Have you ever wondered what it would be like to visit a temple where there is no idol of the deity? Where you can only feel the divine presence and not see it? Where you can break coconuts to break your problems and receive blessings?
If you are curious to know more, then you should visit Kadampuzha Temple, a hidden gem of Kerala that holds a divine mystery of Goddess Durga.
Kadampuzha Temple is one of the oldest and most revered temples of Goddess Durga in Kerala. It is located in the remote town of Melmuri in Malappuram district, surrounded by lush greenery and serene atmosphere.
The name Kadampuzha means “the place where Kiratha shot the arrow”. Kiratha was the disguise of Lord Shiva when he tested Arjuna, the third Pandava prince, during his penance in the forest. The story of their encounter is fascinating and reveals the origin and significance of this temple. If you want to know more, then read on and discover the divine mystery of Kadampuzha Temple.
History and Legend of Kadampuzha Temple
The story of Kadampuzha Temple is linked with the epic Mahabharata. During the 5th year of exile, Arjuna left his brothers and wife Draupadi in order to seek and obtain the knowledge of Divya Astras, which could be obtained only by performing the greatest penance with sincerity and devotion. Arjuna wanted Pashupathastra, the supreme weapon of Lord Shiva, to defeat the Kauravas in the Kurukshetra war.
Arjuna reached a forest where he started his meditation. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati wanted to test his devotion and sincerity. They disguised themselves as Kiratha and Kirati, a hunter couple, and approached Arjuna. At the same time, a demon named Mukasura took the form of a wild boar and started destroying nature in order to disturb Arjuna’s meditation.
Both Lord Shiva and Arjuna shot an arrow and killed Mukasura. Lord Shiva, disguised as Kiratha, claimed that he killed the boar and demanded its flesh from Arjuna. Arjuna refused to give up his claim and argued with Kiratha. They finally decided to settle their dispute by having a bow and arrow battle.
The battle was fierce and intense. Arjuna used all his skills and weapons but could not defeat Kiratha. He realized that he was no match for Kiratha and felt humbled. He placed a big stone in front of him and prayed to Goddess Adi Parashakthi for help. He offered flowers to the stone as a mark of respect.
The flowers he showered on the stone fell at the feet of Kiratha and Kirati. He then realized that they were none other than Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. He bowed down to them and apologized for his arrogance. Lord Shiva was pleased with his devotion and humility. He granted him the Pashupathastra and blessed him with success in his mission.
The stone where Arjuna prayed is believed to be the spot where Kadampuzha Temple stands today. The temple was built by Jagadguru Shri Shankara Acharya who recognized the divine presence there. He installed a small hole on the stone where devotees can offer flowers to the goddess. The temple is considered as one of the most sacred places for Hindus and especially for devotees of Goddess Durga.
Read more about Kadampuzha Temple here.
Kadampuzha Temple Timings and Offerings
The temple is open from 4 AM to 12 PM and from 3.30 PM to 7 PM every day. The devotees can offer various types of offerings to the goddess such as flowers, fruits, coconuts, sarees, etc. Here is a table with the daily puja timings and special occasions:
Puja Timings Occasions
4 AM Nirmalya Darshanam
4:30 AM Abhishekam
5:30 AM Usha Pooja
6:30 AM Ethirettu Pooja
7:30 AM Pantheeradi Pooja
9:30 AM Navakam Pooja
10:30 AM Ucha Pooja
12 PM Temple Closes
3:30 PM Temple Reopens
4 PM Deeparadhana
6 PM Athazha Pooja
7 PM Temple Closes
The most unique ritual performed at the temple is Muttarukkal, which means “breaking coconuts”. This ritual is done to remove obstacles and difficulties in one’s life.
The devotees break coconuts into pieces and offer them to the goddess. The number of coconuts to be broken is decided by the priest after consulting with the goddess through a special method called Deva Prasnam. The devotees believe that by breaking coconuts, they are breaking their ego and surrendering to the goddess.
The temple does not charge any entry fees for visitors. However, there is a dress code that has to be followed. Men have to wear dhoti or mundu and women have to wear saree or salwar kameez. Photography is not allowed inside the temple premises.
How to Reach Kadampuzha Temple
The temple is located about 17 km from Malappuram town and can be reached by road via Cheruparamba - Melmuri Road. The nearest railway station is Tirur, which is about 12 km from the temple. The nearest airport is Calicut International Airport, which is about 36 km from the temple.
Best Time To Visit & Places To Stay Nearby
The best time to visit the temple is during the months of October to March when the weather is pleasant and comfortable. There are many hotels and lodges near the temple where one can stay comfortably.
Some of the popular ones are: Hotel Soorya Regency, Hotel Rose International, Hotel Delicia, Karibu Residency, Focuz Habitat Hotel & Spa
Nearby Attractions and Places to Visit
There are also many nearby attractions and places to visit along with Kadampuzha Temple. Some of them are:
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary:
This is a sanctuary that hosts more than 100 species of native and migratory birds on an island surrounded by Kadalundi river. It is a paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers. The sanctuary has a watchtower that offers a panoramic view of the river and the sea. Some of the birds that can be spotted here are seagulls, terns, sandpipers, herons, egrets, etc.
Thirunavaya Temple:
This is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu on the banks of Bharathapuzha river. It is famous for its annual festival called Mamangam, which was a grand assembly of rulers and warriors in medieval Kerala. The festival was held once in 12 years and involved a fierce battle between the local chieftains and the Zamorin of Calicut. The temple also has a museum that displays the artifacts and relics of the Mamangam festival.
Nilambur Teak Museum:
This is a museum that showcases the history and culture of teak cultivation and trade in Kerala. It has exhibits of various types of teak wood, tools, furniture, artifacts, etc. It also has a bio-resources park that has a collection of rare plants and trees. The museum is located in Nilambur town, which is known for its teak plantations and forests.
Ponnani Juma Masjid:
This is one of the oldest mosques in India and a prominent center of Islamic learning and culture. It was built by Zainuddin Makhdoom, a famous scholar and saint who propagated Islam in Kerala. He also wrote a book called Tuhfat al-Mujahidin, which narrates the history of the Portuguese invasion and resistance in Kerala. The mosque has a unique architecture that blends Persian and Kerala styles.
Kadampuzha Temple is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the divine grace and blessings of Goddess Durga. It is a place where one can feel the presence of God and get rid of all their troubles and sorrows. It is a place where one can find peace and happiness in life.
If you are interested in visiting Kadampuzha Temple or learning more about it, you can visit the official website of the temple or check out some of the blogs, reviews and social media pages of Tripoto, the leading travel community in India. You can also share your feedback or comments with us and let us know what you think about this article.
You may also like to check out: Trips in and around Malappuram
Thank you for reading and we hope you enjoyed this article. We hope to see you soon at Kadampuzha Temple, the divine mystery of Goddess Durga in Kerala.
