Overview.

The Kallil temple, located near Perumbavoor, is a renowned cave temple known for its distinctive architecture and fascinating legends. This temple holds a special place in the hearts of devotees and visitors alike, offering a unique spiritual experience.

The most striking feature of the Kallil temple is the giant rock on the roof of the shrine that appears to be suspended in mid-air, as it does not touch the ground. This architectural marvel is a testament to the ingenuity and skill of the craftsmen who built the temple. The main deity of the temple is Goddess Durga, enshrined inside a cave made of stone, adding an air of mystique to the place.

The temple celebrates an annual festival that takes place on the Karthika day in the month of Scorpio, which usually falls in November or December. The festival lasts for eight days and is a vibrant celebration filled with rituals, music, dance, and fervent devotion. It is a time when devotees gather from far and wide to pay homage to the goddess and seek her blessings.

One unique aspect of the Kallil temple is the manner in which the idol of the goddess is placed atop a female elephant during the festival. This is in contrast to other temples in Kerala where a male tusker is traditionally used. Legend has it that the goddess had turned a hapless tusker into stone, and visitors can still witness the elephant-shaped stone near the temple, which serves as a reminder of this tale.

The Kallil temple is owned by the Kallil Pisharody devasom and is recognized as a protected monument under the Archaeological Department. This ensures the preservation and maintenance of the temple's historical and cultural significance for future generations to appreciate.

One of the temple's most intriguing traditions is the stone vow and broom vow. The broom vow is taken by women to promote hair growth and by men to overcome family troubles. It involves using wool and abstaining from touching iron while making the vow, which is then offered to the temple. The stone vow, on the other hand, involves bringing two or three stones from the house where unfinished work is being done and offering them to the temple as a prayer.

Located approximately 10 km from Perumbavoor and 4 km from Odakali, between Perumbavoor and Kothamangalam, the Kallil temple attracts devotees and visitors from various parts of Kerala and beyond. The temple welcomes visitors until 10.30 am on usual days, providing ample time for people to offer their thanks, make vows, and offer prayers.

Overall, the Kallil temple is an impressive and unique place of worship, steeped in history, legends, and traditions. Its awe-inspiring architecture, coupled with the devotion and rituals performed here, creates a profound spiritual atmosphere. Whether one is a devotee seeking blessings or an admirer of ancient temples, a visit to the Kallil temple promises a memorable and enlightening experience.

6–10:30 am. 5:30–7 pm