Introduction

The 500-year-old Karikkakom Temple is tucked away in the tiny hamlet of Karikkakom, about 7 kilometers (4.37 miles) east of Trivandrum city. From a distance you can sight its rajagopuram (a pyramidal tower at the entrance), about 63-foot-tall, covered with intricately crafted sculptures of hundreds of gods, goddesses, demons and maidens on the four lateral sides illustrating episodes from Hindu epics. It took over six years and two crores of rupees to complete this grand five-storey structure. Dedicated to local deity Goddess Sree Chamundi, the temple receives a great number of visitors some of whom come simply to appreciate its Dravidian temple architecture, while the others to take a look at the beautiful ‘panchdhatu’ (meaning an alloy of five types of metals) idol. Interestingly, each of the five storeys of the gopuram is marked by a pair of small cross-windows symbolizing ‘panchentriya’ - the five senses of human beings.

Dense groves of coconut palms fringe this countryside and grow ever thick behind the temple. And a stroll around here is good to keep your camera busy! The locals hold the temple with great reverence as it is believed to be the seat of satyam (truth), dharmam (personal duty) and neethi (justice). History corroborates this; during the rule of the maharajas of Travancore the accused would be brought here to plead innocent before the presiding deity.
This beautiful structure was revamped about 10 years back by the Karikkakom Chamundi Temple Trust in keeping with the principles of traditional temple architecture. The temple is a bonding force in the sense that it has united all the people living in Karikkakom and the surrounding areas despite their diverse religious values.

The annual seven-day-long festival at the temple in March receives scores of devotees especially on its closing day - the day of pongala offering to the deity. Special transport arrangements are made by the temple authority for the devotees on this day. The ‘pongala day’ is regarded the most important and is marked by the arrival of women devotees in droves from different parts of Kerala as well as other states to prepare pongala – a sweet offering of rice, jaggery and coconut – in earthen pots. Classical dance performances such as Kathakali and Bharatatyam mark the festive evenings, followed by musical programs. Eminent orchestra groups including playback singers too arrive to grace the occasion. Ethnic dance dramas are also staged. The revelry draws to a close with a fantastic display of fireworks against the midnight sky on the final day.

Special Attributes

The rajagopuram is an excellent piece of traditional temple architecture.

Nuisance

The site is peaceful, and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress appropriately. Avoid wearing short or revealing clothes.

Connectivity

Private taxi

Enjoyed by

Architecture lovers, people who are religiously inclined

Exposure

You will mostly be indoors.

Avoidable Season

Open through the year

Facilities

The surrounding countryside is very beautiful, and you can explore that at leisure after paying your respects at the temple.

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction

Tip

Maintain decorum.

Type of site

Place of worship/Hindu shrine/Temple