is through the western gateway. The entrance features a two-storeyed gateway built in the traditional Kerala style, decorated with beautiful wooden carvings. Beyond the gateway are the elephant shelter, used during temple festivals and rows of traditional oil lamp stands fixed along the outer wall of the Chuttambalam. Within the temple courtyard stands a remarkable Bodhi tree formed by the growth of seven different tree species together, along with an ancient temple pond located beside the temple. On entering through the inner gateway, the first structure seen is the Balipeedom (sacrificial altar).

At the centre of the temple stands a single-storeyed, square-shaped Sreekovil built in the traditional Kerala temple style using granite and laterite. It has a copper-sheeted roof topped with a finial. The main deity is a four-armed stone idol of Goddess Durga in the form of Shantha Durga, facing west. The idol holds the conch and discus, while the other two hands are shown in the Varada (boon-giving) and Abhaya (protection) mudras. In front of the Sreekovil are granite steps (Sopanam) flanked by Dwarapalaka sculptures, while a stone Pranala on the northern side carries the sacred ablution water out of the sanctum. Facing the Sreekovil is a Namaskara Mandapam with a traditional wooden roof. In addition to the main deity, shrines for Lord Ganesha and Lord Shiva are located within the Nalambalam, while a separate shrine dedicated to Lord Dharma Sastha (Lord Ayyappa) stands outside the Nalambalam within the temple walls.

The temple’s main annual festival is celebrated over eight days during the Malayalam month of Makaram (January–February), beginning on the Makara Bharani star. The major rituals include Kodiyettu (flag hoisting), Utsavabali, Pallivetta and Arattu. During the festival, elephant processions, traditional percussion performances, Panchavadyam and various cultural programmes are also held. Special poojas and the Bharani Oottu (community feast) take place on the Bharani star in the month of Kumbham (February–March). During the Mandala season, from Vrischikam to Dhanu (November–December), special ceremonies such as Shasthampattu and Azhi Pooja are conducted at the shrine of Lord Dharma Sastha. Navaratri, celebrated in the month of Kanni (September–October), is another major festival of the temple. During this period, special poojas, Poojaveppu and Vidyarambham ceremonies are held in connection with Durga Ashtami, Mahanavami and Vijayadashami.

The main offerings at the temple include Chatussatham, Guruthi Pushpanjali, Rakta Pushpanjali, the offering of a silk saree, Niramala and the lighting of lamps. Chatussatham is offered for long life and prosperity, Guruthi Pushpanjali for protection from enemies, fear and illness, Rakta Pushpanjali for the fulfilment of wishes and success in undertakings and the offering of a silk saree for a happy married life and family well-being. Niramala and the lighting of lamps are offered to seek the blessings of the Goddess and for prosperity. At the sub-shrines, devotees offer Ottayappam, Kadumpayasam and perform Ganapathi Homam for Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles; Dhara and Koovala Mala to Lord Shiva for good health and long life; and Neeranjanam and Shasthampattu during the Mandala season to Lord Dharma Sastha for relief from the effects of Shani and for general well-being.

The temple opens every day at 05:00 AM with Nirmalya Darshan. This is followed by Abhishekam and Malar Nivedyam at 05:30 AM, Usha Pooja at 07:00 AM and Ucha Pooja at 09:30 AM. The temple closes for the morning at 10:30 AM after the Ucha Pooja. It reopens at 05:00 PM, followed by Deeparadhana at 06:30 PM and Athazha Pooja at 07:30 PM. The day’s rituals conclude with Thrippuka, after which the temple closes at 08:00 PM. During special occasions such as the annual festival in Makaram, Kumbha Bharani, the Mandala season and Navaratri, the pooja schedule and darshan timings may vary.

Key highlight :-

• Located about 7 km from Kalady, 13 km from Aluva and 17 km from Chalakudy.
• The nearest railway station is Angamaly Railway Station, about 4 km away.
• KSRTC and local buses are available to Angamaly from nearby towns and cities.
• Private vehicles can be parked in the temple’s designated parking area.
• Accommodation and food facilities are available near the temple.