Devi (Bhadrakali) temple · Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
Vellayani Devi Temple at Vellayani, near Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, is a highly revered Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Bhadrakali, according to Kerala Tourism.
Faith & Tradition
The temple is renowned for its Kaaliyoottu festival, which Kerala Tourism describes as the longest non-pilgrimage festival of South India; it dramatises the genesis of Bhadrakali. The 56-day festival concludes with the 'Nilathilporu', in which the demon Darika begs the goddess for mercy before she slays him, The Hindu reported.
The temple also holds an annual Pongala festival with the Vedi Vazhipadu (fireworks offering) ritual (The Hindu; Times of India).
Heritage
In March 2012 an explosion in a fireworks shed just before the Pongala injured five people, one of whom later died, The Hindu and the Times of India reported.
Plan Your Visit
Festival dates vary; confirm with the temple before visiting.
Timings and arrangements change with seasons and festivals. Confirm current details with the temple administration before travelling. Last reviewed 5 October 2026.
Sacred Calendar
A 56-day festival ending with the Nilathilporu, the slaying of Darika (The Hindu; Kerala Tourism).
Annual festival with the Vedi Vazhipadu offering (Times of India).
Location
The temple is at Vellayani, near Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
Location: Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
Questions
At Vellayani, near Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
The goddess Bhadrakali.
A 56-day festival dramatising the genesis of Bhadrakali and her victory over Darika.
The closing ritual of Kaaliyoottu, in which the goddess slays the demon Darika.
Yes, an annual Pongala festival with a fireworks offering.
Further reading: Vellayani Devi Temple on Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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Pilgrim Circuit
