The Sanskrit word 'Bhadra Kali' therefore can be translated to Hindi as 'Mahamaya Kali'.

meaning 'the most/the greatest e.t.c' which makes the meaning of Bhadra as Maha Maya. A major religious interpretation of this name is that Bhadra comes from 'Bha' and 'dra', The letter 'Bha' means 'delusion' or 'Maya' in Devanagiri and 'dra' is used as a superlative i.e. 8 Folk Art ritual of Kerala and Bhadrakali.4 Various traditions and forms of worship.Her worship is also associated with the Tantric tradition of the Matrikas as well as the tradition of the ten Mahavidyas and falls under the broader umbrella of Shaktism. She carries a number of weapons, with flames flowing from her head, and a small tusk protruding from her mouth. She is represented with three eyes, and four, twelve or eighteen hands. It is believed that BhadrakДЃli was a local deity that was assimilated into the mainstream Hinduism, particularly into Shaiva mythology. In Kerala she is seen as the auspicious and fortunate form of Kali who protects the good. Bhadrakali is the popular form of Devi worshipped in Kerala as Sri Bhadrakali and Kariam Kali Murti Devi.

She is one of the fierce forms of the Great Goddess ( Devi) mentioned in the Devi Mahatmyam. Trident, Scimitar, Sword, Cleaver, Discus, Conch Shell, Spear, Mace, Vajra, Shield, Waterpot, Drinking Bowl, Goad, Dagger, Demon headД«hadrakДЃlД« ( Sanskrit: а¤а¤¦аҐЌа¤°а¤•а¤ѕа¤ІаҐЂ, Tamil: а®Єа®¤аЇЌа®°а®•а®ѕа®іа®ї, Telugu: а°а°¦а±Ќа°°а°•а°ѕа°іа°ї, Malayalam: аґаґ¦аµЌаґ°аґ•аґѕаґіаґї, Kannada: аІаІ¦аіЌаІ°аІ•аІѕаІіаІї, Kodava: аІаІ¦аіЌаІ°аІ•аІѕаІіаІї) (literally ' Good Kali,') is a Hindu goddess popular in Southern India. YouвЂ™ll also be blessed with a small dot on your forehead and the memories of this whole event are sure to stick with you for even longer.Bhadrakali worshipped by the Trimurti вЂ“ the male Trinity in the North Indian Basohli style. You can witness devotees pray and smash coconuts in sacrifice to the Goddess. If you decide to visit around 11.30 am, the daily prayers will have started вЂ“ even non-Hindus are permitted to enter the temple at this time and observe these rituals. The paintings that adorn these walls tell the legendary tales of the gods and their exploits. The exterior of the temple is bathed in a brilliant display of colour. There quite a few obvious Chola and Dravidian influences seen here. Once the CholaвЂ™s invaded Sri Lanka and consolidated their power near the end of the 1st century, they began to undertake several reconstruction and renovation projects.Дuring your visit to the temple, the most striking feature youвЂ™ll notice is the stunning architecture on display. While the exact origins of the Sri Pathrakali Amman Temple are shrouded in mystery, it is known that the shrine was constructed by the 11th century and was attracting large numbers of visitors even then. For those wishing to immerse themselves in the local culture, visiting the temple and paying your respects to the Goddess Kali can be a truly memorable experience вЂ“ one which is as enthralling as it is spiritual. It is found within the famous Trincomalee Koneswaram Temple Complex which contains a large number of connected Hindu shrines and temples.

The Sri Pathrakali Amman Temple is a Hindu temple thatвЂ™s dedicated to the Goddess Kali, specifically the form of Bhadrakali.

Pathirakali amman temple