Temple is bathed with blood, abuses are done, the tradition of this mysterious place of Kerala will make your soul tremble:

News India Live, Digital Desk: India is famous all over the world for its diverse cultures and mysteries. There is a temple in Kerala called Devbhoomi, on hearing about which people of the modern society are shocked. We are talking about ‘Kodungallur Bhagwati Temple’ located in Thrissur district of Kerala. Whatever happens here during the ‘Meenam Bharani’ festival held once a year is not only surprising but also gives goosebumps. In this festival, devotees abuse the Goddess and get themselves bleeding to please her.

The fierce form and centuries old history of Mother Bhadrakali

Kodungallur temple is considered to be one of the most powerful Shakti Peethas of Goddess Bhadrakali. According to religious beliefs, the form of the goddess here is extremely fierce. The history of the temple is said to be more than 2000 years old. It is said that this temple was built by the Chera kings. The idol of the goddess here is made of wood and has eight hands adorned with various weapons. The architecture of the temple is an excellent example of the traditional style of Kerala.

‘Meenam Bharani’ festival: A mystery involving abuses and blood

The most strange and controversial tradition of this temple is seen during the ‘Meenam Bharani’ festival. In this festival that lasts for seven days, thousands of devotees reach the temple wearing red clothes and carrying swords in their hands. The shocking thing is that as soon as the devotees enter the temple premises, they start abusing the goddess. According to folk beliefs, doing this calms the anger of the Goddess. Not only this, the devotees hit their heads with their own swords, the blood from which is offered on the walls and idols of the temple.

Why are Goddesses abused?

There are many mythological stories behind this strange tradition. According to a belief, when Goddess Kali had killed the demon Daruka, to calm her anger, Lord Shiva ordered his Ganas to woo and pacify the Goddess. Abuses and noise are considered part of the same ancient ritual. Although, in the modern era, many people consider it to be only a symbolic practice, but the faith of the devotees remains as steadfast even today.

Goddess’s anger is appeased with sandalwood paste.

After the conclusion of the festival, the temple is cleaned and the idol of the goddess is heavily coated with sandalwood. The coolness of the sandalwood is believed to pacify the fierce form of the goddess that was awakened during the festival. During this time the doors of the temple are closed for a few days and only the priests can enter inside. This event held in this temple of Kerala is not only religious, but also remains a subject of research for sociologists.