Guide to Kadampuzha Devi Temple: Timings, Offerings, and How to Plan Your Visit

The Sree Kadampuzha Bhagavathy Temple is a unique and ancient Hindu pilgrimage site in the Malappuram district of Kerala . Unlike most temples, it is famous for not having a physical idol of the main deity . The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kiratha Parvathy (a form of Goddess Parvati/Durga as a huntress). According to legend, the goddess appeared before the great 8th-century philosopher Adi Sankaracharya (Shankaracharya) and then disappeared into a hole in the ground.

Recognizing this as a divine presence, Sankaracharya is believed to have founded the temple at that very spot . Daily prayers and rituals are performed into this sacred hole . The temple’s name, “Kadampuzha,” is derived from the legend of “Kiratha” (Lord Shiva in disguise) shooting an arrow (“Ambu”) at this place (“Uzha”). This deeply spiritual site attracts devotees year-round who seek blessings and perform the temple’s famous rituals to overcome obstacles.

Table of Contents

Kadampuzha Temple 2026 Overview

Detail Category	Specific Information for 2026
Main Deity	Goddess Kiratha Parvathy (Parvati/Durga).
Associated Deities	Lord Ganesha, Lord Sastha, Serpent deities.
Architectural Feature	No idol (A-Pratishta); a sacred hole serves as the focal point .
Primary Rituals	Poomoodal (flower offering) and Muttarukkal (coconut breaking).
Major Annual Festival	Laksharchana in the Malayalam month of Dhanu (Nov-Dec). Other festivals include Rigveda Laksharchana, Dravya Kalasam, and Mandala Pooja .
Best Time to Visit	November to March for pleasant weather. Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays are considered especially auspicious.
Entry Fee	Free .

Key Data for 2026:

Primary Deity: Goddess Kiratha Parvathy (a form of Goddess Parvati/Durga).
Unique Feature: No idol; worship is performed into a sacred hole .
Location: Kadampuzha, Malappuram District, Kerala .
Administration: Malabar Devaswom Board.
Founder: Believed to be established by Adi Sankaracharya .
Official Contact: Phone: 0494 – 2615790; Email: info@kadampuzhadevaswom.com.
Official Website: https://www.kadampuzhadevaswom.com/.

Temple Timings and Daily Schedule for 2026

The temple follows a consistent daily schedule with a break in the afternoon. It is advisable to confirm timings on the official website before your visit, as they may be adjusted for special festivals.

Activity / Darshan Type	Morning Session	Afternoon/Evening Session
Temple Opening & General Darshan	4:30 AM to 12:00 Noon	3:30 PM to 7:00 PM
Vazhipadu (Offering) Counters Open	5:00 AM to 11:00 AM	3:30 PM to 5:00 PM

Note on Pooja Times: The temple conducts several daily poojas (rituals) like Abhishekam, Usha Pooja, and Deeparadhana at specific times within these hours. The schedule for these can be viewed on the official temple website.

Sevas, Darshan, and Price Offerings (Vazhipadu) for 2026

The temple offers various Vazhipadu (ritual offerings) for devotees. The most important ones are Poomoodal and Muttarukkal. Poomoodal involves covering the deity with fresh Thechi flowers (Ixora). Muttarukkal is a unique ritual where a priest breaks coconuts to symbolize the breaking of a devotee’s obstacles and problems .

The official website provides a detailed list and an online booking portal for these offerings . The table below lists some common offerings based on available information. For the most accurate and updated 2026 prices, you must check the official booking portal.

Offering (Vazhipadu) Name	Approximate Cost (INR)	Significance / Key Details
General Darshan	Free	Available to all devotees during temple hours.
Muttarukkal	To be confirmed	The ritual of breaking coconuts to remove obstacles .
Poomoodal	To be confirmed	The highest pooja; offering of fresh flowers .
Thrikalapooja	To be confirmed	A special triple pooja ritual.
Neyvilakku (Ghee Lamp)	To be confirmed	Lighting a lamp with ghee for prosperity and clarity.
Ganapathi Homam	To be confirmed	A sacred fire ritual dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
Annadanam (Food Offering)	Donation-based	A charitable act of offering free meals to devotees .

Important Note: The number of coconuts for Muttarukkal or specifics for other offerings are often decided by the temple priest based on the devotee’s request.

How to Reach Kadampuzha Temple

Kadampuzha is well-connected by road. Here are the best ways to reach:

By Air: The nearest airport is Calicut International Airport (CCJ) in Karipur . It is about 36 km from the temple. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus.
By Train: The closest major railway stations are Tirur (approx. 12-19 km away) and Kuttippuram (approx. 12 km away). Both stations are well-connected to cities across Kerala and South India. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are available from the stations to the temple.
By Road: The temple is easily accessible by road via the Cheruparamba-Melmuri Road. Regular bus services (KSRTC and private) are available from major towns like Guruvayur, Kozhikode (Calicut), Thrissur, Palakkad, and Malappuram.

How to Book Darshan and Seva Tickets

The temple has streamlined the process for booking offerings:

Online Booking (Primary Method): The most efficient way is to book your chosen Vazhipadu (like Muttarukkal or Poomoodal) through the official temple website’s online booking portal. You can select the offering, choose a date, provide your details and birth star (Nakshatram), and make the payment online.
On-Site Booking: You can also book offerings directly at the temple. The Vazhipadu counters are open from 5:00 AM to 11:00 AM and again from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM . It is advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends and auspicious days, as there can be high demand.
General Darshan: No booking or ticket is required for general darshan. You can join the queue during temple hours.

Nearby Attractions

The Malappuram region has several interesting places you can visit:

Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary: A beautiful sanctuary on an island where many native and migrating birds live. It is great for nature lovers.
Thirunavaya Temple: A very old temple for Lord Vishnu by the Bharathapuzha river. It is famous for its history and a big old festival called Mamangam.
Nilambur Teak Museum: This museum is all about teak wood. You can see different types of teak, old tools, and learn about its history in Kerala.
Ponnani Juma Masjid: One of India’s oldest mosques. It is an important center for Islamic learning with special architecture.

Important Instructions for Visitors

To ensure a respectful and smooth visit, please follow these guidelines:

Dress Code: Modest, traditional attire is required and strictly enforced. Men must wear a dhoti or mundu (often available for rent or purchase outside). Women should wear a saree, salwar kameez, or a long skirt with a dupatta. Avoid modern casual wear like jeans, shorts, or sleeveless tops.
Temple Sanctum: Before approaching the main sanctum (Sreekovil), it is recommended to take directions from a temple staff member as the layout is unique.
Photography: Photography and videography are strictly prohibited inside the temple complex.
Footwear: Leave your footwear at the designated counters outside the temple premises.
Silence and Decorum: Maintain a peaceful and respectful silence, especially near the sanctum.
Festival Visits: If visiting during major festivals like Laksharchana, expect very large crowds and plan accordingly.

Accommodation Options

The temple trust runs a rest house for devotees, and there are other hotels in nearby towns.

Accommodation Type	Examples / Locations	Key Features & Booking
Temple Rest House	Kadampuzha Devaswom Rest House	Basic, affordable rooms for pilgrims. Booking must be done in advance by writing to the Executive Officer at the temple address.
Budget Hotels	Options in Malappuram, Tirur, or Kuttippuram towns.	Wider range of affordable hotels with basic amenities. Can be booked via standard hotel websites.
Comfort/Mid-Range Hotels	Hotels in Calicut (Kozhikode) or near the airport.	Better facilities, more comfort. Suitable for families and those traveling by air. Calicut is about an hour’s drive away.

Dos and Don’ts at the Temple

Dos	Don’ts
Do dress in the required traditional attire.	Don’t wear jeans, trousers, shorts, or revealing clothing.
Do follow the instructions of temple staff and priests.	Don’t try to take photos or videos inside the temple.
Do book special offerings (Vazhipadu) online to save time.	Don’t carry leather items like belts or wallets into the inner sanctum if possible.
Do maintain silence and move patiently in the queue.	Don’t litter; use the bins provided.
Do participate in rituals with devotion and respect.	Don’t enter restricted areas or touch ritual objects without permission.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why is there no idol in the Kadampuzha Temple?
A: The temple is built around the spot where Goddess Kiratha Parvathy is believed to have appeared before Adi Sankaracharya and then disappeared into a hole. The divine presence is worshipped in that sacred hole, making an idol unnecessary .

Q: What are Poomoodal and Muttarukkal?
A: Poomoodal is the offering of fresh flowers to cover the deity, considered the highest form of worship here . Muttarukkal is the ritual breaking of coconuts, symbolizing the breaking of one’s problems and obstacles .

Q: Can I perform rituals on behalf of my family?
A: Yes, you can book and perform most Vazhipadu (offerings) on behalf of your family members. You will typically need to provide their names and birth stars during booking.

Q: Is there a best day or time to visit for wishes?
A: While the temple is powerful every day, Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays are considered particularly auspicious. The annual festival in the Malayalam month of Vrischikam (November-December) is also a very special time .

Q: What should I do if I am new to the temple rituals?
A: Do not hesitate to ask for guidance. You can seek help from the temple staff at the information counter or the police aid post near the temple for directions and basic instructions.