Star Mountain

My travels and other interests

Sree Kurumba Bhagavathi Temple- Kodungallur (2024)

 

It is rare to visit a place for couple of hours and then indulge in a passionate research for couple of weeks. Kodungallur is one such place! Reasons are many. It has rich history. Kodungallur was a chief port, known as Muziris, for many centuries. It was a hub for spice trade. Pepper, cardamom, cinnamon and turmeric of Kerala sailed from here to Greeks, Romans, Arabs and Chinese. It was a busy port carrying these spices, ivory, pearls, diamonds, silk and muslin cloth in ships to many countries in the world. The other name for Muziris was Vanci. Vanci was the capital city of Chera kingdom. In particular, Cheran Senguttuvan ruled from Vanci which was later known as Kodungallur (கொடுங்கல்லூர்).

As the spice route put Muziris on the world map, Silappadhikaram put it on Indian map, more specifically, Dravidian Map. In the epic Silappathigaram, Ilango Adikal first describes the travel path of hopeful Kovalan and Kannagi from Poompuhar (Chozha kingdom) to Madurai (Pandya kingdom) and then a climactic travel of Kannagi from Madurai to Neduvelkundram (Chera kingdom). It is said Kannagi attained salvation in Neduvelkundram. One school of scholars say Neduvelkundram is actually the current Kodungallur. Others say it may be near Kodungallur. Yet others say it is Managala Devi Hills (in the Idikki district of Kerala or Theni district of Tamilnadu). Debate continues. Right now, Kodungallur is famous for Bhagavathi temple. She is the leading deity of 64 Bhagavathi temples in Kerala. The temple is considered the chief of 64 Sakthipeedas. The temple is adored by many devotees of Bhadrakali. Interestingly, rituals conducted in this temple link the deity to Kannagi. The festivals that take place in this temple link the temple to Kannagi. The songs sung during the festival also link this temple to Kannagi.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/CRk4JuZjGTPKjTid7

Tagged:

LEAVE A RESPONSE

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You Might Also Like