Uthralikkavu Bhagavathi Temple

Enkakkad, Wadakkanchery, Dist. Thrissur

Uthralikkavu Sree Bhagavathy Temple, also known as Uthralikkavu Sree Mahakali Temple, is a well-known Bhagavathy temple located near Wadakkanchery in the Thrissur district of Kerala. According to the Hindu Shakta tradition, Sree Mahakali, worshipped as Adi Parashakti and Jagadeeshwari, is the presiding deity of the temple. It is one of the major centres of Shakti worship in central Kerala and is best known for the Uthralikkavu Pooram. Regarded as one of the most important Vela festivals in central Kerala, the festival is famous for its grand fireworks display and traditional celebrations. The temple is situated in a peaceful setting surrounded by natural beauty.

According to available historical records and local traditions, the origins of the temple are linked to Kerala’s ancient kavu (sacred grove) tradition. The site is believed to have originally been a sacred grove known as Rudhira Mahakali Kavu, which later developed into the present temple. Historical records suggest that Kelathachan, a local landlord who had close ties with the Thalappilly Raja, played a major role in developing the sacred grove into a place of worship during the 17th and 18th centuries. The temple was established at the meeting point of the regions of Wadakkanchery, Engakkad and Kumaranellur. Surrounded by paddy fields, the area gradually became an important centre for religious activities, social gatherings and local festivals. Over time, Uthralikkavu Pooram grew into one of the region’s major cultural traditions.

Several local legends are associated with the temple. The most well-known story of Kelathachan, who regularly worshipped at the Kollur Mookambika Temple. According to the legend, the Goddess, pleased with his devotion, accompanied him in his palm-leaf umbrella. When he reached Engakkad, he placed the umbrella on the ground but was unable to lift it again. An astrological examination was then conducted, which revealed the presence of the Goddess at that spot, leading to the establishment of the temple there. Another legend says that a woman named Uthrali was sharpening her sickle on a rock when blood began to flow from it. The place was later believed to be the abode of Rudhira Mahakali and local tradition says that the name “Uthralikkavu” was derived from her name. There is also a local belief that the Goddess of Uthralikkavu is the sister of the deities worshipped at Karumarakkad Mahakoorumba Temple and Machad Thiruvanikkavu Temple. The Kootiyezhunnallippu procession during Uthralikkavu Pooram is believed to commemorate this sisterly bond.

The temple is situated amidst lush green paddy fields. The surrounding area offers views of the hills that form part of the Western Ghats, while a railway line passes close to the temple. A large banyan tree, with an altar built around it, stands in front of the temple, along with a spacious entrance pavilion. The temple courtyard is entered through a traditional Kerala-style gateway. The main structures are enclosed within a square, tiled outer enclosure. In front of the sanctum is a square Namaskara Mandapam, featuring beautifully carved stone pillars and traditional Kerala craftsmanship. A circumambulatory path surrounds the sanctum and lamp niches can be seen along the inner walls of the outer enclosure.

The temple has a single-storeyed, square sanctum built in the traditional Kerala style of architecture. The roof is covered with copper sheets and crowned with a golden finial. Stone steps lead to the sanctum, with sculptures of Dwarapalakas (guardian deities) on either side. Granite, laterite stone and teak wood have been used extensively in its construction. The presiding deity is Goddess Bhadrakali, worshipped as Jagadeeshwari. She is worshipped in her fierce form after slaying the asura Darika. Alongside the stone idol, a sacred mirror (Kannadi Bimbam) placed on the pedestal is another distinctive feature of the sanctum. The Goddess faces north, which is an unusual feature in Kerala temples. Inside the sanctum, ghee lamps remain lit throughout the day.

Apart from the main deity, the temple also has separate shrines for Lord Ganesha, Lord Ayyappa and the naga deities. Lord Ganesha is enshrined at the south-west corner of the main sanctum, facing east, while the shrine of Lord Ayyappa is located on the southern side of the temple. Outside the temple is a Nagathara dedicated to Nagaraja and Nagayakshi. Another important place of worship associated with the temple is Mullakkal Sree Moolasthanam, which, according to local legend, marks the spot where Kelathachan placed his palm-leaf umbrella.

The temple’s main annual festival is Uthralikkavu Pooram. Held every year during the Malayalam month of Kumbham (February–March), the festival begins with the flag hoisting on the second Tuesday of the month and continues for eight days. The main Pooram is celebrated on the eighth day. The festival includes the flag-hoisting ceremony, traditional performing arts, Kathakali, Pallivetta and Arattu rituals. On the main Pooram day, caparisoned elephant processions representing the regions of Wadakkanchery, Engakkad and Kumaranellur, along with spectacular daytime and night-time fireworks, are the major attractions. Other important observances at the temple include special prayers on Tuesdays and Fridays, Mandala season rituals, Navaratri celebrations, the consecration anniversary observed on the Makayiram star in the Malayalam month of Edavam, as well as Vishu and Niraputhari celebrations.

One of the most important offerings at the temple is Para Vekkal, in which different types of para are offered with specific prayers. Manjal Para is offered for the removal of obstacles to marriage and for a long and happy married life. Nel Para and Ari Para are offered for family prosperity and abundance, while Malar Para is offered for good health and recovery from illness. Avil Para, Sharkara Para, Panchasara Para, Uppu Para, Nanaya Para and Ellu Para are also offered with various prayers. Muttirakkal, in which coconuts are broken before the Goddess, is another important offering performed with prayers for the removal of obstacles in life. Kadumadhura Payasam and Neipayasam are the main food offerings. Bhagavathy Seva is performed for family well-being and the removal of negative influences, while Pushpanjali and Raktha Pushpanjali are offered for the fulfilment of wishes and relief from enemy-related afflictions. Niramala, Chuttuvilakku and Kathina Vedi are also important offerings made by devotees.

The temple is open daily from 04:30 AM to 10:30 AM and from 05:00 PM to 08:00 PM. On Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, the morning darshan is extended until 11:00 AM. The day begins with the opening of the sanctum and Nirmalya Darshan at 04:30 AM, followed by the Usha Pooja. Ucha Pooja and the offering of Nivedyam are performed at around 10:15 AM on regular days and 10:45 AM on special days, after which the temple closes for the morning. In the evening, Deeparadhana is performed around sunset, followed by Athazha Pooja and Nivedyam at around 07:30 PM, before the temple closes at 08:00 PM. On the main day of Uthralikavu Pooram, the temple remains open throughout the day and night to accommodate the large number of devotees, with the main focus on the Pooram rituals and processions.

Key highlight :-

• Located about 13 km from Shoranur, 19 km from Kunnamkulam and 21 km from Thrissur.
• The nearest railway stations are Wadakkanchery Railway Station, about 3 km away and
• Shoranur Junction Railway Station, about 14 km away.
• KSRTC and local bus services are available to the temple from Shoranur and Thrissur.
• Private vehicles can be parked in the temple’s parking area.
• Accommodation and food facilities are available in the nearby towns.