Angadipuram, a small town in the Malappuram district of Kerala is precisely famous for the Angadipuram Temple, a sacred haven dedicated to the Goddess Bhadrakali. Built in the authentic Kerala architectural design, this temple stands elevated creating a grand and majestic appearance. Upon entering the temple premises one can feel the mental peace, serenity and blissful seclusion transmitted by this shrine. Nevertheless, the panoramic beauty of this temple as well as the surrounding area is going to be a treat to your senses! Let’s take a quick glimpse through a detailed description of this spectacular temple.
Angadipuram Temple History
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The Angadipuram Bhagavathy temple has a captivating history going back thousands of years and has a very intriguing story associated with its foundation. Mandhathav Maharshi, a renowned scholar, founded this temple as his expiation on the Thirumandhamkunnu Hill. Delighted by his loyalty, Lord Shiva gifted him this idol of Goddess Kali. The sage then decided to fix this idol on the hill and offered it to his parents with great devotion. Later, many rulers and kings renovated the temple, equipping it with several privileges. Eventually, the temple became one of the main centres of religious attraction in Kerala and is visited by thousands of pilgrims every year.
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Angadipuram Temple Architecture
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The Angadipuram Bhagavathy Temple was built in the authentic Kerala architectural style and consists of an iconic gopuram (tower), a round shrine in the middle, and a capacious mandapam (also called the hall). The pivotal shrine in this temple is that of Goddess Kali also known by names like Bhagavathy. The idol has been carved out of an indifferent stone called the Katu Anjanam, which has magical and medicinal qualities. The idol is beautified with gold jewels and a red silk cloth wrapped around it. The temple features other deities, including Lord Ganapathi, Lord Shiva, Goddess Durga, Lord Subramanya, and Lord Ayyappa. Within the temple complex, there’s a library, a well, a pond, and a museum, which is unlikely to be featured in any temple. The temple is encircled by eye-catching views and much greenery, adding to its tranquillity and charm.
How To Reach
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If you’re considering a visit to the Angadipuram Thali temple, you won’t have to worry, as the temple is well-connected to different parts of the country via rail, air, and road.
- By road: You can choose to travel by your vehicle or via public transportation options like buses. If you opt to travel by bus, Angadipuram bus station is the nearest bus stop, which is 1 km from the temple.
- By train: Travelling to this place via train is also a good choice. Angadipuram railway station is the closest to the temple and is located at a distance of 2 KM from the temple.
- By air: Calicut International Airport is the nearest airport to the temple, and it is 50 km away from Angadipuram. You can find taxis, auto-rickshaws, and other transport facilities to reach the temple.
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Poojas Performed At Angadipuram Temple
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The Angadipuram Thali Temple has a fixed schedule where rituals and poojas are performed routinely. Priests perform these poojas with a lot of reverence. Here are the details of the rituals and poojas conducted here:
- Nada Thurakkal (Opening of the shrine): This is the pooja performed at the start of the day at around 4:00 AM. The priest opens the shrine door to perform the Abhishekam (bathing) followed by the Alankaram (adornment) of the deity’s idol.
- Usha Pooja (Morning Pooja): Usha Pooja is the second pooja performed at the temple at around 6:00 AM. After performing this pooja, the priest lights the lamps to Goddess Kali. They also chant various mantras of the goddess, such as Asthothara (hundred and eight names) and Sahasranama (thousand names).
- Ethirettu Pooja (Mid-morning pooja): The third pooja of the day, Ethirettu Pooja is performed at around 8:30 AM. The end of this pooja is marked by Deepardhana and nine different kinds of offerings named as Navakam to the deity.
- Ucha pooja (Noon Pooja): The fourth pooja of the day, Ucha Pooja is conducted at 11.00 AM. After this pooja and deeparadhana are completed, the goddess is offered Nivedyam and Aarathi.
- Nada Adakkal ( Shutting the doors of the shrine): This is the fifth Pooja performed here at noon. The priest then closes the sanctum doors to perform this ceremony to the deity. This pooja offers a plate of different offerings, as well as Thrippuka to the deity.
- Deeparadhana (Evening Pooja): This is the sixth pooja of the day, taking place at around 5:00 PM. The priest opens the doors of the sanctum to perform evening worship using lighted lamps. During this pooja, mantras like Sree Sooktham are chanted.
- Athazha Pooja (Night Pooja): This is the seventh pooja of the day, performed at 7:00 PM. After the pooja is completed, deep sadhana follows, with food and Aarathi offered at last.
- Nada Thurakkal (Final Pooja): The eighth and last pooja is performed daily. It is conducted at 8:00 PM. The shrine doors are opened to perform the opening ceremony followed by offering Thalappoli and Thrippuka to the Goddess.
Most devotees here participate in the Angadipuram Temple Mangalya Pooja for a happy and long marital life. You can also take part in other poojas through online booking and make offerings to the deity in various forms like Thulabharam, Valiya Vilakku, Annadanam and Nei Payasam.
Festivals Celebrated At Angadipuram Temple
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The Angadipuram Devi Temple is popular for the celebrations and festivities conducted here every year. Thousands of pilgrims and tourists are attracted to this temple to witness these celebrations as they present a beautiful glimpse of Kerala’s traditions and culture. Here are some of the major celebrations conducted at this temple annually:
Thiruvathira
Thiruvathira is a significant festival celebrated at this temple during Dhanu (December-January). It continues till the eighth day to celebrate the birthday of the auspicious deity. It also observes the meeting of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, the parents of Goddess Kali. The speciality of this festival is the dance performed by a group of women encircling a lamp. This dance is known as Thiruvathirakali. Several poojas and rituals are included in this festival, and it is considered propitious for unmarried women who pray for a joyful marriage.
Navratri
Navratri, the festival of nine nights, is celebrated across the country and is of great significance in the Hindu religion. Angadipuram Devi Temple celebrates this festival most vividly and vibrantly during the period of Kanni (September-October) every year. The festival continues till nine nights celebrating nine different forms of Goddess Kali called Navadurgas. Various cultural art forms like Mohinivattam, Bharatnatyam, Chakyarkoothu and Koodiyattam are practised here widely.
Pooram
Pooram is also referred to as the Festival of Elephants, and it is celebrated with great grandeur during Meenam in March-April each year. It lasts eleven days and features a picturesque procession involving drums, fireworks, flags, trumpets, umbrellas, and elephants.
It also hosts several religious and cultural programs like Kathakali, Thayambaka, Bhagavathy Seva, Panchavadyam and Ottanthullal. The festival ends with a ritual named Aarattu in which the idol of Goddess Kali is given a holy bath in the nearest river.
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Considered as a holy shrine for Hindus, the Angadipuram Temple houses the shrine of Goddess Kali, an embodiment of Devi Parvati. This temple is famous for the festivities and celebrations carried out here all year round attracting visitors from different parts of the world. Surrounded by spiritual feminine energy, the temple fills the visitors with the same once they enter. On your next trip to Kerala as a pilgrimage, make sure to include this spiritual shrine in your itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions About Angadipuram Temple
What are the Angadipuram Temple timings?
The Angadipuram Temple timings are 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Which is the best season to visit the Angadipuram Temple?
The best season to visit the Angadipuram Temple is the winter season i.e. during the months of October-March.
What is the dress code followed at Angadipuram Temple?
The dress code followed at Angadipuram Temple is completely traditional. Men are supposed to wear a dhoti and shirt with an upper cloth. Women must be in a saree or pavada-dhavani.
Are there any other idols worshipped in this shrine?
The idols of Veerabhadra, Ganesha, and Saptamatrikas besides the shivling are also worshipped in this shrine.
What are the nearby attractions you can visit from Angadipuram Temple?
The major places of attraction you can visit from this temple are the Teak Museum and Flora Fantasia Amusement Park.
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