Bhagavathy Temple

Overview

The Bhagavathy Temple is dedicated to Goddess Shakti and is located in Thrissur, Kerala. The temple is famous for removing obstacles in marriage and is visited be lot of devotees. Pazhayannur is considered a place of historical importance, and is seen in the map of "Nannangadis" of Kerala.

About the temple

Nannangadis are the tombs of people who lived in the medieval times and are usually depicted in the shape of large pots. Hundreds of devotees visit the Mahakshethram every year, to undertake and participate in person and contribute to carry out the various poojas and offerings to the Goddess. Niramaala is one of the major celebrations that is celebrated on every year in Pazhayannur.

Traditionally the temple celebrates Aarattu, 9 days of Navarathri vilakku, Niramaala, which is sponsored in a large way. At night cultural events include Kathakali , Classical music by famous musicians, Harikathakaalakshepam, Ottanthullal etc.

About the Deity

Pazhayannur Bhagavathy Temple is believed to be more than 500 years old.  In those times this temple – known as Pallipurath Mahavishnu - was dedicated to Lord Vishnu.  Worship of divine Mother in the form of Goddess Bhagvathy started after She chose this place as Her abode.

Legend and stories

Once the Goddess sat in a place called Elamannu and continued her journey and reached Pazhayannur. The beauty and uniqueness , natural vegetation and the inhabitants, attracted the Goddess to choose the nearest place to the Lord Vishnu's temple as her abode. The Goddess's presence at Pazhayannur is said to have been occurred in Seventeenth Century. The synopsis and conventional information justify this. The Goddess settled in a place soon after the entering the forest near a banyan tree. This place is known as Sreemoola Sthanam. After sitting here, Mother Goddess gave Darsan in the Thidappally. From that day onwards the Goddess was accepted as guardian deity (KULA DEIVAM) of the Kingdom of Cochin. Thus this temple became a connecting link between legend and history.

The King of Cochin gave all help to develop the Temple. Thereafter the Temple was named as Pazhayannur Bhagavathy Temple.

Festivals

8 days of festival is held, which begins with Kodiyettam and ends with Aarattu. Thousands of people gather here on this occasion. Niramala and Navarathri are celebrated in grand manner.

On the next day of Niramala, Vettekkaran Kavu Chuttuvilakku is conducted. Grand procession Deeparathan, decoration with flowers will be there in a grandest of style. Katha Prasangam or Bakthi Prabhashanam etc. are specially conducted on this occasion. At the end the celebrations and poojas, the priest comes with the divine sword and blesses the devotees. The priest blesses the devotees at the end of Niramala. The Lord and the Goddess are taken to the tank in the temple premises. With all Vedic Manthras and Poojas the bath of both the (idols) are conducted by Thanthri and Santhis of the temple. Thousands of people in and around find place in the grove, surrounding the tank and take bath along with the deities. Even people from outside states also come to the temple especially on thes days of Utsav. The Lord and the Goddess are devotionally brought to the sreekovil. PARAYEDUPPU flowers, paddy,coins, MALARAVIL are brought by devotees in front of the two KODIMARAMS Parayeduppu is conducted. Afterwards procession held with Vadyam and elephants around the temple 21 times.

Arti/Pooja/seva

Kozhi Parappikkal is main and unique offering here. Raktha Pushpanjali and Thulabharam are other main offerings.

Pooja Timings

4.30 am - Temple Opening
9.50 am - Temple Closing
6.00 pm - Temple Opening
6.30 pm - Deeparadhana
8.00 pm - Temple Closing

Accessibility

The temple is 20 km from Ottappalam. Temple is between Chelakkara - Thiruvillawmala route.

Address

Pazhzyannur Bhagavathy Temple,
Pazhayannur Post,
Thrissur District,
Kerala - 680 587.