Kallil
Bhagavathy temple or Kallil Kshetram, one among the famous cave temples
in Kerala, is situated in Perumbavoor at a distance of 22kms from Kalady
and 53 kms from Ernakulam respectively. Believed to be 1500 years old,
this temple located on a 30 acre hillock is cut from a huge rock and can
be reached by climbing 120 steps. A single rock acts as the roof of the
temple and only an edge of the rock has touched the ground. The sanctum
sanctorum (sreekovil) of the temple is under this rock.
Apart from the main deity Goddess Durgadevi, Lord Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu
are also worshiped here. Daily rituals of the temple are completed before
noon and it closes after the ucha (afternoon) pooja. Evening poojas are
done only during the festival days. The Annual temple festival which lasts
for eight days is celebrated in Vrischikam (November-December). During
the festival days, a procession carrying the idol of the main deity
on a female elephant is held.
Another interesting feature of the Kallil Bhagavathy Temple is that it
is also perceived as a Jain place of worship. A statue of Jain Seer Vardhamanamahavira
can be seen carved out on the roof rock.