Paramekkavu Bhagavathy temple, Thrissur

The city of Thrissivaperur (locally known as Thrissur) in Kerala is lucky to have three powerful Gods protecting it; Goddess Paramekkavamma, Thiruvambady Krishnan, and Lord Shiva, known as Vadakunnathan. Today let me take you to the Paramekkavu temple. I had the good fortune of visiting the Devi temple during the auspicious Navarathri festivities. Paramekkavu Devi is in the form of Bhadrakali. There is an interesting legend on how the Goddess came to Thrissur. Read it here.

The temple is on the main road. The nirmalya darshanam is at 4.00 a.m., and the temple is open till 11.00 a.m. It is then closed till 4.00 p.m. when it opens for the evening darshan. The temple doors are closed for the day at 8.00 p.m. As you enter the temple compound, to your right is the car park, and the hall where cultural activities are conducted. A magnificent three-tiered roof marks the entrance of the temple. 

Temple entrance 

Image courtesy - Challiyan via Wikimedia Commons

As you enter, the Goddess’ nada is right in front of you, a few feet away, and a few steps below. To the left of the entrance are the counters where you can buy tokens for offerings. To the right are the offices and a short distance away are the counters where you can collect the offerings. There is a small stage to the right of the entrance, where prabhashanams (holy discourses) are conducted. The usual strict dress code is enforced, and entry is only for Hindu devotees. 

We walk down the steps to enter the sanctum sanctorum. The hundi for offerings is kept outside. Devi sits in all her glory in the sanctum. The oil lamps around the Goddess light up her beauty in a surreal way. Paramekkavu Amma is depicted with eight arms. Each hand holds a different weapon. On one hand, She holds the severed head of a slain rakshasa. Devi’s idol is covered with a huge gold sheath. Silk garments adorn her. 

My grandfather, Mr. P Krishna Iyer, is a noted academician on Hindu mythology. A long-time resident of Thrissur, Mr. Iyer has detailed knowledge on the scriptures and comes from a lineage of Sanskrit scholars and Pundits. He has told me that different deities are worshipped in the form young children and aged Gods. According to him, Paramekkavamma is an elderly lady, and is worshipped as such. Likewise, Lord Vadakunnathan is also an old gentleman. 

We do a pradakshinam, and exit the main sanctum. To the right of the Devi, facing her sits the Bramharakshas. A few steps above, to the right of the Devi are the shrines of Melkavu amma (the goddess on the higher ground) and the Nagas or serpent deities. There is a counter here as well to buy offerings. Melkavu amma is represented by a small gold circular sheath. A little distance away is the temple pond. We offer our respects to the deities, and step down again. 

Temple pond

We peep in Paramekkavu amma’s sanctum once again before we exit the temple. I hope you enjoyed today’s temple visit. I will take you to a different devalayam next Friday. Till then, stay safe, and stay devout!