Kallil Bhagavathy temple or Kallil Kshetram, one among the famous cave temples in Kerala, is situated in Perumbavoor at a distance of 22kms from Kalady and 53 kms from Ernakulam respectively. Believed to be 1500 years old, this temple located on a 30 acre hillock is cut from a huge rock and can be reached by climbing 120 steps. A single rock acts as the roof of the temple and only an edge of the rock has touched the ground. The sanctum sanctorum (sreekovil) of the temple is under this rock.
Apart from the main deity Goddess Durgadevi, Lord Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu are also worshiped here. Daily rituals of the temple are completed before noon and it closes after the ucha (afternoon) pooja. Evening poojas are done only during the festival days. The Annual temple festival which lasts for eight days is celebrated in Vrischikam (November-December). During the festival days, a procession carrying the idol of the main deity on a female elephant is held.
Another interesting feature of the Kallil Bhagavathy Temple is that it is also perceived as a Jain place of worship. A statue of Jain Seer Vardhamanamahavira can be seen carved out on the roof rock.
Apart from the main deity Goddess Durgadevi, Lord Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu are also worshiped here. Daily rituals of the temple are completed before noon and it closes after the ucha (afternoon) pooja. Evening poojas are done only during the festival days. The Annual temple festival which lasts for eight days is celebrated in Vrischikam (November-December). During the festival days, a procession carrying the idol of the main deity on a female elephant is held.
Another interesting feature of the Kallil Bhagavathy Temple is that it is also perceived as a Jain place of worship. A statue of Jain Seer Vardhamanamahavira can be seen carved out on the roof rock.
It is believed that the idols seen there are of Jainatheertha Parswanathan, Mahaveer and Pathmavathi Davi. This temple Sree Kallil Bhagavathi Cave Temple Mathala is now considered as an Hindu temple - Sreeramadasamission Devasthanam.
‘Kallil’, the name itself signifies the uniqueness of the temple. Kallil temple may be the lone rock temple in the country with the Deity of Goddess Durga.
‘Kallil’, the name itself signifies the uniqueness of the temple. Kallil temple may be the lone rock temple in the country with the Deity of Goddess Durga.
The rock is approximately 23M x 14M x 8M. The temple, located in a 30 acres hill, is cut from a huge rock and a climb of 120 steps to reach the temple. The temple was owned by the Kallil Pisharody family.
Thank you Smijith for your information of Kallil Temple. I have some interest and fascination to visit historical places. I will probably visit the place in Oct 2012 last.
ReplyDeleteWith regards,
Krishnakumar, Baroda, Gujarat