The local belief is that Goddess Kali resides here to protect the village and ensure its prosperity. Her benevolent presence and compassionate smile are considered the driving force behind the region’s well-being.
In earlier times, Changa was a remote and underdeveloped rural area where most people were farmers and cattle rearers. The villagers believed that Kali Devi was constantly watching over them, safeguarding their lives and easing their hardships. They also worshipped several other deities, including Ganapathy, Dharmasastha, Siva, and Nagar. Over time, their devotion to Kali Devi deepened as many shared personal experiences of blessings and relief. This faith was passed on through generations, and soon stories of the Goddess’s grace spread to neighbouring villages. People from surrounding areas began visiting the temple to offer prayers and seek her blessings. As the divine presence of Devi Kali became more widely known, her influence spread rapidly. Guided by astrologers and the thanthri, the devotees decided to reconstruct and expand the temple to meet modern needs. The renovation included assigning proper spaces for the sub-deities. These developments further strengthened people’s faith, and accounts of miraculous experiences continued to reach distant places. Visitors from far and wide started coming to the temple, gradually transforming it into the prominent pilgrimage centre it is today. The main offering (Nivedya) here is known as Vara, and the temple follows the traditional Brahmin style of worship.
Festivals
Changa Sree Bhadrakali Utsavam, the renowned temple festival, begins every year on the Revathy day of the Malayalam month Kumbham (late February to early March). The ten-day celebration is cherished by the villagers, whose devotion fills the entire period with spiritual fervour and vibrant rituals.
Major Rituals and Daily Offerings
Throughout the festival, several ceremonies such as Lalitha Sahasranama Archana, Aiswarya Pooja for village prosperity, and Saraswathi Ashtothara Pooja for children’s education are performed by devotees, women, and students.
The opening day features Palliyunarthal, Nirmalyam, Ashtagavya Maha Ganapathy Homam, and Usha Pooja.
Falling Kodimaram: Devotees cut an areca tree with traditional music and bring it back in procession to decorate the ceremonial flag post.
Thrukkodiyettu: The sacred flag (Thrukkodi) is brought in a lamp procession and hoisted at the auspicious time under the guidance of the thanthri and melshanthi, marking the start of ten days of divine rituals.
Bhadrakali Pattu & Kappu Kettu: The ancient temple art Bhadrakali Pattu (Thottam Pattu) is sung after the ceremonial kappu kettu. Stories of Kannaki and Kovilan are performed, including Malappuram Pattu on the fourth day and Konnuthottu Pattu on the seventh day, narrating Kannaki’s journey and transformation into the Goddess.
Digbali : The sacred Thirumudi of the Devi is taken in procession to four locations seeking the demon Darika, blessing the devotees along the way.
Urul: Adults and children roll on the ground as a vow on the ninth evening.
Pongala: Women devotees offer Pongala on the ninth morning, attracting participants from far and wide.
Paranettu & Nilathilporu : This dramatic ritual reenacts the celestial war between Bhadrakali and Darika. High platforms (paranu) made from coconut and areca trees are erected. The Goddess and Darika battle first in the sky (Paranettu) and later on the ground (Nilathilporu), where Devi ultimately destroys Darika. The Thirumudi is then taken for Aarattu at the river and returned to the temple.
Annadanam, Poojas & Cultural Programs
Daily Annadanam (community feast) is offered throughout the ten days. Special poojas such as Mahaganapathy Homam, Mrityunjaya Homam, Sivasahasranama Archana, Bhagavathi Seva, and Nagaroottu are performed. Cultural programs—drama, music, temple arts, and folk performances—add charm to the festivities.
Ottam & Thalappoli
Male children participate in the colourful Ottam procession to appease the Goddess, while female children join the Thalappoli procession, receiving Devi’s blessings.
Kuruthi Tharpanam
After lowering the flag, the festival concludes with the sacred Kuruthi Tharpanam, following which the serene form of Devi Kali is returned to the Sreekovil. With this, the ten days of divine celebration end, leaving devotees eagerly awaiting the next year’s festivities.
Contact Address: Changa Sree BhadraKali Temple, Changa PO, Vellanad, Trivandrum - 695 542, Kerala, India
Phone: +91 472 2883 034
+91 85475 83034
