Vellayani Devi Temple is a highly revered shrine located at
Vellayani, in
Thiruvananthapuram District of
Kerala. This 700-year old shrine, situated near the picturesque Vellayani Lake, is one of the renowned historic temples in
Kerala. The temple enshrines
Goddess Kali as the presiding deity.
Other deities worshipped here include Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesh and Nagaraja. The temple also has a separate shrine dedicated to Madan Thampuran.
Vellayani Devi Temple is renowned for celebrating the longest (50 days) non pilgrimage festival of South India. This festival held once in 3 years is known as the ‘Kaliyoottu Mahotsavam’ – which literally means ‘the festival of feeding the Devi’. During the festive occasion thousands of people from all over the district visit the temple to pay respect to the deity.
Vellayani Vishnu Temple, an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, situated nearby is worth visiting.
Vellayani Devi Temple can be reached easily from Thiruvananthapuram Central Bus Station (9 km). Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station is the nearest railhead.
