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{{short description|Hindu deity}}
{{other uses}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2020}}
{{Infobox deity
| type = Hindu
| image = File:The Hindu Goddess Kali LACMA M.2011.5 (1 of 5).jpg
| caption = A 17th Century wooden idol of Bhadra Kali from Kerala
| name = Bhadrakali
| other_names = Bhagavati, Parashakthi
| Sanskrit_transliteration = भद्रकाली
| affiliation = [[Devi]], [[Adi Parashakti]], [[Parvati]]
| abode = [[Kailash]]
| mantra =
| weapon = Trident, Sword, arrow, Discus, Conch, Spear, staff, thunderbolt, two varieties of Shields, Bow, Noose, Goad, Bell, Axe and Club.
| mount = [[Vetala|Vetali]]
| texts = [[Kalika Purana|Kalika Puran]], [[Shiva Purana|Shiva Puran]], [[Devi Bhagwat Puran|Shrimad Devi Bhagwat]], [[Brahmanda Purana|Bramhand Puran]], [[Markandeya Purana|Markandeya Puran]]
| deity_of = Goddess of war, Slayer of [[Darika]]
| consort = [[Veerabhadra]]
| festivals = Bharani, [[Padayani]], [[Kuthiyottam]]
}}
{{Saktism}}
[[File:Goddess Bhadrakali Worshipped by the Gods- from a tantric Devi series - Google Art Project.jpg|thumb|[[Trimurti]]s worshipping Bhadra Kali]]
'''Bhadrakālī''' (literally "''protector Kaali''")<ref name="spokensanskrit.de">{{cite web|url=http://spokensanskrit.de/en?tinput=bhadra&link=m|title=This domain has been registered for a customer by nicsell|website=spokensanskrit.de}}</ref> is a [[Hindu goddess]] popular in [[Southern India]], especially in [[Kerala]]. She is one of the fierce forms of the Great Goddess [[Shakti]] or [[Adi Parashakti]] (also called [[Durga]], [[Devi]], [[Mahadevi]], or [[Maya (religion)|Mahamaya]]) mentioned in the [[Devi Mahatmyam]]. Bhadrakali is a popular form of the Great Goddess, worshipped in [[Kerala]] as [[Bhagavati]], [[Mahakali]], [[Chamunda]], Sree Kurumba and [[Kali|Kariam Kali Murti]]. In Kerala she is seen as the auspicious and fortunate form of [[Mahakali]] who protects the good known as Bhadra. One of The Oldest Hindu Country [[Nepal]] also worshipped [[Goddess Hindu|Great Goddess]] [[Mahakali]] as Motherland God. World Most Fearless [[Nepali Army|Army]] [[Gurkha]] Use as Warcry in battlefield [[Jai Mahakali Aayo Gorkhali"|"Jai Mahakali Aayo Gorkhali"]]. On the Occasion of The [[Dashain|Bada Dashain]] Goddess [[Mahakali]] served Most Of [[Bali Pardan]] from all over the [[Nepal]]. In Nepal Goddess [[Mahakali]] is The Most [[Worship|Worshipped]] Goddess from Nepal.

This goddess is represented with three eyes, and four, sixteen, or eighteen hands. She carries a number of weapons, with flames flowing from her head, and a small tusk protruding from her mouth. Her worship is also associated with the [[Tantra|Tantric]] tradition of the [[Matrikas]] as well as the tradition of the ten [[Mahavidyas]] and falls under the broader umbrella of [[Shaktism]]. Kodungalloor is the first temple in Kerala where Bhadrakali was worshipped as the main deity. Parumala Sree Valiya Panayanaarkkavu Temple, [[Attukal]], [[Chettikulangara Devi Temple|Chettikulangara]], [[Thirumandhamkunnu Temple|Thirumandhamkunnu]] and [[Chottanikkara Temple|Chottanikkara]], Malayalappuzha, Sarkkara, Kattil Mekkathil, Chittoor, Valayanadu are famous Bhadrakali temples in Kerala. Mandaikadu, Kollencode are famous temples in [[Tamil Nadu]]. Bhadrakali temple in [[Warangal]] is famous.

Bhadrakali is primarily worshipped in 4 forms: Darukajit (as the killer of the demon Darika), Dakshajit (as the killer of [[Daksha]]), (as the slayer of the demon Ruru) and as Mahishajit (as she who killed [[Mahishasura]]).

==Etymology==
In Sanskrit, ''Bhadra'' means ''Decent.''<ref name="spokensanskrit.de"/> A major religious interpretation of this name is that ''Bhadra'' comes from 'Bha' and 'dra', The letter 'Bha' means 'delusion' or 'Maya'and 'dra' is used as a superlative i.e. meaning 'the most/the greatest etc.' which makes the meaning of Bhadra as ''Maha Maya''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sanskritdictionary.com/|title=Sanskrit Dictionary|website=sanskritdictionary.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dsal.uchicago.edu/cgi-bin/romadict.pl?table=macdonell&page=110&display=simple |title=A Practical Sanskrit Dictionary |publisher=Dsal.uchicago.edu |date=2002-06-01 |access-date=2012-02-23 }}{{Dead link|date=July 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The Sanskrit word 'Bhadra Kaali' therefore can be translated to Hindi as 'Mahamaya Kaali'.

In other words, maya represents the illusion of the samsara we are in, and worshipping of Bhadrakali is thought of getting liberated from this maha maya. This can be seen with the head that she holds in her hand - the chopped head and the sickle represents that Bhadrakali gives liberation (i.e., liberates ourselves of our own ego, hence the chopped head).

==Origins==
There are at least five traditional versions regarding the origin-incarnations or avatar of Bhadrakali:

=== The Slaying of Darika ===
In Kerala, where the worship of Bhadrakali is prevalent even today, she is worshipped most commonly as "'''Darikajit'''," the slayer of [[Darika]], based on a story that originated in the Markandeya Purana, and is called the "Bhadrakali Mahatmyam" or "Darika-vadham".

The [[asura]] [[Darika]] was said to have a very chaste wife, Manodari, who had in her possession a special mantra that would keep her husband invincible, and thus her marriage forever safe. Darika used his newfound invincibility to torment the [[loka]]s and usurp the kingdom of the [[Deva (Hinduism)|Devas]]. When Lord [[Shiva]] came to know about the misdeeds of demon Darika, he opened his fiery third eye and the massive ferocious form of Bhadrakali emerged. Shiva ordered Bhadrakali to destroy Darika, with a [[Vetala]] as her vehicle.

However the Goddess found it impossible to kill the demon as he was ever in the protection of his wife's mantra chanting. The Goddess split her form into that of her fierce warrior self that continued to engage in combat and that of a common woman. The Goddess went to [[Manodari]], claiming to be the wife of a soldier who was fighting for Darika in his army in the losing battle. With this, Manodari broke her chanting to console the worried woman, breaking Darika's broke invincibility shield. Kali immediately disappeared from Manodari's presence while on the battlefield she had already managed to injure Darika.

As Darika lay at her feet, about to be killed, he was said to have appealed to her motherly nature as a last resort, with faux praises and prayers. But the Devas gathered there began to sing praises to the Goddess (such as the [[mantra]] "Kante Kalatmaje Kaali, Kante Kali Namostute"), thus reminding the Goddess of the atrocities Darika had committed that caused her birth in the first place. Turning a blind eye to Darika's faux innocence, Bhadrakali severed his head and held it aloft in her left hand as she danced around in the battlefield.

But her anger would not succumb and so the Devas invoked Lord Shiva to intervene and calm Kali down, as when in anger Kali had the tendency to reduce the universe into nothingness. Shiva lay in her path as a crying baby and this time (Gandakarna), Kali's true motherliness was awakened. A now calm Kali expressed her wish to stay at the spot and protect the local people till the end of time. The spot where she remained is said to be the [[Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple]]. Bhadrakali at Kodungallur still remains one of her 3 most auspicious temples in Kerala, along with [[Thirumandhamkunnu Temple]] and [[Parumala Valiya Panayannarkavu Devi Temple]]. It is also listed as one of the 13 'kaavu' temples of Kali and as one of the main 64 Bhadrakali temples in Kerala.

=== Chamundi ===
Another version of the Bhadrakali story is from the [[Devi Mahatmyam]] of the Markandeya Purana, during the battle between [[Raktabija]] and Goddess [[Kaushiki]] ([[Durga]]). Kali was born from the wrath of Goddess Kaushiki, from her forehead. She slew Chanda & Munda and earned the epithet '<nowiki/>'''Chamundi''''. She also slayed the demon [[Raktabīja|Raktabija]], which is her most famous feat. This Chamundi-Kali form is said to be the leader of the Sapta-Matrikas and is the most popular form of the Goddess in Northern India.

=== Daksha's Yajna ===
Another popular story on Bhadrakali is associated with [[Daksha]] and his [[yajna]], according to the [[Shiva Purana]], [[Vayu Purana]] and the [[Mahabharata]]. Goddess Bhadrakali was born from the matted locks of Shiva's hair. He ordered her to free [[Virabhadra|Veerabhadra]] who was imprisoned by Lord Vishnu, as the latter was protecting Daksha. She succeeds and is later heard of as assisting in Daksha's assassination, and hence earned the title '<nowiki/>'''Dakshajit''''.

=== Mahishasura Mardini ===
According to the [[Kalika Purana]], Bhadrakali is said to have appeared in [[Treta Yuga|Treta yuga]] to slay the 2nd out of the 3 Mahishasuras. It is believed that when the 3rd [[Mahishasura]] wished to know how he would die, he was given a vision of the fair-skinned Bhadrakali who rose out of the milky ocean and slew him in his previous incarnation. He asked to die again at her hands and the Goddess promised that she would incarnate as the 18 armed [[Durga|Mahishasura Mardini]] (the account detailed in the [[Devi Mahatmya]]m) and slay him. This version of Bhadrakali is worshiped as '<nowiki/>'''Mahishajit''''.

=== Slayer of Ruru ===
According to the [[Varaha Purana]], the Goddess [[Rudrani|Roudri]] (incarnation of mother Parvati) was meditating at the foot of the Neeli mountain. She came across the Devas who were fleeing, unable to bear the atrocities of the demon Ruru. Angered by the injustice she witnessed, Roudri created Bhadrakali from the embers of her rage and sent her to kill Ruru. Bhadrakali successfully did so and was awarded the epithet '<nowiki/>'''Rurujit''''.

=== The Many Forms of Devi ===
According to ''Tantra Rahasya'', the feminine form of the divine ([[Devi]]) arose from the North (''Uttaramnaya'') face (''Amnayas'') of Shiva, which is blue in color and with three eyes, as Dakshinakalika, [[Mahakali]], Guhyakah, Smashanakalika, '''Bhadrakali''', [[Ekajata]], [[Tara (Devi)|Ugratara]], Taritni, [[Katyayani]], [[Chhinnamasta]], Nilasarasvati, [[Durga]], Jayadurga, [[Navadurga]], Vashuli, [[Dhumavati]], Vishalakshi, [[Mahagauri|Gauri]], [[Bagalamukhi]], [[Pratyangira]], [[Matangi]], and Mahishamardini.<ref>[http://www.sacred-texts.com/tantra/sas/sas06.htm Shakti and Shâkta] by Arthur Avalon (Sir John Woodroffe), [1918], Chapter Six Shakti and Shakta. "4) The face in the North is blue in color and with three eyes. By this face, I revealed the Devis, Dakshinakalika, Mahakali, Guhyakah, Smashanakalika, '''Bhadrakali''', Ekajata, Ugratara, Taritni, Katyayani, Chhinnamasta, Nilasarasvati, Durga, Jayadurga, Navadurga, Vashuli, Dhumavati, Vishalakshi, Gauri, Bagalamukhi, Pratyangira, Matangi, Mahishamardini, their rites and Mantras."</ref>

==Various traditions and forms of worship==

According to the [[Kerala]] traditions, the events described in the [[Markandeya Purana]] associated with Bhadrakali (her slaying of the demon [[Darika]] to liberate the universe from the evil) took place in Kerala, near [[Madayi]] in the [[Kannur District]].<ref>Maha Kshethrangalude Munnil, D. C. Books, Kerala</ref> Bhadrakali temples in Kerala commemorate this event during traditional festivals and Bhadrakali is worshipped as the daughter of Lord [[Shiva]], from whose third eye she sprung to defeat the demon. According to the Markandeya Purana, her worship purifies the devotee and grants liberation from [[Samsara|the cycle of birth and death]].<ref>[[Markandeya Purana]]</ref> She is seen to protect the honour of women and to bestow all spiritual knowledge. In Kerala, she called [[Virabhadra]] her "brother" and refused to be treated by him when she was attacked by the deity Vasoorimala, who had marked her face with [[smallpox]]. She said that a brother must not touch the face of his sister. Thus, mild pockmarks are sometimes visible on her face in some Keralite depictions of her.<ref name=Maha>[http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m12/m12b111.htm the Horse-worship of the Prajapati Daksha] [[Mahabharata|The Mahabharata]] translated by [[Kisari Mohan Ganguli]] (1883 -1896), Book 12: Santi Parva: Mokshadharma Parva: Section CCLXXXIV. p. 317. "I am known by the name of [[Virabhadra]]’’ and I have sprung from the wrath of [[Rudra]]. This lady (who is my companion), and who is called Bhadrakali, hath sprung from the wrath of the goddess."</ref><ref>[[Purana]]</ref>

Among the people of the neighboring states, especially in Tamil Nadu, this form of [[Shakti]] is known as 'Malayala [[Bhagavati|Bhagavathy]]' or 'Malayala Bhadrakali', who provides protection to her devotees irrespective of caste and religion.

In Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and the [[Southern Travancore]] area of Kerala, especially in the city of [[Thiruvananthapuram]], the Tamil, Kannada and Telugu speaking communities worship a form of [[Mahakali]] as 'Ujjaini Mahakali', and they consider Emperor [[Vikramaditya]] as their first teacher in this spiritual tradition as having established the tradition in the South.

In other parts of India, the [[Tantra|Tantric]] name '[[Kali]]' or '[[Mahakali]]' is generally more popular as the consort of Shiva in his form of [[Rudra]] or [[Mahakala]], and Bhadrakali is identified as [[Durga]]'s daughter who helped her during the battle with [[Raktabija]]. Other sources state that she is the sister of [[Virabhadra]], who was himself born of the wrath of Shiva as Rudra, and that she is the consort of a form of Mahakala or [[Bhairava]]. The deeply Tantric-influenced traditions mostly consider 'Kali' as the consort of [[Shiva]].

[[File:Goddess Bhadrakali.jpg|right|thumb|Goddess Bhadrakali, [[gouache]] on paper (ca. 1660–70)]]

== Martial arts and Bhadrakali ==

It is believed Bhadrakali protects the practitioners of [[Kalarippayattu]], a traditional martial arts form. In [[Malabar (Northern Kerala)|Malabar]], it is believed that all the victories of [[Thacholi Othenan]] and other martial artists were due to the blessings of Bhadrakali of the [[Lokanarkavu Temple]], also known as 'The Shaolin Temple of [[Malayalees]]'. Most traditional villages in Kerala have their own [[Kalari]], the ancient martial arts schools and local temples dedicated to Bhadrakali associated with them. Among [[Tamils]], Bhadrakali is equally important as the patron deity of traditional martial arts and a guardian of all law-abiding citizens.

==Family deity of communities==

Hindu communities in [[Kerala]], Southern [[Tulu Nadu|Karnataka]] and Southern [[Tamil Nadu]] including the [[Ezhava]]s, [[Billava]]s, [[Kodava people|Kodava]]s, [[Nadars]], [[Namboodhiri]]s, Moosathu Brahmins and [[Nair]]s, worship Bhadrakali as their family deity (Paradevata). They worship certain weapons in their temples which they believe to be the weapons used by the goddess. The [[Kuladevata]] or community deity of [[Kudumbi]] community is [[Kodungallur]]amma, the mother goddess of Kodungallur. [[Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple]] is one of the most famous temples in Kerala, dedicated to Bhadrakali. During the 'Thalappoli' festival, which is celebrated mainly on [[Makar Sankranti]], Kudumbi people from all over the state (mainly Malabar, Tulunad, Kodaka) come to the temple. Many temples of [[Thiyyas]] in Northern Kerala and South Karnataka are called the Kali Sree Kurumba, Cheermba, Paradevata. According to ''[[Castes and Tribes of Southern India]]'' by [[Edgar Thurston]], Bhadrakali is the prime deity of [[Ezhava]]s of Travancore. According to the [[Nadar]] Community of Tamilnadu, there were seven children born to [[Devarishi]]s and Devakanyas. They gave their children to Bhadrakali. She took them and gave milk to the children.The progenies of these children are today believed to be the ancestors of the [[Nadar (caste)|Nadar]] community. She is considered as the mother of [[Nadars]]. The [[Nadars]] also claim that they are the descendants of Bhadrakali. A Bhadrakali temple is usually at the centre of almost every [[Nadar]] settlement. Bhadrakali is also the tutelary deity of the [[Nadar (caste)|Nadar]] community of [[Tamil Nadu]].<ref>{{cite book | title=The Nadars of Tamilnad: The Political Culture of a Community in Change| author=Robert L. Hardgrave| year=1969| page=[https://archive.org/details/nadarsoftamilnad0000hard/page/38 38]| publisher=University of California Press | isbn=81-7304-701-4|url=https://archive.org/details/nadarsoftamilnad0000hard| url-access=registration}}</ref> [[Kanyakubja Brahmin]]s with roots in Bhadras, [[Kanpur]] worship her as their Kuladevi. The place is called Bhadras because of the presence of a very old Bhadra Kali Temple.

== Kaalidasa and Vikramaditya ==
According to legends, the famous Indian [[Sanskrit]] poet [[Kalidasa]] became what he was thanks to the divine will of Bhadrakali. Another legend states that the emperor [[Vikramaditya]] and his brother Bhatti were also ardent devotees of Bhadrakali, whose blessings resulted in all the success showered upon them. Vikramaditya also helped to establish small wayside Bhadrakali temples and prayer centers for pilgrims in many parts of Southern India, especially in Tamil Nadu. The devotional traditions focused around these small temples exist even today.<ref>Ujjaini Mahakali Ammanin Varalaru, Mahatmyam</ref>

==Folk Art ritual of Kerala and Bhadrakali==
[[File:Bhadrakali in Meenakshi temple Madurai.jpg|thumb|220px|[[Murti]] of Bhadrakali in [[Madurai]] Meenakshi Temple]]
Kerala has a tradition of folk artist rituals and dances associated with worship of Devi in the form of Bhadrakali. These rituals are performed in places of worship called [[Kavu]] (roughly translated as grove) or in small temples. Besides the general welfare of the village, these rituals aim at warding off of such calamities like smallpox and other epidemic diseases. The ritual themes generally revolve around the triumph of Bhadrakali over the demon Darika and other evil characters.

The dance forms are:
#[[Theyyam]]
#[[Theeyattu#Bhadrakali Theeyattu|Theeyattu]]
#[[Padayani]]
#Poothanumthirayum
#Mudiyettu
#[[Kuthiyottam]]
#Kettukazcha
#Apindi Vilakku or alpindivilakku
#Thira
[[File:Bhadrakali Temple of Kathmandu, Nepal Rajesh Dhungana (2).jpg|thumb|244x244px|[[Bhadrakali Temple (Kathmandu)|Bhadrakali Temple]] in Kathmandu, Nepal.]]

== Famous Bhadrakali Temple ==
{{prose|section|date=April 2022}}

===Nepal===
* [[Bhadrakali Temple (Kathmandu)|Bhadrakali Temple]] is located in Kathmandu, Nepal. It is located near the [[Sahid Gate]]. The temple is at the eastern side of [[Tundikhel]]. This temple is also known as ''Shree Lumadhi Bhadrakali''. It is one of the most renowned “[[Shaktipith]]” of Nepal. A form of the Goddess ''[[Kali]]'', ''Bhadrakali'' in [[Sanskrit]] means “blessed, auspicious, beautiful and prosperous” and she is also known as “Gentle Kali”. Another name for the goddess is ''Lazzapith.''
*[[Bhadrakali Temple]], is a temple on the East of [[Pokhara]] in [[Kundahar]], atop a small hill. It is dedicated to the Goddess [[Kali]].

===Himachal Pradesh===
* Bhadrakali mata temple at village Kolar tehsil [[Paonta Sahib]], district [[Sirmaur district|Sirmour]], Himachal Pradesh. It is 22 km from paonta sahib on NH72. The idol in this temple is huge. The temple is being visited by pilgrims. Hindu labana caste worship Maa bhadarkali.
*Himachal Pradesh, Basohli, now placed in [[LACMA]] Museum (M.72.53.7)
[[File:Bhadrakali temple pokhara.JPG|thumb|[[Bhadrakali Temple]], is a pagoda style temple in [[Pokhara]], [[Nepal]]]]

===Gujarat===
* Ahmedabad, Gujarat. It is believed that she protects the city, hence the position of the temple is near the city fort.
* Bhadran in Anand district.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bhadrakalimaa.com/|title=Bhadrakali maa temple|website=www.bhadrakalimaa.com}}</ref>

=== Jharkhand ===
* Bhadrakali temple at [[Itkhori]], [[Chatra]]. It is 35 km on the East of Chatra and 16 km west of [[Chauparan]] connected with [[Grand Trunk Road]] Along with the temple situated on the bank of river [[Mahanada]] (Mahane), surrounded by hill and forest, there is a water reservoir.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hazaribag.jharkhand.org.in/|title=Hazaribagh | Hazaribag District | Hazaribagh City | Jharkhand.org.in | Vinoba Bhave University}}</ref>

===Karnataka===
*Shri Bhadrakali Temple, Mutharmudi
South Kodagu
*Sree Bhadrakali Amma Temple, Bellur- Hudikeri, South Kodagu
*Shree Prasanna Bhadrakaali Devi Temple, Gejjagadahalli, DasanaKarakulami, Shivanapura Post, Off Tumakuru Road, Bengaluru 562123
[[File:Thirumudi of Pathiyanadamma.jpg|thumb|Idol of Pathiyanadu Sree Bhadrakali]]
Shree Shasithilu Chirumbha Bhagavathi temple, Mangalore

===Kerala===
*
*
* [[Chettikulangara Devi Temple]], near Mavelikkara, Kerala.
* [[Kalarivathukkal Temple]], Kannur, Kerala; the fierce form of Bhadrakali, as the mother of the martial art [[Kalaripayattu]]. Theyyam the folk dance in Malabar starts with the permission of the Chirakkal Raja and the final theyyam in entire Kerala is in Kalarivathukkal Temple. The rituals are in Sakteya method.
* [[Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple]], Thrissur, Kerala; is one of the oldest temple in India built during the [[Sangam Period|Sangam age]]. Mahodayapuram (Kodungallur) was the capital of the [[Chera Empire]] which ruled Kerala. Shri Bhadrakali in her fierce form is worshipped along with Mahadevar([[Shiva|Siva]]) and Saptamathrukkal.
* [[Madayi Kavu|Thiruvarkadu Bhagavaty Temple]] in Payangadi, Kannur, Kerala is the first and foremost Bhadrakali Temple at a place believed to be the fortress of Darukasura. Bhadrakali beheaded Darika here. The Shakteya Sampradaya pooja is well known here. It is done by Bhattarakas (Pidararas) who are migrant priests from Kashmir and Bengal. The idol of Bhadrakali is around 6 feet tall and is portrayed in the form of slaying Daruka. Tiruvarkattu Bahagavaty Temple is famous for the removal of black magic.
*[[Thoniyakavu Bhadrakali Temple]] in the village of [[Puthenpeedika]], of Kerala state, India
* [[Malayalappuzha Devi Temple]], in [[Pathanamthitta]]
* [[Panayannarkavu]], near Mavelikkara, Kerala
* [[Paramekkavu Bagavathi Temple]] in Thrissur.
*
* [[Pathiyanadu Sree Bhadrakali Temple]] – a highly famous revered [[shrine]] in [[Kerala]], [[India]]. The shrine is in [[Mullassery]]. It is {{convert|1.5|km|abbr=off}} from [[Karakulam]].
* [[Pattupurackal Bhagavathy temple]], Vadakkenirappu, [[Njeezhoor]], [[Kottayam]], Kerala
* [[Pattupurakkavu Bhagavathi Temple]], Pandalam
* [[Sarkaradevi Temple]] Sarkara, [[Chirayinkeezh]], Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala ( Sree [[Sarkara Devi Temple]] is one of the oldest Bhadrakali temple in Kerala. Sarkara Pongala, Sarkara Kaliyoottu and Sarkara Bharani are famous festivals in this temple.These three festivals are with in two months in every year ! Lakhs of people participates in these three festivals.
* [[Thirumandhamkunnu Temple]] at Angadippuram, Kerala; A famous temple of Shri Bhadrakali, Lord Ganesha near bagawathy is for child and marriage.
* [[Thirumandhamkunnu Temple]], [[angadipuram]], malappuram dist
* [[Thrikkariyoor Kottekkavu Bhagavathi Temple]] at Kottappady near [[Kothamangalam]] one of the oldest of kali temples and famous for the Muduyet ritual held once in every 12 years "Garudan Thookkam on "Meena Bharani","Sathrutha samhara pooja" and "."Rakhshassinum sarpathinum padmamittu nivediam".
* [[Vazhappully temple]], Vazhappully Temple in [[Thrissur]], Kerala is a Hindu Temple famous for Guruthi Pooja for Goddess Kali. Guruthi Pooja at Vazhappully Temple is offered for the fierce form of Goddess Kali at Night. During Guruthi pooja the guruthi is offered to the Goddess. Guruthi is a creamed mixture of Turmeric, slaked lime and other pooja ingredients. Guruthi represents blood which is vitality.
* [[Vellayani Devi Temple]], [[Trivandrum]], Kerala. One of the most famous Bhadrakali temple, situated at Vellayani, Trivandrum, Kerala conducting longest non-pilgrimage festival in India (60 days of festival once in 3 years). Idol in this temple is very huge and made up of pure gold. Temple is very ancient and it is calculated as 800 years old. The temple is entirely different from other temples due to its traditional rituals.
* [[Manakkattu Bhadra Temple]], [[Chirakkadavu]] in [[Kottayam]], [[Kerala]] which is famous for being among the rarest Bhadrakali temples having daily Guruthi Pooja. Major pitstop for [[Sabarimala]] pilgrims.
[[File:Bhadrakali Ujjain.JPG|thumb|Ma Bhadrakali Temple [[Ujjain]]]]
Shree Kanila Bhagavathi Temple, Manjeshwara, Kasargod district

===Madhya Pradesh===
*Ma Bhadrakali Temple [[Ujjain]]
*Ma Bhadrakali Temple, Badaura Kala in [[Chhatarpur district|Chhatarpur District]]

===Maharashtra===
*Shree Sateri Bhadrakali Temple, [[Aronda]] Savantwadi Taluka, Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra.

===Odisha===
* Bhadrakali Temple in village [[Aharpada|Aharapada]], 8 km away from [[Bhadrak]], [[Bhadrak district]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://bhadrak.nic.in/bhadrakali.htm |title=Archived copy |access-date=2015-08-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304065036/http://bhadrak.nic.in/bhadrakali.htm |archive-date=2016-03-04 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Rajasthan===
* [[File:Kalika Mata Temple, Chittorgarh Fort.jpg|alt=Kalika Mata Temple, Chittorgarh Fort|thumb|Kalika Mata Temple, Chittorgarh Fort]][[Kalika Mata Temple, Chittorgarh Fort|Kalika Mata Temple]], [[Chittorgarh]]<ref>Amit Nigam: ''Ratlam ki Tripura sundari'', Democratic World, 28 December 2006</ref><ref>Amit Nigam: Ratlam ki Tripura sundari, Democratic World, 28 December 2006</ref>

[[File:Thoothukudi, Sivagnanapuram, Arulmigu Bhadrakali Amman.jpg|thumb|Thoothukudi, Sivagnanapuram, Arulmigu Bhadrakali Amman]]

* Bhadrakali Temple, [[Hanumangarh]]: Situated in [[Hanumangarh District]], [[Rajasthan]]. One of the oldest temple of Maa Bhadrakali, Constructed by [[Ganga Singh|Maharaja Ganga Singh]]

===Tamil Nadu===
[[File:Bhadrakali Amman.jpg|thumb|Bhadrakali Amman in Sivakasi]]
* [[Anthiyur]], Erode District, Bhadrakali Amman Kovil.
* [[Coimbatore]], Mettupalayam, Arulmigu Vana-Bhadrakali Amman Kovil.
* [[Kanyakumari]] :- Sri Bhadreshwari Amman Temple at Kannathankuzhi- an old and powerful temple worshipped and being managed by Nadar family of Pandaram Nadar, Maathan, Sangili, Padmanabhan, Perumal, Ponnammal-Ponnumuthu, Rajamani and Kochappi Nadars and their heirs. Annual festival held in every year in the month of Panguni and thousands of Nadar families used to worship the goddess.
* [[Madurai]], Madapuram, sri bhadrakaliamman kovil.
* [[Nagapattinam]], Sri Maha Ruthrakaliyammbal Temple - Chithra Pournami Thiruvizha
* [[Rajapalayam]], pachamadam, Arulmigu pachamadam Bhadrakali Amman Kovil .
* [[sivagangai]], kolangudi, sri vettudayar kaliamman kovil.
* [[Sivakasi]], Arulmigu Bhadrakali Amman Kovil.
* [[Thoothukudi]], Poobalarayerpuram, Arulmigu Bhadrakali Amman Kovil – Amman kodai – Chithirai Last Tuesday, Dasara Car Festival.
* [[Thoothukudi]], Sivagnanapuram, Arulmigu Bhadrakali Amman Kovil – Amman kodai – Avani First Tuesday, Samy kodai – Panguni First Friday.
* [[Thoothukudi]], sindhalakarai, sri vekkaliamman kovil.
* [[Tenkasi]], surandai, Arulmigu Bhadrakali Amman Kovil.
* [[Trichy]], oorayur, sri vekkaliamman kovil.
* [[Vadamattam ]]- 612201, Near Kumbakonam, Arulmigu Sree Vadapathirakali, facing north with Hongara roopam, Perumal molavar.
*[[Chengalpattu, Hanumanthapuram]], Pidari Badhra Kaliamman Koil
*[[Madurai, Veeralampatti, Badrakalli]] Amman temple.
*[[Palamedu, Madurai]], Pathirakalli Amman temple
*[[Ramanathapuram, Thamaraikulam]], sri bhadrakali amman temple - Folk festival - puratasi month navratri days
*[[Sree Bharakali Temple]] at Kollamkode near Kerala Border, Sree Bhadreshwari Temple at Mandaikkadu.
*[[Theni Pathirakalipuram]], Pathirakalipuram Arulmigu Bhadrakali Amman Kovil – Amman kodai – Chithirai 3rd Tuesday.

===Telangana===
* [[Bhadrakali Temple, Warangal|Bhadrakali Temple]] in [[Warangal]], Telangana. Bhadrakali (Maha Kali Mata) was the principal deity of the Hindu [[Kakatiya dynasty|Kakatiya kingdom]] of Warangal (Orugallu or Ekasila nagaram) that ruled most of Andhra Pradesh during that period. Rituals and animal (and human, by some accounts) sacrifices on a large scale were performed to invoke the blessings of Goddess Bhadrakali before the Kakatiya warriors went off for battle. As per the writings on the temple wall this temple is believed to be constructed by the King [[Pulakeshin II]] of Chalukya dynasty around 625 CE.
*

=== Uttar Pradesh ===
* Bhadrakali temple is in Bhadras, Ghatampur, Kanpur.

===Uttarakhand===
* Bhadrakali Temple, Banspatan-Kanda road, [[Kanda, Uttarakhand]], District [[Bageshwar]], [[Uttarakhand]].An ancient temple situated near a scenic waterfall. Pant Brahmins from Khantoli are the traditional priests.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.google.co.in/maps/place/Bhadrakali+Temple/@29.8092528,79.967103,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x16b9f20982b3b81!8m2!3d29.8092528!4d79.967103?shorturl=1|title=Bhadrakali Temple|website=Bhadrakali Temple}}</ref>

===West Bengal===
* [[Kalighat Kali Temple]], Kalighat Kali Temple is a Hindu temple in West Bengal, India dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali. It is one of the 51 [[Shakti Peetha]]s. The temple is visited by pilgrims from all over India irrespective of sectarian differences. Kalighat is also associated with the worship offered to Kali by a Dasanami Monk by name Chowranga Giri, and the Chowringee area of Calcutta is said to have been named after him.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Bhadrakali}}
*[[Dictionary of Hindu Lore and Legend]] ({{ISBN|0-500-51088-1}}) by Anna Dallapiccola
* Maha Kshethrangalude Munnil, D. C. Books, Kerala
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20140714110253/http://keralapilgrimcenters.com/kodimatha-pallipurathu-kavu-bhagavathy-temple-kerala/#sthash.aDinhaHK.dpuf Kodimatha Pallipurathu Kavu Bhagavathy Temple Kerala | Kerala Pilgrim Centers]
{{Shaktism}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Tamil deities]]
[[Category:Hindu goddesses]]

Bhadrakali - Revision history

UpdateBot at 07:48, 25 June 2022