- Special Features
Foundation YearThis ancient temple, more than 600 years oldSthala TreeTheerthamRathamArchitectureDravidian architecture (Kovil)Other Speciality
- Sthala Puran
Karikkakom Sree Chamundi Devi Temple or Karikkakom Devi Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Chamundi located in Thiruvananthapuram, India. This ancient temple, more than 600 years old, is situated at Karikkakom, around 7 km north of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. The temple enshrines a Panchaloha idol of the goddess Karikkakathamma – an incarnation of Chamundi. The rare fact about this temple is that Chamundi Devi is worshiped here in three different forms: Maha Chamundi, Raktha Chamundi, and Bala Chamundi. During the period of King's rule, this temple was the venue for imparting justice and truth. Truth and justice were tested on oath and solemnization and the punishments meted out accordingly.
- Architecture
- Alankar of Deity
- Prayers and BenefitsSpecial Vratas and Prayers
Bali Sadhya : This ritual takes place in the month of Karkatakam on the Karthika day. On this day inside the temple, special poojas are performed for the Guru and Mantramoorthi. Brahmins are given food and dress. After this ceremony devotees are given Bali Sadhya. This is a very old custom of the temple, which is followed even today.
Nirayum Puthiriyum : The paddy taken from the land belonging to the temple is first offered to the Devi.
Uthrada Taneerkuda : This is another important festival conducted during the month of Chingam on Uthradam day. This is a very ancient and important pooja.
Kodi Charthu : This is a ritual conducted in the month of Chingam on Thiruvonam day after the Nirmalya Darshanam. The devotees offer the Devi yellow dress during the festival.
Ayilyam Ootu : The temple performs poojas for the Nagas on the ayilyam day in the month of Makaram. This is known as Vallya Ayilyam. From ancient times this pooja is performed for propitiating the Nagas and removing Naga Dosha.
Offerings to DeityStotras and Mantras
- FestivalsPongala festivalThe annual festival is in the month of Meenam for seven days. Millions of women gather every year in the month of Meenam around this temple and prepare Pongala(rice cooked with jaggery, ghee, coconut as well as other ingredients) in the open in small pots to please the goddess. The idol of Devi is carried out in a golden chariot around the temple on the day before Pongala and thousands of devotees gather to witness it.Mandala VrathamFestival in connection with the annual Utsavam of SabarimalaPooja VaypuIdentical to Dussera festival (Saraswathy Pooja and Vidyarambham)KarthikaKarthika DeepamAyilya PoojaMilk, flowers etc. offered to serpent God and special ritesAiswarya PoojaOn all full moon (Pournami) daysShasta Pratishta DinamEvery year in the month of Makaram on the Rohini day Shasta Pratishta Dinam is celebrated in the temple.Vishu KaniOn the first day of the month of Medam people come here for the Vishukani Darshanam.
- Sodasha Upcharas
- Prasadhas
- Social ActivitiesAnnadhanMarriageEar BoringHead ShaveDanaasEducation FacilitiesSocial DrivesOther Activities
- Arjita Seva
- Tags