Bhagawati Temple is also referred to as the abode of Kannagi. The latter was believed to be an incarnation of Kali and as a result a temple was erected in her memory in Kodungallur. Certain features of the structure of the Kodungallur temple point to the fact that, originally, it was a Shiva shrine and that the image of Kali was installed later. The idol of Shiva faces east and that of Kali north. The practise in the temple is to offer pooja and naivedyam first to Lord Shiva and then to the Devi.

Deity of Bhagawati Temple
The majestic idol of Kali is about six feet high and is made of wood. It is said to have been carved out of the trunk of a jack-fruit tree. It is fully decked with gold ornaments, a kirita (crown) like the one used by actors in Kathakali and a mask. It has eight arms which carry various weapons and symbols some of which are difficult to identify. All the parts except the hands are covered by golden raiment. Around the neck are worn ornaments like addhika (necklace) and pavan mala, chain woven of gold discs. Below the waist of the idol, which is in a sitting posture, is worn a crimson cloth. The image glittering in the numerous lights placed before it is indeed eye-filling and awe-inspiring. The idol of Kali that is present in the temple after the killing of asura or demon named Daruka.

The next important deity is Kshetrapala, which literally means the guard of the square. It, therefore, stands outside in the courtyard on the north-east side in the position of guarding the temple. The image in stone is twelve feet high and is a rare feature in the Devi temple. There are various legends on the origin of this deity.

Architecture of Bhagawati Temple
To the east of Goddess Kali image there is a small chamber with no doors or windows nor any other opening over ground. It has no entrance and is covered on all sides with granite though there is a roof above. It is, therefore, called the secret chamber. There is however an underground passage from this room eastward, which opens to over ground about hundred yards away in the temple courtyard. The mouth of this passage is shut at ground level and an enclosure has been erected around it. The elephant procession during the festival turns back when it reaches the spot without completing the circle to avoid damage to the passage.

The western wall of the secret chamber, against which a crimson cloth is hung, is held sacred. Lamps are lit and regular rituals are held. However only certain privileged persons like the members of the family of the local chief visiting this temple can view this cloth and worship. This can be done only through the western door of the sanctum of Kali which is opened only on such rare occasions.

In the hall adjoining the sanctum of Kali on its west side are seven images known as Saptamatrukas or Seven Mothers. They represent the six Goddesses whom the Gods created as described above to kill Daruka and Chamundi. The images, each with four arms, are in the sitting posture facing north. There are three doors to the hall through which they can be seen.

Festivals of Bhagawati Temple
In a year generally two major festivals are celebrated. They are Talappoli and Bharani.