Vellayani Devi Temple – Kerala

Address

Vellayani Devi Temple – Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala- 695020.

Deity

Amman: Bhadrakali.

Introduction

• Location:
  • Vellayani Devi Temple is situated in Kerala, India, 1.5 km west of Vellayani junction and 12 km southeast of Thiruvananthapuram on the eastern bank of Vellayani Lake.
• Deity:
  • The temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali.
• Management:
  • Managed by the Travancore Devaswom Board.
• Architecture:
  • Features a bronze roof adorned with traditional artwork and exemplifies Dravidian architecture.
  • Contains eastern and northern towers (Gopurams) serving as gateways, decorated with statues of various gods.

Puranic Significance

• Historical Context:
  • The temple dates back to the 14th century AD.
• Deities:
  • Main deity: Goddess Bhadrakali.
  • Sub-deities include Lord Ganapathy, Lord Shiva, and Nagaraja.
  • A separate shrine is dedicated to Madan Thampuran.
• Cultural Connections:
  • The temple has historical ties to the Nair and Kollen communities.
  • Nairs have the right to perform Uchabali (ritual offerings).
• Mythological Legends:
  • One legend tells of Kelan Kulashekhara, a blacksmith who captured a mystical frog, leading to the construction of the Thiru Mudi (idol).
  • Another legend involves Demon Darika, who received a boon from Lord Brahma, leading to his defeat by Goddess Kali, who was created by Lord Shiva to end Darika’s tyranny.

Special Features

• Architectural Significance:
  • Renowned for its Dravidian architecture, featuring bronze roofs and traditional artwork.
  • The Gopurams are adorned with intricate statues and carvings, enhancing the temple’s aesthetic appeal.

Festivals

• Major Festival:
  • Kaliyoottu Mahotsavam:
    • A significant festival lasting 50 days, celebrated once every three years.
    • Means “the festival to sumptuously feed the Goddess” and attracts thousands of devotees from across the country.
• Other Important Festivals:
  • Kalamkaval: Involves the priest carrying the main idol on his head while dancing until unconscious, believed to be empowered by the Goddess.
  • Other festivals celebrated include Karadikottu, Uchabali, Paranettu, Nilathilporu, Aaraattu, and Pongala.

Century/Period/Age

14th century AD

Managed By

Travancore Devaswom Board.

Nearest Bus Station

Vellayani

Nearest Railway Station

Thiruvananthapuram

Nearest Airport

Thiruvananthapuram

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