Sarkaradevi Temple

Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Thiruvanathapuram

Situated south of the Chirayinkeezhu Taluk, Thiruvananthapuram, Sarkara Devi Temple is a famous temple dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy. The temple rose to a significant status with the introduction of the famous Kaliyoot festival by Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma, the Travancore sovereign, in 1748

Legend

According to the legends, once, a group of molasses merchants from Ambalappuzha visited this place for their business.They decided to relax for sometime in a wayside shelter and put their belongings and molasses pots there. After taking rest, they decided to continue their journey, however, they found that one of their molasses pot is not moving. When they tried to pull it by force the pot broke apart and the molasses flowed and an idol appeared there. Later an old lady who came there to clean the shelter found the idol and informed others. The villagers constructed a temple and consecrated the idol there. Since the goddess came from Sarkara (Malayalam word for Molasses) she was called by the name Sarkara Devi.

Architecture

The sanctum sanctorum is a two storied rectangular structure. The roof is polished with bronze. The second storey is decorated with innumerable sculptures which include that of Lord Krishna, Lord Rama, Durga, Lord Ganapathy, Lord Vishnu, Narasimhamoorthi and several other deities.

Darsan Info

The temple opens at 5:00 AM to 11:00 AM and from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Darsan Dresscode

Devotees are advised to dress conservatively.

Famous Festival

Meena Bharani

Culture

Literally known as Abode of Lord Anantha, Thiruvananthapuram has been the centre of cultural activities of Kerala from the time it was made capital of Travancore in 1745. The city is famous for the Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple.