Sree kurumba bhagavati temple is also called as kodungallur Devi temple.It is situated at Kodungallur,Thrissur district,Kerala state.The goddess of the temple represents the goddess in her fierce form,featuring eight hands with various attributes. One is holding the head of the demon king Daruka, another a sickle-shaped sword, next an anklet, another a bell, among others.
In ancient times, animal sacrifices were offered at the temple, mostly in the forms of birds and goats, by devotees seeking protection and the fulfillment of their prayers. At the intervention of many "social reformers," the government of Cochin banned animal sacrifice in any form at this place. At present, only red-dyed dhotis are offered to the goddess. Many devotees offer rich presents and gold ornaments.
The Bharani festival at the Kodungallur Bhagawati temple is one of the major festivals of Kerala.It normally falls between the months of March and April. It is to appease the goddess Kali and her demons who take delight in blood offerings.
During this ritual,the Oracles of the goddess(the real show stealer) dressed as the goddess and said to be possessed by her, run around the temple in a frenzied trance state(wildly excited in a half conscious state), waving their sickle-shaped swords in the air.The devotees offer them reverence. They yell out abusive cries at the goddess, which is said to please her. This is followed by a purification ceremony the next day.
This kind of abusive worship is followed there in the name of devotion.weird but truth.
-Vishali kannan
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