Sarkaradevi Temple

History

Kerala Tourism lists Sarkaradevi among principal Devi temples of southern Kerala near the coast south of Thiruvananthapuram city.

Kaliyoottu and other regional festivals appear on state tourism festival calendars for the shrine.

Stories

King Marthanda Varma's Vow

Tradition says Marthanda Varma of Travancore, resting near the temple on his way to fight Kayamkulam, heard of the goddess's power from locals. He is said to have promised a Kaliyoottu offering if he won, and kept the vow after victory.

Historical accounts credit him with introducing the festival here in 1748.

Kaliyoottu, the Feast for the Goddess

Kaliyoottu is the temple's chief festival, held in the Malayalam month of Kumbham, around February to March. It is described as an offering of first harvest to the goddess. The temple is noted as the only one in south Kerala where it is conducted on this elaborate scale.

A Festival Run by the Attingal Ranis

When Marthanda Varma started the festival, he gave its management to the Attingal Ranis, though money came from the Travancore treasury. Descendants of the Ponnara family, who came as bodyguards of adopted princesses, are said to still supervise it. The main deity is Bhadrakali.

Good to know

Coastal Devi shrine — Kerala Tourism listed

Near Chirayinkeezhu and Attingal belt

Kaliyoottu festival tradition

Getting there

Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport (TRV). Chirayinkeezhu and Kadakkavoor are nearby rail/bus points.