KIDAKKOTTU ILLAM

Kidakkottu illam is situated in Central Travancore about 5 kms South of NH 47 and 1 km east. Both the temple and the Illam are said tobe a thousand years old. From North Perinjalloor village a Brahmin come all the way with the idol of Bhadrakali to Kayamkulam. The queen of the Kayamkulam Raja was on her death bed due to disease at that time. The Brahmin was able to cure the disease of the queen with the Blessings of the Devi. The King was highly pleased with him and built a temple for him in 8/2 acres of land. The Bhadrakali was installed in that temple. The King also constructed an Illam for him and donated vast areas of land. He was given tantric as well as mantric rights. Even the present times the temple belongs to Krishnapuram Kidakkottu Illam Tirumenies.

The Brahmins of this Illam perform Poojas for this Shaktiswaroopini Devi. The eldest member of the family performs the tantric rites of the temple. Devotees from different parts of the country comes to this temple for Devidarshanam. ‘Kumbhabharani’ is the festival of the temple.

Among the rare, important Brahmin families of Kerala that practice tantric and mantric abilities, this family is counted as foremost. They belong to the Viswamitra Gothra and follow that tradition without fail.