Chinakkathoor Temple
Sree Chinakkathoor Bhagavathy Temple is located at Palappuram in Palakkad district in north Kerala.
The temple has two shrines one the lower and the upper shrine. The upper shrine is known as the Melekkavu which is older than the lower shrine which is known as Thazhekkavu. The temple is dedicated to the Goddess Bhadrakali, who resides in two different forms. There are three Flag Masts, and the Darshan of the temple is towards south direction.
The temple complex also shows a small shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesha. It is believed that Ganesha is in the divine Vidya Ganpathy form located at the foot of a huge old banyan tree.
The temple hosts one of the most unique and colourful temple festivals in Kerala. The festival is second largest pooram in Kerala after Thrissur pooram. Spectators are treated to some of the best folk-art performances that Kerala has. Majestic elephants marching through the streets are among the best sights seen during this pooram. The accompanying panchavadyam and pandimelam (traditional orchestra) add to the grand spectacle. Pulikali performances are also seen along with the constant beat of drums reverberating through the air. People irrespective of caste & culture celebrate this festival with great splendor.
Location
Ottapalam
Main Deity
Goddess Bhadrakali
Other Deities
Lord Ganesha
Festivals
Chinakkathoor Festival is celebrated every year in February-March [Makam star of Kumbham (Malayalam) Month].
Main Offerings
Trikaala Pooja, Rakthapushpanjali, Kootu Payasam, Ganapathy Homam.
How To Reach
By Air: Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport situated at 101KM from the Temple.
By Road: Palakkad KSRTC bus terminal is 27.7KM from the Temple
By Rail: Ottapalam is the nearest Railway Station is 5.5KM from the Temple.