Vellayani Devi Temple,Darshan Information

Vellayani Devi Temple

28 Jan

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Located on the eastern bank of Vellayani Lake, Thiruvananthapuram, Vellayani Devi Temple is one of the famous temple dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali. The Vellayani Devi Temple has one of the largest idol of Goddess Bhadrakali among the idols of Kerala Kali temples. The temple is under the management of Travancore Devaswom Board.

Location Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Thiruvananthapuram

Legend

According to the legends, once Kelan Kulasekhara, a Kollan (blacksmith) saw a frog with divine spirit of Goddess near the Vellayani Lake. He caught the divine frog and brought the matter to the Nair chieftains of the locality. The Thiru Mudi (idol) was consecrated by Kulasekhara with the help of the Nair chieftains. The right to perform Uchabali (a ritual connected with festival of the temple) is still held by the Nair families. The priest of the temple is a selected person belonging to the Kollan (blacksmith) community.

Architecture

The Vellayani Devi Temple structure has a bronze roof with traditional art work and carries Dravidian architecture. The temple has eastern and northern towers called Gopurams with statues of different Gods sculptured in them. The Gopurams function as gateways through the walls that surround the temple complex.

Culture

The city of Thiruvananthapuram has been the centre of cultural activities of Kerala (India) from the time it was made capital of Travancore in 1745. The capital city is a major intellectual and artistic centre.

Darsan Info

On First day of all Malayalam months, Vellayani Devi Temple will open at morning 5.30 AM and close at 8.00 AM.Remaining days temple open at evening 5.30 PM and close at 8.00 PM

Darsan Dresscode

Traditional Kerala dress is advised while visiting Vellayani Devi Temple

Famous Festival

A 700 year old temple, dedicated to Goddess Kali, is renowned for celebrating the longest (50 days) non-pilgrimage festival of South India. This festival at Vellayani Devi Temple held once in three years is known as the 'Kaliyoottu Mahotsavam'- which literally means 'the festival of feeding the Devi'.

Temple Rituals

At Vellayani Devi Temple Karadikottu is the maiden custom related with the festival and is performed with a special drum. The performer is locally known as Panan. Kalamkaval is another famous custom. It is believed that the Goddess Bhadrakali searches her enemy demon, Daaruka in all directions before killing him. Devotees commemorate this legend by observing this unique Kalamkaval, where the chief priest carries the idol on his head and performs some trance like dance until he is unconscious. During kalamkaval, chief priest wears anklet and thiruvabharam (traditional gold ornaments of goddess that includes kappu, vanki, odyanam, paalakka mala, pichi mottu mala, muthu mala etc.). Uchabali is another custom performed during the festival. About sixty-four gestures like in Kathakali are used for the performance. Mathsyam, sampannam, chathurasramam, sarppamudra, and jyothimudra are some of the main gestures used. Virgin girls are usually prohibited from watching Uchabali. Paranettu, Nilathilporu, and Aaraattu are other rituals associated to the temple.

Special Rituals

Pongala Festival at Vellayani Devi Temple is celebrated during the Malayalam month of Meenam on the Aswathy Nakshatram (Aswini Nakshatra). Pongala is the rice cooked with jaggery, ghee, coconut as well as other ingredients in the open in small pots by women to appease the Goddess.