Chirakkarakavu Bhagavati Temple | |
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Religion | |
Affiliation | Hinduism |
District | Kilimanoor |
Deity | Bhadrakali (Maha Kali, Durga or Aadi Parashakthi, Kannaki) |
Location | |
Location | Keezhperoor |
State | Kerala |
Country | ![]() |
Geographic coordinates | 8°46′26″N 76°50′31″E / 8.7738286°N 76.8420091°E |
Architecture | |
Type | Architecture of Kerala |
Completed | Before CE. Exact date not known |
Specifications | |
Temple(s) | One |
Elevation | 32.53 m (107 ft) |
Chirakkarakavu Bhagavati Temple (alternatively Kizhakkumkara Devi Temple) is a Hindu temple at Keezhperoor, Thriuvananthapuram District, Kerala state, India. It is dedicated to the goddess Bhadrakali, a form of Mahakali worshipped and significantly revered in Kerala. The goddess is known also by the names "Kizhakkumkara Devi" (The Mother of Keezhperoor). The goddess of the temple represents the goddess in her fierce ('ugra') form, facing North, featuring eight hands with various attributes. One is holding the head of the demon king Daruka, another a sickle-shaped sword, next an anklet, another a bell, among others. Routine worship at the temple every day at 05:00 and ends at 21:00 local time.
The temple is often accredited as the original form of Goddess Kali. [citation needed] During the reign of Later Cheras, Kupaka (Keezhperoor) was the capital of the Venad empire and one of the most important parts of the region. The temple is located in Thiruvananthapuram district, central Kerala. The Temple was built in a remote past and its worship incorporates ancient Shaktyeism customs which are rarely observed in contemporary Kerala temples. [citation needed]