Devi Temple

Overview

The Valia Panayannarkavu Bhadrakali Devi Temple is situated in Parumala, Pathanamthitta District is well famed as 'Panayannarkavu Devi Temple'. This temple is considered as one of the three most important and sacred Bhadrakali Temples of Kerala, the other two being'Kodungalloor Sri Bhadrakali Temple and Thirumandhamkunnu BhagavathyTemple.'

About The Temple

At the Panayannarkavu Devi Temple, Lord Shiva which was consecrated in the 'Thretha Yuga'(more than 5000 years ago) is facing west and the 'Sreekovil'(Sacred Sanctum) of the 'Devi' is facing eastwards. The Bhagawati (Goddess-Devi) is more famous than Lord Shiva in this temple and hence the temple is known as a Devi Temple.The Devi of this temple is fondly called as 'Panayannar Kavil Amma'. The 'Sapta Matas'(Seven Forms of Goddess Durga Devi) is consecrated in this Temple. There is also Ferocious form of 'Kali Devi' known as 'Karimkali' which is believed to be propitiated by animal sacrifices like goats and hen is worshiped here.Animal sacrifices are abandoned and not done in any temples for the past so many years. Other 'Kali' forms like 'Kodum Kali' and 'Bhoota Kali' are also worshiped here.

Battle between Rama and Ravana are shown in a splendid manner and the fall of the King Ravana is also shown in a dramatic style majestically.Mandodari's grief on the death of Ravana,Return of Rama and Sita,Coronation of Rama at Ayodhya etc are shown as here. In a painting Lord Mahavishnu is depicted with Mahalakshmi and Bhoomi Devi. Durga Devi as 'Mahishasura Mardini', Pranks of Young Krishna as 'Krishna Leela', Ganesha Pooja, Parvati Devi in Bridal Costumes, Shiva as 'Nataraja', Dakshina Murthy etc.

About The Deity

The Major deities of this temple are Lord Shiva,Sree Bhadrakali Devi,Devi Durga,Maha Ganapathi,Sapta Matas,Yakshi Amma etc.

Legends and Stories

This temple has also earned popularity about the story of the 'Yakshi Amma' worshiped here.It is believed that this 'Yakshi Amma' who was a 'Vampire' causing problems in that area was caught by a famous Magician and Christian Priest 'Kadamattathu Kathanar' and consecrated here with the wrath that she would grace the devotees.There are several incredible stories about 'Kadamattathu Kathanar'. In the ancient texts like ‘Aithihyamala’ and ‘Unnuneli Sandesam' there it is mentioned about the 'Elephant Sacrifices' held in this temple in ancient times to appease the Goddess.

Festivals

Shivarathri,Vishu Mahotsavam,Mandala Pooja,Thulam Ayilyam etc are celebrated in a grand manner in this temple.

Accessibility

The Cochin International Airport, located at a distance of 75 kiolmetres is the nearest airport to Allepey. The Alleppey Railway Station lies within the city limits and is well connected by rail to Cochin and Trivandrum. The Kerala State Run Transport Corporation buses connect Alleppey to most major cities in Kerala. Luxury air-conditioned buses also operate from cities such as Bangalore, Chennai, Mysore and Coimbatore to Alleppey.

Temple Address